Saints, Patriots fined for violating NFL's COVID-19 protocols, per reports

The New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots both were hit with hefty penalties for violating the NFL's COVID-19 protocols, according to multiple reports.

The Saints were fined $500,000 and stripped of a seventh-round draft pick after coach Sean Payton and multiple players were seen not wearing masks in a video of the team celebrating its 38-3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 8. 

New Orleans becomes just the second team to be docked a draft pick for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols. In October, the Las Vegas Raiders were also fined $500,000 and stripped of a sixth-round pick for a series of infractions. 

Payton was one of five coaches to be fined $100,000 in Week 2 for not wearing a mask on the sidelines despite the league's warning, and the Saints were fined $250,000.

The Patriots were fined $350,000 for violations related to quarterback Cam Newton testing positive in October, after which the NFL postponed New England's game against the Kansas City Chiefs an additional day. 

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