Report: McKennie broke 2 COVID-19 rules, including bringing person to hotel

Weston McKennie was dismissed from the United States men's national team camp Monday for two COVID-19 violations, sources told ESPN's Jeff Carlisle.

The Juventus midfielder first fell foul of the protocols when he reportedly spent a night outside the squad's coronavirus bubble. He then brought an unauthorized person inside the team bubble and into his hotel room on a separate evening.

McKennie missed Sunday's 1-1 draw with Canada due to his misdemeanors and will also be unavailable for Wednesday's crucial World Cup qualifier against Honduras after head coach Gregg Berhalter sent the 23-year-old back to Juventus.

"We made this decision not only for the short-term but for the long-term health of the program. It's not an easy decision, trust me. But we did it for what we think is the good of the group," Berhalter said on Tuesday.

"We're going to be missing Weston on Wednesday, but it doesn't rule him out of the future," Berhalter added. "People make mistakes. Weston apologized to the group, and apologized to me. Things happen."

The former Schalke player already breached COVID-19 rules in April when he hosted a party during lockdown in Turin that included Juventus teammates Paulo Dybala and Arthur. He was suspended by then-Juve boss Andrea Pirlo.

McKennie confirmed his absence from U.S. duty ahead of the draw with Canada, adding, "I am sorry for my actions, I will be cheering hard for the boys tonight and hope to be back with the team soon."