Report: Team staffers who refuse vaccine can't work directly with players

NFL team employees who refuse COVID-19 vaccination without "bona fide medical or religious ground" won't be able to receive Tier 1 and Tier 2 status, the league said in a memo Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

That means they wouldn't be able to access restricted areas in facilities or work "directly or in close proximity with players," the memo continues.

Personnel who choose to be vaccinated are expected to be eligible for relaxed COVID-19 protocols, potentially including reduced testing, not having to wear a tracking device, and not being required to quarantine after exposure.

The new memo comes nearly two weeks after the NFL and NFLPA reportedly agreed not to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory.

The league will also reportedly require clubs to report the number of employees who have been vaccinated on a weekly basis. The NFL and NFLPA are discussing relaxed protocols for teams that reach a certain threshold of vaccination among staff and players.

The NFL and NFLPA continue to discuss what form offseason programs will take ahead of the April 19 start date.

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