The NFL have stepped up their efforts to ensure coaches on the sidelines are always masked up by sending out a memo saying teams can be penalized during games if someone approaches officials while not wearing an appropriate face covering.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, senior vice president of officiating administration Perry Fewell sent the memo to teams on Friday informing clubs that officials have been authorized to penalize teams for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“Any individual who approaches an official without a face covering is subject to a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, as well as possible fines, suspensions and forfeiture of draft picks,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported.
“We have seen multiple occasions where head coaches have removed their masks to communicate with game officials during games. Doing so creates unnecessary, increased risk for the game official, the head coach, and others, and is inconsistent with the requirement that face coverings be worn at all times,” the memo reads.
“Please be vigilant in your efforts to comply with the face covering and physical distancing requirements as you interact with game officials. Consistent with all other individuals on the sideline, game officials are entitled to your respect as they perform their job duties during the pandemic.”
Jon Gruden, Vic Fangio and at least three other coaches have already been fiend for violating safety protocols.
