The NFL recently released a statement outlining an agreed-upon deal that will allow training camps to commence as regularly scheduled.
NFL training camps will begin next Tuesday as regularly scheduled.
Friday afternoon, Roger Goodell released an encouraging statement. Training camps will commence as regularly scheduled, on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.
“The NFL clubs and the NFL Players Association approved an agreement that broadly resolves all outstanding issues relating to the opening of training camps and start of the 2020 season. Training camps will begin as scheduled.
“We have worked collaboratively to develop a comprehensive set of protocols designed to minimize risk for fans, players, and club and league personnel. These plans have been guided by the medical directors of the NFL and the NFLPA and have been reviewed and endorsed by independent medical and public health experts, including the CDC, and many state and local public health officials. The season will undoubtedly present new and additional challenges, but we are committed to playing a safe and complete 2020 season, culminating with the Super Bowl.”
Pressure began to mount recently with NFL players speaking out about the uncertainties the league faced.
NFLPA president JC Tretter, who is also a Cleveland Browns center, tweeted “the NFL is unwilling to prioritize player safety and believes that the virus will bend to football.”
That accompanied a number of star players speaking up about concerns, but the news turned positive when the NFL and NFLPA agreed on COVID-19 testing protocols four days ago.
Players are required to test for COVID-19 twice before entering team facilities for the first time. Tests must be separated by at least 72 hours. Rookies were slated to report this past Tuesday, but the testing must first pave the way for that entry.
With Friday’s Goodell statement, things look to be on track for next week.
