The 2020 NFL season is in a precarious position. Coronavirus case numbers are rising in dozens of states (some of which are closing down again), the death rate is beginning to tick back up and there seems to be no coherent national strategy other than “learning to live with it.”
Given the current situation, it’s difficult to see how any sports league can resume play inside the United States.
At the moment, the NFL and the NFLPA are at odds over how to proceed with the season. While the league wants at least two preseason games, the union doesn’t think exhibition games are worth the risk.
Now, we’re learning some players might get to opt out of playing in 2020 all together, per Kevin Patra at NFL.com.
“NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday on NFL NOW that the league and union anticipate player opt-outs would be available but would need to be communicated by a certain date. “My understanding is both the union and the league intend to have an opt-out for players who have either a pre-existing condition, family (members) with pre-existing conditions, just general concerns over COVID-19, would not want to play this season. . . General managers were told on a call earlier this week there would be a specific date by which players would need to opt-out. That date is still to be determined.”
Football players of course take on a lot of risk when they sign up, but playing during the middle of a potentially deadly pandemic is another thing entirely. It’s certainly understandable if those with pre-existing conditions feel it’s not worth it to return to work until there’s a vaccine available.
The league is taking steps to mitigate the risk. Some teams like the Packers and Ravens have introduced plans to have drastically reduced crowd sizes and every stadium will have the first 6-8 rows closest to the sidelines tarped off. However, there’s only so much you can do.
Some players have already voiced concerns about playing this year, including Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Hopefully we have a 2020 season, but as Panthers safety Tre Boston said last week, right now it’s not looking good.
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