Every few hours, it seems the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) causes another massive decision to be made across the sports world.
From the NBA suspending its season, to the NCAA Basketball tournaments deciding not to allow fans in attendance, this global health crisis continues to have a significant impact on every facet of society, including sports.
The NFL is currently in the offseason (if there’s ever such a thing), but as the major sports leagues continue to shut down large gatherings of all kinds, what could that mean for a massive event like the 2020 NFL Draft?
It appears the league is starting to make plans (via Mark Maske of the Washington Post):
The NFL is considering contingencies regarding the NFL draft and other upcoming events on its schedule (the annual league meeting, possibly even free agency), a source said. League leaders are "discussing all matters. Stay tuned," the source said.
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) March 12, 2020
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis spoke Wednesday about the situation via conference call (per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News):
The league office, the players association and the city and the state are working together. They’re making a measured decision. Health and safety will always be No. 1.
They’ll make the correct decision. They won’t put anyone in jeopardy over it.
NFL.com’s Judy Battista notes the the league will likely face some important decisions as the draft draws near:
Have to think Hall of Fame Fan Fest postponement won't be last adjustment made on football-related events. The NFL has luxury of no games, but the draft has a huge public element. 6 weeks away.
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) March 12, 2020
The NFL draft has become a destination event for football fans from all over the world, which is normally an exciting and extremely entertaining venture for the league. But with the rise of such a global health crisis, that’s exactly the kind of event that could present a significant risk to all in attendence.
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