Coronavirus: Stars Criticize NFL Over Lack of Protocol
The NFL has come under fire from some of its most prominent stars for its lack of coronavirus protocol.
A raft of positive coronavirus tests and the resulting closure of team facilities has cast doubt over the 2020 season.
Recently, the Miami Dolphins pushed back the start of their training camp amid concerns over the league’s lack of guidelines.
There were reports of an opt out clause for players as well as a shortened or cancelled preseason. However, heading into a new week, neither of these have been confirmed.
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Players like Patrick Mahomes, Russell Wilson, and Drew Brees are using the #WeWantToPlay hashtag to express their concerns. Nobody is yet refusing to play, although if the lack of clarity continues that would well change.
“Getting ready to report this week hoping the @NFL will come to agreement with the safe and right protocols so we can feel protected playing the sport we love,†Tweeted reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes.
For Russell Wilson, the apprehension stems from the fact that his wife is pregnant, and is a high risk for contracting the coronavirus.
“I am concerned. My wife is pregnant. @NFL Training camp is about to start… And there’s still No Clear Plan on Player Health & Family Safety. We want to play football but we also want to protect our loved ones,†tweeted Wilson.
Read: Dolphins Push Back The Start of Training Camp
Drew Brees took a slightly different angle with his tweet. Rather than raising the issue of player safety, he spoke about the need for hope in these uncertain times. He placed the responsibility squarely on the NFL to provide the conditions for hope to flourish.
“We need Football, we need sports! We need hope! The NFL’s unwillingness to follow the recommendations of their own medical experts will prevent that. If the NFL doesn’t do their part to keep players healthy there is no football in 2020. It’s that simple. Get it done @NFL,†tweeted Brees.
