All NFL club facilities to close on Wednesday with limited exceptions

Roger Goodell sent a memo to all 32 teams ordering club facilities to close by 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening as a result of the coronavirus.

In wake of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the nation, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to all 32 teams ordering all club facilities to close by 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, local time, with limited exceptions.

“The challenges we face are not unique – many businesses and individuals throughout the country are experiencing and addressing similar issues,” Goodell wrote. “Please be assured that the NFL is well-positioned to meet these operational challenges as we prepare to offer our fans and the country an outstanding 2020 NFL season.”

The memo provides for the following exceptions:

  • Employees (such as athletic trainers or physicians) who are providing ongoing medical treatment to players.
  • Employees (such as the director of facilities, security personnel or independent contractors) necessary to maintain the physical security of the facility and its contents.
  • Employees (such as technology personnel) necessary to maintain the security and operational capabilities of the club’s IT network to enable remote work by club football and business staff.

Goodell stated the league would readdress the closures on April 8 on the advice of experts.

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NFL delays offseason activities indefinitely due to coronavirus threat

The NFL and NFLPA have agreed to indefinitely delay a number of 2020 offseason activities in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

While the National Football League has elected to go forward with free agency and the start of the new league year, the NFL and NFLPA have agreed to suspend a number of activities in wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Below is the opening of the official press release, announcing offseason activities will be delayed indefinitely and access to club facilities will be restricted for the near future to ensure player and staff safety.

“The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell today announced that, following discussions with NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and consultations between the medical teams for the NFL and NFLPA, and based on coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance from public health officials, NFL clubs will delay indefinitely the start of their off-season programs.  In addition, special procedures will be in place for the start of the new League Year until further notice.”

The first phase of organized team activities (OTAs) was set to kick off on April 6 for teams with new head coaches and April 20 for all other clubs.

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