COVID-19 Keeps the NFL on Their Toes
Recent outbreaks of COVID -19 in the NFL pose major obstacles as the league attempts to manage outbreaks and maintain the season
By Stacey EdwardOct. 7 2020, Published 12:24 p.m. ET
The onset of COVID-19 took the world by storm in early 2020, but professional sports suffered a devastating blow. There has player angst and much discussion regarding the circumstances created by the virus. The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most staggering disruption in worldwide sports since World War II. Unlike other leagues, the NFL saw little delay and were able to start their season on time after agreeing to eliminate their preseason games. With a strict protocol and testing guidelines, the NFL appeared to be a bright star among leagues, starting their season in early September.
By week three, an outbreak among the Tennessee Titans forced the NFL to postpone their matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since the initial outbreak, a game between the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots was rescheduled and played. Also, a host of NFL players and staff have been diagnosed with COVID-19, including New England Patriots’ quarterback Cam Newton.
To combat the ongoing issues, the NFL has implemented further strategy to keep its season alive. The league has introduced video surveillance to enforce the social distancing and mask protocol.
“Protocol violations that result in virus spread requiring adjustments to the schedule or otherwise impacting other teams will result in additional financial and competitive discipline including the adjustment or loss of draft choices or even the forfeit of a game,” – Roger Goodell, National Football League Commissioner
The NFL has been very stringent with their enforcement, the Las Vegas Raiders were fined $50,000 after allowing unauthorized personnel into the locker room. The league also fined 10 players who attended an event and failed to wear masks.
What’s in store for the National Football League?
The recent spike in cases pose some questions and concerns for the NFL moving forward. How will the league contain the spread of a virus? How will the new guidelines and penalties affect the outcome of the NFL season?
Moving on, further developments will be pivotal regarding the continuation of the 2020 NFL season. Stay tuned for more information as we keep you up to date with the latest NFL info here at Bleu.
