Sean Payton Refused to Pay COVID-Related Fine to NFL in 2020, per Report

The then-Saints coach reportedly didn’t clear his six-figure balance with the league office.

It’s a good thing that Broncos coach Sean Payton is earning $18 million per year, because according to a report from ESPN, the long-time NFL coach may still have an outstanding, six-figure fine to pay the league.

The ESPN report, which primarily focused on Jon Gruden’s leaked emails and their connection to Dan Snyder’s decision to sell the Commanders, also revealed information regarding fines for violations of COVID-19 protocols during the 2020 season. 

During a Week 2 matchup between the Saints and Raiders three years ago, both Gruden and Payton were found to be in violation of the league’s rules about properly wearing masks while on the sideline. Both head coaches were reportedly slapped with a $100,000 fine.

According to the ESPN story, Gruden appealed the fine, but reluctantly paid the penalty prior to the conclusion of the season. Payton, however, didn’t actually pay the fine and went as far as to call his friend to prod him over his choice to do the opposite.

“I never paid the fine,” Payton told Gruden. “You’re the only dumbf--- that paid the fine.”

ESPN did not report any further information about whether or not Payton had since paid the fine to the NFL.

In his first season piloting the Broncos, the accomplished head coach does not need any added distractions as he attempts to resurrect a franchise that has failed to make the playoffs since 2015.