Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley has reportedly received fines totaling almost $100,000 for repeatedly violating the NFL’s COVID-19 policies, per ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.
One of the cases was when the Bills’ player was fined in August when league officials visited the franchise to review its COVID-19 policies.
Mortensen reported that some of Beasley’s $14,600 fines were doubled by the NFL, which led Beasley to pay roughly $100,000.
On December 21, Beasley was placed on the COVID-19 list.
Since Beasley is unvaccinated, he must miss 10 days if he receives a positive test for COVID-19.
If Beasley received a vaccination, he could get back on the field after one negative COVID-19 test as long as he was asymptomatic.
The Bills have not disclosed whether Beasley tested positive for COVID-19, but the Bills wide receiver was not on the field against the New England Patriots in Week 16, when the Bills defeated the Patriots 33-21.
According to NFL policy, Beasley still got paid in Week 16. This policy was established by both the league and the NFL Players Association.
Beasley, who makes $4.7 million in 2021, was paid $261,111 for the game on December 26.
The NFL COVID policy could be modified next season.
According to Mortensen, several league executives allegedly believe unvaccinated players should not receive compensation if they miss games due to COVID-19.
Beasley generated controversy the past summer when he criticized the NFL’s COVID-19 regulations.
Beasley has described himself as pro-choice regarding receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
December 21 was the second time Beasley ended up on the reserve/COVID-19 list. The Bills wide receiver was placed on the list back in August when he was considered close contact with someone who tested positive.
December 26 was the first game Beasley missed due to being on the reserve/COVID-19 list.