Tag: group workouts

Report: NFL players may be fined for conduct leading to COVID spread

The NFL Players’ Association is considering whether or not to fine players for “conduct detrimental” which leads to the spread of COVID-19.

The National Football League is desperately trying to find a way to stop the spread of the coronavirus between players ahead of the start of training camp scheduled for the end of the month.

The NFL Players’ Association has already cautioned against group workouts since a number of players have tested positive around the league.

Now, the players’ union is considering fining players for “conduct detrimental” leading to the spread of COVID-19.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported Thursday night that the union held a two-hour conference call with players’ representatives and discussed the possibility players could be fined if “they’re found to have spread COVID-19 by engaging in ‘reckless’ behavior away from the facility, such as eating out at restaurants or riding in Ubers.”

Some superstars around the NFL, including quarterbacks Tom Brady and Seahawks signal-caller, Russell Wilson, have continued to engage in the group workouts despite the union’s warnings. Perhaps instituting a monetary fine will help drive the message home that safety must come first.

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DeMaurice Smith criticizes Russell Wilson and DK Metcalf for workout

NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith criticized NFL players for ignoring social distancing guidelines and working out together.

 

NFL quarterbacks Tom Brady and Russell Wilson recently made waves by practicing ahead of the 2020 season with teammates, even after NFLPA Medical Director Dr. Thom Mayer’s advice that players should refrain from group workouts due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Wilson posted a video to Twitter that displayed him practicing with wide receiver DK Metcalf in spite of Mayer’s warnings.

In response, NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith stated that the players participating in workouts with each other are being reckless by ignoring social distancing guidelines.

“Those practices are not in the best interest of our players’ safety,” Smith told USA TODAY. “They’re not in the best interest of protecting our players heading into training camp, and I don’t think they are in the best interest of us getting through an entire season.”

 

“All of the things that players may want to do during the offseason have a direct impact on how well we can negotiate protections for them once the season starts,” Smith said.

The Seattle Seahawks would do well to take heed of the risk of working out with teammates at this point in time and follow social distancing guidelines to the best of their ability.

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NFLPA urges players not to practice together due to increased COVID-19 cases

The NFLPA’s medical director, Dr. Thom Mayer, has urged players not to practice together due to increased COVID-19 cases around the nation.

In light of the increase in COVID-19 cases around the nation, the NFLPA is now urging players not to practice together during private workouts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

A number of players around the league have already tested positive for the disease.

The players’ union issued a statement from its medical director, Dr. Thom Mayer, on Friday.

“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,” Mayer wrote. “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,” Mayer continued, before concluding his statement with, “Be safe.”

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