Do consequences differ for Antonio Brown and Aaron Rodgers?

After sharing a fake vaccination card, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown received a three-game suspension for violating the National Football League’s COVID-19 protocols. In addition to Brown, two other players, safety Mike Edwards and free-agent wide receiver John Franklin III, were suspended for invalid vaccination cards. 

Some on social media are wondering why Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wasn’t suspended for doing the same thing.

Last month, Rodgers shared he was not vaccinated on The Pat McAfee Show, misrepresenting his status to the public. He had to pay a fine for the violation but was still allowed to play during the season.

Brown misrepresented his status to the Buccaneers and, in turn, the NFL. In contrast, the Packers and the NFL at all times knew that Rodgers was not vaccinated. However, Rodgers lied about his status to everyone else, repeatedly showing up for indoor press conferences without wearing a mask, despite the protocols applicable to unvaccinated players.

Although both Brown and Rodgers misrepresented their status, the NFL felt Brown’s breach of protocol was more devastating. Now Brown’s future with the Buccaneers is uncertain. 

“I will not address those guys for the next three weeks. They’ll just be working out, and we’ll address their future at that time,” Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians said.

When he is available, Brown is one of Tampa Bay’s primary receivers and regularly contributes to the team’s offensive success, having caught 29 passes for 418 yards and four touchdowns in five games this season.

However, there is a chance this may be the wide receiver’s last strike with the team.

“He’s been a model citizen; if and when he’s not, we’ll move on,” Arians said in a 2020 interview discussing Brown and COVID-19 protocols.

To avoid more player suspensions, the NFL has been in contact with teams to ensure players are following COVID-19 protocols.