Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Antonio Brown obtained a fake COVID-19 vaccination card so he could avoid NFL protocols, the Tampa Bay Times is reporting.
According to the report, Brown’s girlfriend told his chef in a text exchange that Brown would pay $500 for a Johnson & Johnson vaccination card, which he wanted because he felt it required less paperwork.
The chef, Steven Ruiz, told the Times that he was unable find a fake vaccination card for Brown in July. According to the Times, Brown had told those around him he was worried about the vaccine’s potential negative effects on his body.
Brown, 33, was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Sept. 22 and missed the subsequent Week 3 road game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Brown is currently recovering from a foot injury suffered at Philadelphia on Oct. 14.
Brown’s lawyer told the Times that his client is vaccinated.
