The NFLPA leadership hosted a conference call with the media Friday morning to discuss the ongoing negotiations with the league regarding the start of training camps and the safety protocols teams will be required to have in place to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus, which is surging in numerous spots around the country.
The NFL and the players’ union are running out of time to agree on the specifics required to start the summer programs, including the exact number of preseason games to be played (if any), the size of the rosters, and the testing procedures for COVID-19.
But amidst all the uncertainty, Executive Director of the NFLPA DeMaurice Smith, said not a single player has yet elected to opt-out of the 2020 season.
.@NFLPA chief DeMaurice Smith says union currently knows of no players wishing to opt out of 2020 season … obviously plenty of time for that to change #NFL
— Nate Davis (@ByNateDavis) July 17, 2020
Players could quickly change their minds over the next few weeks based on rising levels of the coronavirus in their locations and lack of confidence in the clubs’ plans to ensure safety.
The Texans and Chiefs rookies are scheduled to report to camp on Monday.
Regarding potential player opt-outs for 2020 #NFL season, union chief DeMaurice Smith says "we don't want our players unfairly punished" for those who choose not to play. Mechanics of how opt-outs would work unclear. League wants player decisions by Aug. 1, per @TomPelissero
— Nate Davis (@ByNateDavis) July 17, 2020
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