The NFL hit the Las Vegas Raiders and coach Jon Gruden with a total of $650,000 in fines this week for repeatedly violating COVID-19 protocols this season. The team was fined $500,000 and Gruden $150,000 for “repeat offenses.”
The franchise was also stripped of its 2021 sixth-round draft pick for their handling of offensive tackle Trent Brown’s positive COVID diagnosis last month, NFL.com said.
On Friday, head coach Jon Gruden reacted to the NFL’s punishment.
Gruden has had issues with wearing his mask consistently during games. Gruden later told reporters that he had the virus and is “very sensitive” about the matter.
“I’ve had the virus,” Gruden said. “I’m doing my best. I’m very sensitive about it. … I’m calling plays. I just want to communicate in these situations, and if I get fined, I’ll have to pay the fine. But I’m very sensitive about that and I apologize.”
