Tag: opt-out clauses

As of now, no NFL players have decided to opt-out of the 2020 season

Despite the uncertainty of safety protocols, NFLPA’s DeMaurice Smith said no NFL players have yet decided to opt-out of the 2020 season.

The NFLPA leadership hosted a conference call with the media Friday morning to discuss the ongoing negotiations with the league regarding the start of training camps and the safety protocols teams will be required to have in place to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus, which is surging in numerous spots around the country.

The NFL and the players’ union are running out of time to agree on the specifics required to start the summer programs, including the exact number of preseason games to be played (if any), the size of the rosters, and the testing procedures for COVID-19.

But amidst all the uncertainty, Executive Director of the NFLPA DeMaurice Smith, said not a single player has yet elected to opt-out of the 2020 season.

Players could quickly change their minds over the next few weeks based on rising levels of the coronavirus in their locations and lack of confidence in the clubs’ plans to ensure safety.

The Texans and Chiefs rookies are scheduled to report to camp on Monday.

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Opt-clauses remain sticking point in NFL, NFLPA negotiations

Opt-clauses remain a sticking point in the NFL and NFLPA negotiations with just under a week to go before players start reporting to camps.

The National Football League and the NFL Players’ Association are running out of precious time to set a number of important protocols ahead of the start of the 2020 season.

Some of those contentious points surround the economic impact of players choosing to opt-out of the season due to safety concerns over the rampant spread of the coronavirus.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler outlined the particular requests in the players’ proposal to the league, citing a source involved.

  • An opt-out clause for at-risk players to receive salary (but not bonuses) if they decide not to play.
  • An opt-out clause for players with at-risk families to earn an accrued season and benefits if they decide not to play.
  • An opt-out clause for players who leave the team after reporting (terms uncertain).
  • A $250,000 stipend guaranteed to all players if they show up to camp and everything is shut down because of COVID-19 concerns. That amount rises to $500,000 if the season starts, only to be shut down.

Training camps around the league are set to kick off on July 28, with many rookies and other select players ready to report a week earlier. The clock is now ticking with just under a week to iron out the details.

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