Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 27, 2026

NFLPA launches investigation of Buccaneers’ MRSA infections

The players’ union could possibly file for financial damages if evidence of negligence is found on the part of the team.

Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

The MRSA outbreak that struck the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' training facility a month ago is under official investigation by the NFL Players Association, which could result in the union filing for financial damages if negligence on the part of the team is proven.

The union is investigating whether the team communicated the outbreak of MRSA -- a pencillen-resistant bacteria that is potentially deadly if left untreated -- to its players in a timely fashion. If so, the union could file for an “Article 50” violation under the collective bargaining agreement.

News of the bacteria's presence first broke in late August. Infections in two Buccaneers players, kicker Lawrence Tynes and guard Carl Nicks, were confirmed.

The team is currently trying to cut Tynes, who was hospitalized with the infection, and have offered him a financial settlement and placed him on the non-football injury list. The league is fighting the move because Tynes would not recieve his full salary and benifits or an additional year toward his pension.

Nicks, a Pro Bowler, will miss Sunday’s game against the New York Jets as he continues to recover.

More from SB Nation NFL:

An early 2014 mock draft

Check out SB Nation’s massive new NFL preview

The easiest players to root for

Week 1 matchups under the microscope

Uffsides: This week’s 5 must-see games

See More:

More in NFL

NFL
Brendan Sorsby gets more bad news, this time from the CFLBrendan Sorsby gets more bad news, this time from the CFL
NFL

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has hit another hurdle on his road to the NFL

By Mark Schofield
From SBNationExternal Link
Who wins the AFC West?Who wins the AFC West?
From SBNationExternal Link
By Mark Schofield
NFL
NFL breakout candidates at every position in 2026NFL breakout candidates at every position in 2026
NFL

A team of NFL players poised to have breakout campaigns in 2026.

By Jarrett Bailey
NFL
Lions CB Terrion Arnold faces potential life in prison for alleged kidnappingLions CB Terrion Arnold faces potential life in prison for alleged kidnapping
NFL

The Detroit Lions defender faces a potential sentence of life in prison.

By James Dator
NFL
Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026
NFL

Another setback for the QB.

By James Dator
NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa