On November 18th, reports surfaced of Antonio Brown allegedly obtaining a fake vaccine card earlier this year. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver avoided any controversy up until the report surfaced.
According to Brown’s former personal chef Steven Ruiz, Brown’s girlfriend asked him to provide the fake cards in exchange for $500.
Ruiz even provided a screenshot of his texts with Brown’s girlfriend Cydney Moreau that show her asking for the cards in question.
It has been nearly nine days since Ruiz came out with these allegations, but the NFL is yet to respond or dish out any punishment to those involved.
As a result, Brown’s current vaccination status is also up in the air due to the reports. His lawyer, Sean Burstyn, insists that he is vaccinated despite the claims from Ruiz.
“Antonio Brown appreciates the severity of the pandemic, which is why he got the vaccine and supports everyone for whom it is advisable to get the vaccine. Coronavirus has hit close to home as it took him out of a game. He is healthy, vaccinated, and ready to win another Super Bowl.”
Sean Burstyn
It seems that this statement won’t change anytime soon.
Coincidentally, Brown was one of the few NFL players this season to contract COVID-19. As a result, he missed the week three matchup against the Rams.
The Bucs also released a statement in response to the controversy.
“After an extensive educational process conducted throughout our organization this past offseason highlighting the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines, we received completed vaccination cards from all Tampa Bay Buccaneers players and submitted the required information to the NFL through the established process in accordance with league policy. All vaccination cards were reviewed by Buccaneers personnel and no irregularities were observed.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to the NFL’s Brian McCarthy, the matter is still under review.
In other incidents of COVID rule breaches, the league is not shy with its punishments. Recently, Packers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a fine from the NFL for breaching protocol. Brown may potentially suffer a similar punishment if the league finds him in violation of any rules.
The controversy isn’t new for Brown, who’s dealt with much over his career. Just this past offseason, he made headlines after brawling with a Titans player during a joint practice.