An alarming message Saturday from NFLPA Medical Director Dr. Thomas Mayer to the players in the union:
A message to players from NFLPA Medical Director, Dr. Thom Mayer: pic.twitter.com/4IGlEBhRr9
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) June 20, 2020
“Please be advised that it is our consensus medical opinion that in light of the increase in Covid-19 cases in certain states that no players should be engaged in practicing together in private workouts,” NFLPA medical director Dr. Thom Mayer said in a message to players that was posted online. “Our goal is to have all players and your families as healthy as possible in the coming months.
“We are working on the best mitigation procedures at team facilities for both training camps and the upcoming season, and believe that it is in the best interest of all players that we advise against any voluntary joint practices before training camp commences.”
Florida and Arizona are among the states that have seen a significant spike in coronavirus cases over the last few days.
Mayer’s recommendation comes amid a rise in positive COVID-19 cases among NFL players and team employees. Just in the last week, the Buccaneers announced individuals at their facility tested positive; a 49ers player who was working out with teammates in Nashville tested positive; multiple players on the Texans and Cowboys, including star running back Ezekiel Elliott, tested positive; and Broncos defensive back Kareem Jackson told NFL Network’s James Palmer that he tested positive, as well.
While the NFLPA can’t force players to quit working out together, Saturday’s statement signals to its voting body that continuing to practice away from the team facility could put players’ health, and potentially the 2020 season, in jeopardy.
Additionally, college football players have been impacted by the virus with schools such as LSU, Texas, and Kansas State among those reporting athletes who have tested positive for the virus.