REPORT: NFL Announces Surprising Decision After Bucs QB Baker Mayfield Was Caught With A Prohibited Substance On The Sideline During ‘Monday Night Football’

Baker Mayfield (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The NFL has made a decision on Baker Mayfield following his actions on the bench during the Buccaneers’ ‘Monday Night Football’ game against the Baltimore Ravens this week.

Baker and the Bucs suffered a loss to the AFC side on the night, falling 41-31 while also losing star receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to injury.

The quarterback was seen popping what appeared to be a Zyn nicotine patch into his mouth while on the sideline after halftime, getting caught red-handed as cameras picked him up.

Baker Mayfield popping a ZYN on the sideline mid game 😂 pic.twitter.com/IELMpm7wdd

— GhettoGronk (@TheGhettoGronk)

October 22, 2024

This contravened NFL rules, as the league prohibits nicotine use on the sidelines and during interviews. However, it appears Mayfield has escaped punishment as ESPN’s Jenna Laine has reported that the signal-caller will only be warned.

“A league source tells me that Baker Mayfield will not receive punishment for using Zyn on the sidelines. Zyn is a nicotine product and nicotine is prohibited by the NFL on the sidelines and in interviews. He’ll receive a letter reminding him of this,” Laine noted on Friday.

A league source tells me that Baker Mayfield will not receive punishment for using Zyn on the sidelines. Zyn is a nicotine product and nicotine is prohibited by the NFL on the sidelines and in interviews. He'll receive a letter reminding him of this.

— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) October 25, 2024

Zyn Did Not Appreciate Baker Mayfield Popping Their Product On Live TV

A spokesperson for Zyn has also condemned Baker’s actions, implying they were irresponsible in a statement.

“Swedish Match appreciates its loyal consumers and encourages them not to show the product in any situation where someone under 21 years old could see it,” they said, per TMZ Sports.

“The product is marketed only to current nicotine consumers 21 years old and over as a better alternative to continued smoking and other traditional tobacco products.”

Baker will be grateful to receive a slap on the wrists, as the NFL could have fined him for his ill-advised nicotine usage. With that behind him, he can focus on Mike Tyson videos and the Bucs’ upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.