Tag: player opt out

Report: Despite concerns, DeMarcus Lawrence shows up for Cowboys camp on time

The two-time Pro Bowler had voiced concerns about exposing himself and his pregnant wife to the coronavirus, but reported to camp Tuesday.

The Tank has reportedly rolled into Frisco.

According to sources cited by ESPN’s Ed Werder, Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence joined other team veterans in reporting to the start of training camp on Tuesday. Lawrence’s arrival follows a week of soul-searching for the superstar edge rusher, as he wrestled with whether to stay away from the team due to concerns over COVID-19.

Lawrence’s wife Sasha is pregnant and expecting a child in October, the couple’s second. Just last week, the two-time Pro Bowler made it clear: he wants to play in 2020, but the health of his family would ultimately be the deciding factor.

“Shoot, I love to ride with my brothers and play the game,” he told ESPN on July 19. “When I have to take that away from myself, it’s hard and I don’t want to make a decision like that. But I also have to make sure I’m taking care of my family. Family is number one. After the game of football is done, that’s the only thing I have to depend on, so I’ve got to take care of them.”

That same day, Lawrence echoed concerns shared on social media by Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson regarding the league’s coronavirus protocols- or lack thereof- and his own wife’s pregnancy.

The Cowboys were informed on Monday that their Infectious Disease Emergency Response (IDER) plan had been approved by the NFL Players Association, allowing training camp to open on time.

Lawrence and the team’s other veterans reported to the club’s facility at The Star in Frisco on Tuesday for the first of three COVID-19 tests. They are required to pass all three before they will be allowed to enter the facility.

Cowboys cornerback Maurice Canady and wide receiver Stephen Guidry have already elected to opt out of the upcoming season. According to Werder, all players have until August 3 to choose follow suit.

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NFL, NFLPA discussing player opt outs; no Cowboys as of yet

The NFL and the NFLPA are discussing player opt outs.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has altered any and all normal protocol when it comes to preparing for an NFL season. In the next 20 days, veterans around the league are expected to report to training camp.

The potential for players who don’t feel it’s safe enough to play in 2020 seems more than just a possibility. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL and the NFLPA are discussing a plan for player opt-outs, however, it would need to be done by a certain date.

“My understanding is both the union and the league intend to have an opt-out for players who have either a pre-existing condition, family (members) with pre-existing conditions, just general concerns over COVID-19, would not want to play this season,” Pelissero said.

“General managers were told on a call earlier this week there would be a specific date by which players would need to opt-out. That date is still to be determined.”

Stefon Diggs of the Buffalo Bills and the McCourty twins of the New England Patriots have already expressed concerns about playing under these abnormal conditions, and with the season rapidly approaching, there likely could be more. To this date, no Cowboys player has publicly discussed their considerations.

Pelissero also reported possible tolling of contracts who choose to opt-out is TBD and would need to be agreed to prior to training camp. Tolling is simply when the remaining years on a contract are pushed back a season.

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