The show doesn’t have to go on, but it will.
The NFL already announced there will be no fans allowed at the event, but despite some internal and external pressure to change the date of the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a memo to the 32 organizations on Thursday that the 2020 NFL Draft will proceed as scheduled on April 23-25.
“Apart from the CEC, I have personally discussed this matter with many other owners, club executives and coaches, and there is widespread support for the CEC’s conclusion,” Goodell said in the memo. “Everyone recognizes that public health conditions are highly uncertain and there is no assurance that we can select a different date and be confident that conditions will be significantly more favorable than they are today. I also believe that the draft can serve a very positive purpose for our clubs, our fans, and the country at large, and many of you have agreed.
“Because of the unique circumstances in our country today, the 2020 Draft will obviously need to be conducted in a different way. Already, we have cancelled all public events, we will not be bringing prospects and their families to the Draft, and the draft itself will be conducted and televised in a way that reflects current conditions.
“Our staff is certainly mindful of the operational issues this presents, and our top priority is putting in place procedures that allow all clubs to operate on a level playing field so that the draft is conducted in a way that is competitively fair to all clubs. All clubs should now be doing the necessary planning to conduct draft operations in a location outside of your facility, with a limited number of people present, and with sufficient technology resources to allow you to communicate internally, with other clubs, and with draft headquarters.”
Goodell, a Jamestown, NY, native, also does not want to hear any backlash about the decision internally.
“Public discussion of issues relating to the Draft serves no useful purpose and is grounds for disciplinary action,” Goodell added.
While it’s unclear how the coronavirus pandemic will look come late April, we know how the NFL will look.
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