Antonio Brown and two other NFL players have been suspended immediately for three games by the league for violating Covid-19 protocols.
The Tampa Bay wide receiver and teammate Mike Edwards were suspended on Thursday. Free agent John Franklin III, if signed by a team, is also ineligible to play in the next three games. All three players have accepted the discipline and waived their right of appeal. The suspensions are effective immediately.
The NFL Players Association, which developed the protocols along with the league, represented the three players during a review of the recent allegations that players misrepresented their vaccination status. Brown, Edwards, a cornerback, and Franklin, a defensive back who last played for the Bucs in 2019, were found in violation of the protocols.
The Tampa Bay Times reported last month that Brown’s former personal chef alleged the receiver had obtained a fake vaccination card. Brown’s attorney, Sean Burstyn, said that his client is vaccinated.
“The NFL made its determination and, instead of going through the drawn out and distracting process of challenging the outcome, Mr Brown wrapped this up promptly and he will make this most of this time by treating his ankle injury,” Burstyn said. “Mr Brown will be motivated, well rested, and in the best shape of his life when he returns in week 16.”