Players around the NFL are not happy with the league’s inability to come to an agreement on safety protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
With teams set to report to training camp beginning on Monday, the NFL has yet to etch out the details of its plan to protect its players from coronavirus. Social distancing guidelines have been established, but the league is still negotiating many details of its plan for player safety, including testing frequency and the number of preseason games that will be played.
On Sunday, numerous players around the NFL took to Twitter to speak out and voice their concerns with the season inching closer. Among them were Jets running back Frank Gore, linebacker Avery Williamson, cornerback Pierre Desir and Brian Poole, all of whom had plenty to say as they prepare to report to One Jets Drive on Thursday.
.@NFL Now is the time! We need you to listen to your medical experts and make it safe for us players to play the game we love‼️#WeWantToPlay🙏🏿
— Frank Gore (@frankgore) July 19, 2020
We want to have an @NFL season, but also have the proper protocols to keep players safe. That’s all we ask for. #WeWantToPlay
— Avery Williamson (@AWilliamson54) July 19, 2020
It’s bigger than the game it’s about the safety and health of the players. The @NFL needs to do their part and put the players saftey as a priority and work to create a safe work environment if there’s going to be a chance of us playing football this year. #WeWanttoPlay
— Pierre Desir (@pierre_desir) July 19, 2020
— Brian Poole (@poolioo) July 19, 2020
NFL Players Association director DeMaurice Smith and president JC Tretter addressed the union’s concerns in a video teleconference call with reporters on Friday in which they called for daily testing. A joint committee of doctors, trainers and strength coaches formed by the NFL and NFLPA recommended testing occur every other day.
Jets players will begin reporting to training camp on Tuesday with the rookies being the first to head back to team facilities. Quarterbacks and injured players will report on Thursday, while the remainder of the team is set to return on July 28. Players can choose not to report, but under the collective bargaining agreement, teams can fine players who do not show up for camp.