Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
As Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown continues to recover from an ankle injury, targeting a Week 13 return, the star wide receiver remains under investigation for allegations of using a fake COVID-19 vaccination card.
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported on Nov. 18 that Steven Ruiz, a former personal chef for Brown, came forward with allegations that Brown used a fake vaccination card during the NFL’s verification checks. Brown allegedly sought a fake card from Ruiz and when it couldn’t be obtained, the former All-Pro receiver found another way to acquire it.
Brown immediately denied the accusations and the NFL released a statement that it was launching an investigation into the matter. But the Buccaneers stood by their star talent, believing he submitted a legitimate card and received the COVID-19 vaccine.
Two weeks later, per Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, the NFL’s investigation into Brown is still ongoing. League spokesman Brian McCarthy told PFT Saturday that the matter is still under review and no timetable was given for the completion of the league’s inquiry.
Ruiz later claimed that Brown received the fake vaccination card from one of his Buccaneers’ teammates. Also notable, Tom Brady’s personal trainer Alex Guerrero stopped by Brown’s residence to document the card this summer, helping the Buccaneers’ organization.
There is no precedent in the NFL for a player using a fake vaccination card to avoid the league’s strict COVID-19 protocols. While Aaron Rodgers received a $14,650 fine for not wearing a mask during press conferences, the NFL knew he wasn’t vaccinated.
Given Antonio Brown’s history with the NFL’s disciplinary review, including an eight-game suspension in 2020, the consequences for him could be significant if the NFL finds any merit to the allegations.