Fmr. FBI Agent: “FBI Probably Investigating Use of Fake Vaccination Cards in NFL”
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Former FBI Agent Michael Harkins is League of Justice’s newest contributor. Mr. Harkins spent 22 years with the FBI and was responsible for dismantling numerous violent criminal enterprises. He was a leader on the SWAT team and deployed worldwide on strategic operations in the Middle East and Africa. His actions resulted in the unprecedented transfer of Somali pirates into FBI custody. In the wake of 9/11, Mr. Harkins established a Critical Incident Response Team. He also managed high profile investigations of Violent Gangs/Criminal Enterprises, Drug Trafficking Organizations, Bank Robberies, Child Kidnappings, Hostage Negotiations, Thefts and Extortions.
LOJ’s FBI expert, former agent Michael Harkins speaks to League of Justice Founder Amy Dash about whether the FBI may be behind the scenes, investigating the alleged use of fake vaccination cards by NFL players.
Harkins believes the FBI is in fact conducting an investigation and working with the league or on its own to try to investigate how many players may have used fake vaccination cards. The FBI has issued warnings over the use of such cards, which is a federal crime that could carry up to five years in jail or heavy fines. The use of a government seal on a fraudulent card is what makes the use of such vaccination cards a crime.
Harkins believes the situation is far too serious for the FBI to ignore it. In the wake of the suspensions of Antonio Brown and Mike Edwards from the Buccaneers, and free agent John Franklin, Harkins believes the FBI will at the very least be attempting to locate the source of fake vaccination cards allegedly used by the players.
While the NFL has not publicly confirmed whether or not Brown, Edwards and Franklin submitted fake vaccination cards, several outlets have reported that sources say the three used fake cards issued from an obscure location that none of them had a connection with, which led to the NFL’s discovery of their misrepresented vaccine status. The NFL’s investigation concluded that the three players did misrepresent their vaccination status and the players chose not to appeal that decision.
The NFL investigation arose shortly after Brown’s former chef publicly accused Brown of obtaining a fake vaccination card and rumors began to surface accusing Brown of offering his fake vaccination card hookup to other players. Brown denied all such allegations through his attorney and agent.
LOJ previously reported on the allegations of a more widespread VaxGate scandal within the NFL. Shortly after the NFL suspended the players, Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians held a press conference, saying he hopes the league continues to investigate the issue, because he believes there’s more to it. This set off speculation about how widespread the misrepresentation of vax status is within the NFL and whether the use of fake vaccination cards is in fact occurring on a large-scale.
Harkins says that given the seriousness of the global pandemic and how many people are dying from contracting the virus, the FBI is likely investigating whether fake vaccination cards are being used throughout the league. Any use by players or assistance by players in distributing such cards could lead to federal prosecution. However, the FBI may also be seeking cooperation from players and coaches to find out who is creating such fake vaccination cards. Chances are that if someone is distributing fake vaccination cards to NFL players, they may also be distributing them to others outside of the league.
In many states, proof of vaccination is now required to access indoor sporting events, restaurants, gyms and businesses. Likewise, vaccination cards are required in some circumstances to travel. The use of fake vaccination cards could put everyone at indoor venues or on planes at risk and lead to widespread infection and death.
Harkins said that the FBI neither confirms nor denies its involvement in ongoing investigations, to avoid compromising its ability to gather information. He also said the NFL has a history of employing former FBI agents. Harkins says the NFL will likely cooperate with any FBI investigation, including turning over information it gathered from its own investigation, since it is in the league’s best interest to do so.
Brown and Edwards are set to rejoin the Buccaneers now that their suspensions are over. Arians said Brown’s return is in the best interests of the team. Recently, League of Justice expert Randy Mueller, a former GM for several NFL teams, said that Brown’s return would come down to whether his teammates need and want him back and not be based on politics or public pressure. It appears this may have been accurate, given Arian’s decision.
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