First, it was former Alabama offensive guard Chance Warmack, who is with the Seattle Seahawks. Then it was former Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who is a part of the New England Patriots defense, and now, former Alabama and current Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Andre Smith has also opted out of playing for the 2020 season.
#Ravens offensive tackle Andre Smith, who re-signed in Baltimore to provide some depth, has decided to opt-out, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 28, 2020
This comes as the coronavirus has taken the world by storm, and has caused havoc on sports teams all season.
Not only did the SEC and NCAA cancel spring sports, but college football is still being questioned on whether or not it will have a season.
Several conferences have decided to play conference on schedules this seaosn.
And the MLB has come back into question after the Florida Marlins had As many as 17 members of the Miami Marlins, including 15 players, test positive in recent days.
Time will tell what will happen. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent an email this week that in part said this,
“Players and coaches will be tested for the virus regularly, including every day for a while. Preseason games have been canceled. Everyone in the team environment must follow rigorous health and safety protocols to keep themselves and each other safe. When there is a positive test, strict regulations will be enforced to isolate and care for that individual and to contain the virus before it spreads. Even the sideline will look different. And, state and local health guidelines will help determine whether fans will attend the games. These adjustments are necessary to reduce the risk for everyone involved.”
But some players have chosen not to take the risk, and instead opted out of the season.
Smith, who is a 12 year veteran, was drafted as the sixth overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2009 draft. He stayed with the Bengals until 2015 before playing for the Minnesota Vikings in 2016 Arizona Cardinals in 2018, and the Ravens in 2019. Throughout that time, he did return to the Bengals twice for two short stints with them.