Seattle Seahawks player cut from team ‘after trying to sneak woman into Covid-lockdown hotel’

His guest dressed in team gear to disguise herself from management and teammates

The Seattle Seahawks cut rookie cornerback Kemah Siverand after he was caught trying to sneak a woman into the team hotel.

Mr Siverand was filmed by surveillance cameras attempting to sneak the woman into the hotel earlier this week in a violation of team rules amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to NFL Network.

The 23-year-old got the woman to dress in Seahawks gear, in hope that it would help disguise her from members of the management and his teammates.

Mr Siverand, who was an undrafted pick from Oklahoma State University, received the third lowest bonus of 17 free agents last summer when he was given $2,000 (£1,528).

The NFL reported that bringing in outside guests to a team hotel room has been considered a violation for a number of years, as former Maryland receiver Deon Long was cut from a training camp for similar reasons in 2016.

After uncertainty due to Covid-19, team training camps started up last month when the league and the NFL Player’s Association (NFPLA) struck an agreement around coronavirus protocols.

The league’s new season is scheduled to kick off on 10 September, with attendance likely limited at stadiums across the country as the pandemic continues.

Earlier this week, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll praised the leaders in his team, including quarterback Russell Wilson, for helping the players cope during the pandemic.

“I love the leadership on this team continuing to send the message to the guys,” Mr Carroll said. “I really feel like, more than ever, the leadership of you locker room is going to be more meaningful and instrumental in our success. It’s always crucially important, but know more than ever.”

He added: “We didn’t bubble like the NBA did or like the NHL did in the same fashion, but don’t think for a second that we aren’t in a bubble. We are.

“And that bubble is the conscious we can hold. Always protect the team. Rule number one is in effect. It’s crucial we do a great job of this.”