Brian McCarthy, NFL Vice President of Communications, has told all teams the 2020 season will proceed as planned. However, the NFLPA has not signed off on any return-to-work plans and players are not happy.
We just wrapped up a productive call with the 32 clubs pic.twitter.com/sRn5Bnl33O
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) July 17, 2020
While the league made its official position known to ownership and clubs, mysteriously absent is the NFLPA agreement. Why? Players have no certainties and the league is ignoring the advice of the experts it hired to advise them.
#We Want To Play
Many player representatives for their respected teams are sounding off on the league ramrodding the start of the season through. We have heard from cornerback Richard Sherman, defensive end J.J. Watt, and many others earlier in the week. Players have taken their fight to social media on Sunday in order to let the league know their concerns.
A coordinated posting blitz from some of the NFL’s top players calls on the NFL to provide answers and address health concerns. All have the hashtag #WeWantToPlay pic.twitter.com/BwQtxcnLOq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 19, 2020
Related Article: NFL’s 2020 Season Covid-19 Tracker: The Clock is Ticking
Player Safety Comes First
Translating the #WeWantToPlay posts you're seeing now: Joint medical committee recommended a 21-day acclimation period. NFL asked players to show up 2 weeks early to accomodate it; NFLPA said no. NFL shortened acclimation period to accommodate 2 preseason games. Union wants 0.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 19, 2020
Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network has been keeping the NFL landscape informed on where we are in terms of an agreement. As it stands, the league has enforced their management rights and is calling for players to report. If the players do not report, the NFL will impose disciplinary actions.
In addition to the issues above, there are still discrepancies over testing frequencies and opt-out language. The players’ remaining option is to file a grievance under unsafe working conditions. Players are anxious to get back to business as usual, and want to be on the field. However, they are acutely aware they aren’t being properly cared for.
Once again in the interest of keeping everyone (players & fans) as informed as possible, here is an updated list of what we as players know and don’t know as the first group gets set to report to training camp tomorrow.#WeWantToPlay pic.twitter.com/xQcjs33zgM
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 19, 2020
Some fans will understand the plight of the players, while others simply will not care. Players are people first, and they go home to families just the same as non-athletes. Football isn’t an essential industry no matter how much we want to watch it. Covid-19 is a highly contagious and infectious virus, requiring a plan of action.
Players aren’t willing to risk the health and lives of their families for a game. While fans have little compassion for millionaires, it’s hard not to empathize with a man who is looking out for his family’s health.
Rodney Hudson adds his well-respected voice to the #WeWanttoPlay cause. His IG: pic.twitter.com/uKJBFbhnzP
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) July 19, 2020
Las Vegas Raiders team captain Rodney Hudson weighs in on the league attempting to quick start the 2020 season. Hudson echoes the sentiments of teammate Erik Harris, and says he will not place his family in danger over football. While the two want nothing more than to play, everyone has the right to work in as safe a manner as possible.
This is how I feed my Familyâ£â£
â£This is my Passionâ£â£
â£BUT… I WILL NOT put my family in harms way if the @NFL won’t listen to their own health experts. Please listen to your players and come up with a safe working environment so we can have a FULL season. #WeWantToPlay— Erik Harris (@e_harris_31) July 19, 2020
NFL: No Covid-19 Politics in Football
The country has been divided over a bizarre politicized war about wearing masks since the beginning of the pandemic. Depending on which side of the political spectrum you fall on, acknowledging Covid-19 as more than a simple flu is a battle. Moreover, battle lines are being drawn between the league and the NFLPA.
We need Football! We need sports! We need hope! The NFL’s unwillingness to follow the recommendations of their own medical experts will prevent that. If the NFL doesn’t do their part to keep players healthy there is no football in 2020. It’s that simple. Get it done @NFL
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) July 19, 2020
Let’s face it, the league blew a 28-3 lead in terms of preparation time. Now, NFL owners are faced with the prospect of losing money for the first time in ages. Moreover, they are responding as businessmen. Entering “protect the bottom line at all costs” mode. Ignoring the fact players are more than just a means to an end. As an employer, the NFL has a duty to produce a safe place for players to play.Â
It’s crazy to hear the NFL has yet to address major health and safety issues with training camp being 2 weeks away. We want to play football. Make it happen @NFL. Keep us safe!#WeWantToPlay
— Kyler Murray (@K1) July 19, 2020
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Top Photo: Eric Risberg/Associated Press