Could Carolina Panthers be punished for COVID-19 outbreak?

The Carolina Panthers began the midweek by adding eight players to the reserve/COVID-19 list after three, including wide receiver D.J. Moore, tested positive for the virus. 

It appears the club could be in some hot water over the situation. 

According to The Athletic's Joe Person, NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills explained on Wednesday that Carolina's virus spread is linked "to some gathering of players outside the team facility" during the bye week that followed a 28-27 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Nov. 29 that dropped Carolina to 4-8 on the season. 

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero previously reported that Carolina discovered no new positive test results overnight into Tuesday, but Nick Shook of the league's official website wrote that the NFL could still fine the Panthers or strip the organization of a draft pick for violations of health and safety protocols routinely updated throughout the season held amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Las Vegas Raiders lost a sixth-round pick and are up to over $1 million in total fines for repeated failures to adhere to coronavirus-related guidelines. 

"The fines are draconian," Raiders owner Mark Davis said in November. 

In early October, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell threatened to fine franchises, take draft picks, and even force forfeits for virus outbreaks associated with rules violations.  

"Simply put, compliance is mandatory," Goodell said in a memo.