NFL Referees Have the Authority to Call Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalties for Not Wearing Masks

The NFL has stepped up their efforts to get coaches to wear masks properly during games, the majority of which take place outdoors and have a very low chance of spreading COVID-19.

The league has given referees the authority to call unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on coaches who aren't wearing masks properly.

From NFL.com:

"Please be vigilant in your efforts to comply with the face covering and physical distancing requirements as you interact with game officials. Consistent with all other individuals on the sideline, game officials are entitled to your respect as they perform their job duties during the pandemic. Failure to adhere to the NFL-NFLPA COVID-19-related protocols will result in accountability measures being imposed against offending individuals and/or clubs, including fines, suspensions of persons involved, and/or the forfeiture of a draft choice(s). Additionally, we have reminded game officials that if an individual not wearing a face covering approaches them inappropriately, they have the authority to take administrative or officiating action, including a 15-yard penalty for Unsportsmanlike Conduct."

Let a stupid mask penalty cost a team a game and see if the backlash from fans is enough for the league to change their minds.  The NFL loves this kind of stupid shit.