The NFL has been stern about its COVID-19 protocols. Now, we may get to see how firm the league is going to be if a team violated them. According to a report, Tennessee Titans players got together for a practice last week when they were supposed to be only working remotely because of a coronavirus outbreak within the organization. At this time, a total of 22 Titans players and staff members have tested positive for COVID, by far the most of any NFL team. Two more players tested positive this week, putting the team’s Sunday game against the Bills in serious jeopardy.
A group of Titans worked out at Montgomery Bell Academy on Sept. 30 despite an NFL directive not to hold such get-togethers while team headquarters was closed because of a COVID-19 outbreak, according to sources who saw players there.
A league source said that once the Titans building was closed down on Sept. 29, the franchise was told there were to be “no in-person meetings, workouts or activities at the facility or elsewhere.”
Students at the private school saw a large group of adult football players they identified as Titans working out on the school’s field during classes in the middle of the day. Another source said he saw Ryan Tannehill there.
The league has threatened teams with loss of draft picks or the possible forfeiture of games if they are found in violation of the COVID-19 rules.
Guys just don’t work out for fun this is for their lively hood, their family, their opportunity. Say what you want but I’m standing up for my team always. https://t.co/wRmlIOT4ww
— Rodger Saffold (@Rodger_Saffold) October 7, 2020
A.J. Brown tweeted and then deleted:
A jury couldn’t convict to say that is us in that photo. I plead the fifth . Y’all stay safe out here https://t.co/KFp5jgE3N8
— AJ Brown (@Brown1arthur) October 7, 2020
Can confirm Paul Kuharsky report that a group of Tennessee #Titans players gathered last week at Montgomery Bell Academy for an informal workout after the NFL closed their facility last Tuesday due to a Covid-19 outbreak. https://t.co/FKNq5EBnYn
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) October 7, 2020
UPDATED: @ryantannehill1 was there#Titans broke protocols, gathered for a workout last week https://t.co/rjagsNd0eF
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) October 7, 2020