NFL Player Mocks League Letter About Violating COVID Rules, Asks Fans to 'Pray for Me'

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie apparently isn't overly concerned about being disciplined by the NFL for violating the league's COVID-19 safety protocols.

On Thursday, he shared a letter he received from the NFL alerting him he would be fined for not wearing a mask indoors at the Bills' field house and posted it on his Twitter account.

After listing the amount he was fined ($14,650) in a follow-up tweet, McKenzie commented to his social media followers, "Pray for me." A smiling emoji accompanied the message.

In another post, McKenzie continued addressing the issue, though he appeared to be doing so sarcastically. He wrote: "I'm sorry world 😢."

His first post about the letter read: "They got me! @NFL you win!" It included the letter he received from the NFL's office from Lawrence P. Ferazani Jr., deputy general counsel, labor.

The letter from Ferazani, dated August 26, began by describing the incident that led to McKenzie's fine. It said: "On August 25, 2021, at approximately 2:15 p.m. while walking through the indoor field house and into the training room, you failed to wear a mask. Then at approximately 4:35 p.m. on August 25, for several minutes, you again failed to wear a mask in the meeting area of the weight room while gathered near other players after the offensive meeting."

The letter then details that the team had previously laid out the league rules regarding masks for players, as well as cited another letter McKenzie received in July. The Thursday letter stated that he was warned in the previous note to start wearing a mask according to the league requirements or face discipline upon further infractions.

Ferazani's letter, which indicated it had been delivered to the wide receiver by hand and by email, also revealed that McKenzie has not been fully vaccinated.

"For players who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, like you, your conduct is expressly prohibited by the Protocols. Again, your conduct potentially compromised not only your safety, but also the safety of others, as well as the league's ability to ensure that your club's training camp is conducted in a safe manner."

The letter, or rather the portion of the letter posted by McKenzie, did not show the punishment or fine. However, McKenzie mentioned it on Twitter.

It is not clear if McKenzie will face further discipline for posting the letter online. Newsweek contacted the NFL and McKenzie for comment but did not hear back in time for publication.

McKenzie was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was waived by the Broncos in November of 2018 and claimed by the Bills days later. He signed a one-year contract with the Bills in March.

The Bills announced on August 11 that all people attending games at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, will be required to wear masks for the upcoming season. This rule applies to fans, staff and vendors.