Baltimore Ravens’ punishment for violating COVID-19 protocol comes down

The NFL fined the Baltimore Ravens$250,000 in connection with breaches of protocol the team attributed to a coronavirus outbreak that occurred late last month, according to various reports.

Around 30 Ravens players and staffers were known to have tested positive for COVID-19 during a two-week stretch that led the NFL to reschedule several games. Team president Dick Cass said in a statement Dec. 5 that an investigation found “not everyone at the Ravens followed the protocol thoroughly.”

Baltimore last month suspended strength and conditioning coach Steve Saunders for failing to report coronavirus symptoms and for not following mask- and contract tracing device-wearing guidelines. The NFL did not strip the Ravens of draft picks, which keeps the punishment consistent with that of other one-time offenders of coronavirus protocol violations.

After activating safety Geno Stone off the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, Baltimore no longer has any players on the list and in isolation. At one point during the outbreak, 23 Ravens were quarantining because of a positive coronavirus test or high-risk contact with an infected person.

Several players said they struggled through intense bouts with the coronavirus, but each one who tested positive has been medically cleared to practice and play.

The Ravens (9-5) host the Giants (5-9) on Sunday with hopes of strengthening a playoff push.

Aaron Kasinitz covers the Baltimore Ravens for PennLive and can be reached at akasinitz@pennlive.com or on Twitter @AaronKazreports. Follow PennLive’s Ravens coverage on Facebook and YouTube.

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