2020 NFL Draft will proceed as scheduled despite pandemic

In a memo sent to all 32 teams, commissioner Roger Goodell informed clubs around the league the 2020 NFL Draft will take place as scheduled.

In light of the recent coronavirus pandemic sweeping the nation, the NFL had a difficult decision to make regarding this year’s draft. Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo out Thursday evening to all 32 teams confirming the 2020 NFL Draft will proceed as scheduled April 23-25.

“Apart from the CEC (Commissioner’s Executive Committee), 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 wrote 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,” Goodell continued. “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.”

With all the new restrictions being put in place, and out of an abundance of caution for staff and player safety, teams are going to have to make some serious preparations over the next month to coordinate such a massive event.

This story is continuing to develop.

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