QB Daniel Jones regrets taking mask off in NYC bar
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — After a little prodding, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones expressed regret for taking off his mask in a closed New York City bar last weekend.
Speaking for the first time since a video at the bar was released, Jones did his best to avoid discussing the incident that left some wondering if he had violated NFL protocols for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jones, injured running back Saquon Barkley and receiver Sterling Shepard and others had dinner in the private room of a city restaurant. The Giants had played on Thursday and had the weekend off.
After the dinner was over, they were invited to the bar by the owner.
Jones took off his mask inside and talked with people who were inside.
“Yeah, I had PPE and certainly need to make sure I’m wearing it,” Jones said when asked about regretting the incident. “But like I said, we’re not going to comment any more on it. Coach has certainly addressed it.”
Coach Joe Judge had discussed the video earlier in the week and said the team would handle the matter internally.
Jones repeated that answer several times when asked about it. He said his focus was on playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) on Monday night.
Jones also refused to say whether he was facing disciplinary action.
A bigger problem for Jones and the Giants (1-6) might be the status of their offensive line.
Left guard Will Hernandez, who has started every game since being draft in 2018, was placed on the reserve COVID-19 list on Thursday after testing positive for the virus.
Hernandez is in isolation and it is unlikely he will play Monday. The Giants also told eight players and two coaches who were close contact to the player to remain home and participate in meetings remotely.
The group included three other starting offensive linemen: tackles Andrew Thomas and Cam Fleming and center Nick Gates. Center Spencer Pulley and rookie guard Shane Lemieux, both backups, also missed practice.
Right guard Kevin Zeitler was the only lineman to practice.