Cardinals’ Kliff Kingsbury: ‘I will be better’ about wearing face mask
Sep 14, 2020, 8:49 AM | Updated: 1:14 pm
Head coach Kliff Kingsbury of the Arizona Cardinals stands on the sidelines during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
The NFL on Monday reminded team personnel on the sidelines about the COVID-19 requirements for wearing face coverings. There were several games Sunday in which team members other than players did not use them.
Troy Vincent, who oversees the league’s football operations, sent a memo to the 32 clubs on Monday saying “we must remain vigilant and disciplined in following the processes and protocols put in place by not only the league, union and clubs, but also by state and local governments.”
Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury, who was shown on FOX cameras with his mask pulled down around his neck during the game, said he’d not had conversations with the league about how he wore his protective face covering.
“I have not, but I’m sure that I will be better about being aware to keep my mask up next week,” he told reporters Monday.
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After congratulating the teams for overcoming coronavirus challenges and beginning the regular season on time, Vincent strongly cautioned against undoing that work.
He referred to the game-day protocols developed by the league and the NFL Players Association that reflect the advice of infectious disease experts, club medical staffs and local and state governmental regulations.
Those require all individuals with bench area access, including coaches and members of the club medical staff, to wear face coverings at all times.
“Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in accountability measures being imposed against offending individuals and/or clubs,” the memo said. “The face covering must be worn as designed so that it securely fits across the wearer’s nose and mouth to prevent the transmission of the virus.”
During the Sunday night game between Dallas and Los Angeles, Rams coach Sean McVay often was shown on camera without a face covering. He and Kingsbury were hardly was the only coach or team member with a bare face during the 13 games Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
