TAMPA, Fla. – The New Orleans Saints are again facing disciplinary action for violations of NFL policy on COVID-19 that may have contributed to one of their star players becoming infected, and the penalty is probably the largest yet for their third insult , sources say.
Walking back Alvin Kamara tested positive for COVID-19 and missed the team’s Week 17 match after interacting at the facility with a person not employed by the club who turned out to be positive – a violation captured on surveillance video obtained by the NFL, per sources.
Several other Saints running backs also missed the Week 17 game as they were considered high-risk close contacts, and Kamara was only able to return for the wildcard round due to a favorable planning decision.
The Saints were previously fined $ 250,000 and coach Sean Payton $ 100,000 for improperly wearing face coverings in week 2. The NFL also fined the team $ 500,000 and took away a seventh-round pick for a maskless party after the victory in week 9.
While discipline in this case has not yet been completed – and can be reduced if the Saints internally hand out fines to offenders – it can eventually lead to multiple and / or higher draws and an even greater fine.
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