Report: AB had fake vax card
Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown is being accused of obtaining a fake COVID-19 vaccination card, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
According to Steven Ruiz — a former personal chef for the receiver — Brown had his girlfriend, model Cydney Moreau, reach out to Ruiz over the summer to obtain a fake vaccination card that said Brown had received the Johnson & Johnson shot. According to text messages provided by Ruiz, Moreau offered $500 for a fake card.
Ruiz, who also claimed Brown owes him an uncollected debt of $10,000, told the newspaper he was unable to find a vaccination card for Brown. But he added that Brown later showed him ones he had for himself and Moreau that he said he had purchased.
Brown reportedly was unwilling to get the vaccine because of possible side effects. It is unclear if Brown later received a vaccination shot.
The Buccaneers released a statement saying they had “received completed vaccination cards from all Buccaneers players.”
Pats stifle Falcons, win 5th in row
Mac Jones threw a 19-yard scoring pass to Nelson Agholor for the game’s only offensive touchdown and Kyle Van Noy and the Patriots’ defense took care of the rest, blanking the Falcons 25-0 for their fifth consecutive victory.
Matt Ryan was sacked four times and was intercepted twice, enduing another miserable performance.
Nick Folk booted field goals of 32, 44, 53 and 33 yards.
Van Noy had two sacks and capped a brilliant defensive performance with a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown off Falcons backup quarterback Josh Rosen.
NFL educates teams on taunting
The NFL sent a training video focusing on taunting and created for teaching purposes.
In a memo sent to the 32 teams, the video reviews actions that are appropriate celebrations and are encouraged. It also spotlights video examples of disrespectful acts toward the opposition and/or the bench area of the opponent.
Taunting has been a point of emphasis all season, and controversy about the calls reached a zenith in the Bears’ loss to the Steelers after linebacker Cassius Marsh was flagged for taunting after sacking Ben Roethlisberger on third down.
Rudolph preps to start
Steelers backup quarterback Mason Rudolph is practicing as if he’s going to start Sunday night against the Chargers. While Rudolph ran with the starters Thursday, Roethlisberger continued to participate virtually while the team held out hope their 39-year-old star will be removed from the COVID-19 list in time to head west.
Mayfield expected to play
Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield returned to practice after missing one day to rest an assortment of injuries. He is expected to play Sunday against the Lions.