Dr. Anthony Fauci says the NFL is "sending a very strong signal" with its new COVID rules

The NFL is sending a strong message about COVID-19 vaccines with its new rule regarding potential outbreaks during the season, Dr. Anthony Fauci said Thursday. The league said COVID outbreaks among unvaccinated players could lead to forfeited games and players suffering financial losses. 

"The NFL is sending a very strong signal that it's very important to get vaccinated," he told "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell. "If you want to play football and you want to do it in a way that you feel unrestricted and not worry about any penalties, you just get vaccinated, because they're saying that if unvaccinated people get infected, there are going to be consequences."  The NFL has tried to get players immunized but only 75% have gotten at least one dose. A memo from the league's commissioner, Roger Goodell, said any team that causes a game to be canceled will be responsible for financial losses and players on both teams won't get paid.