Roger Goodell: States To Decide If Fans Attend NFL Games

Roger Goodell this week wrote a letter to fans explaining how the 2020 season will play out in pandemic conditions.

However, the NFL commissioner could not clarify one major question – will fans be allowed to attend games?

Roger Goodell said that local authorities will decide whether it’s appropriate to allow fans into stadiums for the upcoming season.

Players report to training camp today amid a flurry of doubts over whether it is safe, or even the right thing to do. Goodell outlined the strict testing protocols which will be in place to ensure the health of the players and staff.

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“Every step of the way, our focus has been on the safety of players, coaches, personnel, fans and our communities,” said Roger Goodell. 

“Our planning has followed the lead of medical experts and public health officials, including the CDC, the White House Task Force, governors and state health officials. As we have developed our 2020 playbook for the return of football, safety continues to be our first priority; that commitment will remain paramount as players return to the field.

“The NFL in 2020 will not look like other years,” Goodell added. 

“Players and coaches will be tested for the virus regularly, including every day for a while. Preseason games have been canceled. Everyone in the team environment must follow rigorous health and safety protocols to keep themselves and each other safe. When there is a positive test, strict regulations will be enforced to isolate and care for that individual and to contain the virus before it spreads.”

Read: Patriots’ Jason McCourty Thinks 2020 NFL Season Will Be ‘Nerve-Wracking’

“Even the sideline will look different. And, state and local health guidelines will help determine whether fans will attend the games. These adjustments are necessary to reduce the risk for everyone involved.”

The start of training camp today will provide a clearer picture of whether the NFL has a handle on the situation. However, with different localities taking different approaches, there could be some problems down the road.