NFL officially cancels annual meeting because of coronavirus concerns

This decision follows a wave of cancelations of events across the sports world.

Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid will have to wait a little longer to wear his Hawaiian shirt to the annual league meetings. The National Football League has officially announced the cancelation of its annual meeting scheduled for the end of March. This follows a wave of cancelations of events across the sports world, including pre-draft visits and pro days.

Here is the official statement from the NFL regarding the cancelation:

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell notified the clubs today that after careful consideration and consultation with medical experts, the NFL’s annual meeting scheduled for March 29-April 1 has been canceled.

There will be full consideration and votes on any open football issues, including playing rules, bylaws, and resolutions, as well as other business matters that were on the agenda for the Annual Meeting, at the Spring meeting scheduled for May 19-20. Most of the first day will be dedicated to football-related issues. Head coaches and general managers will participate in the meeting.

This decision was made consistent with the league’s primary concern to protect the health of club and league employees and the public while enabling the league to continue with its essential business operations. ​

We will continue to closely monitor developments, consult with leading experts, and be prepared to make any changes necessary as circumstances warrant. 

Everything that was scheduled to be discussed and voted on by ownership at the annual meeting, including new resolutions related to rules changes, will be tabled until the Spring league meeting set for May 19-20. More decisions on cancelations and changes for the NFL related to the coronavirus pandemic should be forthcoming. Keep in mind that free agency and the new league year is set to begin on Wednesday, while the NFL draft is scheduled for the end of April.

[vertical-gallery id=61524]