NFL says it’s looking into allegation Bucs receiver Antonio Brown used fake COVID vaccination card

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Antonio brown

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Antonio Brown

The NFL is investigating accusations that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination card.

“We are aware of the report and have been in contact with the club. We will look into the matter,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said on Friday in a statement to PEOPLE.

The investigation comes after Brown’s former home chef told the Tampa Bay Times the player allegedly bought a fake vaccination card because he was concerned about the potential negative side effects of the vaccine on his body.

However, Brown’s lawyer Sean Burtsyn maintained that the wide receiver was fully vaccinated.

In a statement to the Tampa Bay Times, Burstyn wrote: “Antonio Brown appreciates the severity of the pandemic, which is why he received the vaccine and supports everyone who is advised to be vaccinated. The coronavirus has struck nearly from home because he pulled him out of a game. He is healthy, vaccinated and ready to win another Super Bowl. One of the worst aspects of the pandemic has been a move to cast doubt on our nation’s immunization programs with baseless and vindictive tabloid gossip. “

Burstyn also confirmed Brown’s vaccination status to the NFL Network. Burstyn did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

The NFL does not currently require players to be fully vaccinated against COVID, but specific team and site mandates vary due to local city and state laws.

Antonio brown

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Antonio Brown

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In a statement to PEOPLE, a Buccaneers spokesperson said the team had received vaccination cards from all players and found no “irregularities”.

“After an extensive educational process carried out across our organization during the last offseason highlighting the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines, we received completed immunization cards from all Tampa Bay Buccaneers players and submitted the required information. to the NFL through the process established in accordance with the political league, “the statement said. “All vaccination cards have been reviewed by Buccaneers staff and no irregularities were observed.”

The story continues

In April, Brown signed a one-year contract extension with the Buccaneers worth up to $ 6.25 million.

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Brown, a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, signed with Tampa Bay mid-season in October 2020. He was previously released by the New England Patriots in 2019 amid two separate allegations of sexual misconduct, that his lawyer refused.

Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians told reporters Brown deserved a “second chance” when he was originally signed last year. Arians also took issue with speculation that Brady, who previously played with Brown for the Patriots, had something to do with his recruiting.

“I think he’s matured and I believe in second chances,” Arians told reporters, according to USA Today. “Everyone wants to say that Tom [Brady] chose it. Tom had nothing to do with it. It was something [Bucs general manager Jason Licht] and I had been talking about it for a few weeks, since the injuries of our other guys. When the time comes, would we see if we could pull the trigger and tailor it to what we want to do? And we will see. If Antonio does what I think he’s going to do, I think he’s going to be fine. “

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