NFL coaches can be suspended or lose draft picks for not wearing masks
CGTN
John Harbaugh (L), head coach of the Baltimore Tavens and Andy Reid, head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, talk to each other before the game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, September 28, 2020. /VCG

John Harbaugh (L), head coach of the Baltimore Tavens and Andy Reid, head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, talk to each other before the game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, September 28, 2020. /VCG

The National Football League (NFL) coaches should think twice when they decide not to wear masks on the sidelines- a mandatory COVID-19 requirement during games.

The league threatened suspensions and forfeiture of a draft pick as punishment for failing to comply with COVID-19 game-day protocols, according to a league memo obtained by ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday.

This was the second warning sent by the NFL this month to the coaches about mask-wearing. So far, four coaches have been fined for not wearing masks on the sideline during games: Jon Gruden of the Las Vegas Raiders, Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints, Vic Fangio of the Denver Broncos and Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams.

"Both our own and independent medical advisors have emphasized the need to remain vigilant and disciplined in following the processes and protocols put in place by agreement with the NFLPA as well as by state and local governments," wrote Troy Vincent, the NFL executive vice president in the memo.

Mike Vrabel (C), head coach of the Tennessee Titans and his players stand on the sideline in the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 27, 2020. /VCG

Mike Vrabel (C), head coach of the Tennessee Titans and his players stand on the sideline in the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, September 27, 2020. /VCG

"We are only through Week 3 of the season. If we are to play a full and uninterrupted season, we all must remain committed to our efforts to mitigate the risk of transmission of the virus. Inconsistent adherence to health and safety protocols ... will put the 2020 season at risk."

On Tuesday, three players and five personnel of the Tennessee Titans tested positive for the coronavirus. Soon another player joined them. The Titans played the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday. Fortunately, none of the Vikings tested positive for the virus, but both teams shut down their facilities. The game between the Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday will be postponed.

The new crisis gave the league good reasons to stress the need to comply with COVID-19 game-day protocols.