The NFL covid outbreak in Tennessee has led to a stern response from the league. The NFL sent out a memo highlighting what might happen if coaches don’t wear masks.
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NFL Threatens To Pull Draft Picks From Teams Over COVID Masks https://t.co/LVDA7WLu6U
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 1, 2020
The NFL is trying desperately to continue the season among the Covid pandemic, but if coaches ignore the rules the season may be in jeopardy.
NFL Covid Outbreak Situation
The NFL managed to get through the first three weeks of the season with no positive cases among players. That number serves as a true testament to the tremendous job the NFL has done in containing the disease playing without a bubble.
However, this week several members of the Tennessee Titans tested positive for the covid virus.
Tennessee Titans have the NFL’s first COVID-19 outbreak. The NFL says three players and five other personnel have tested positive for coronavirus. The Titans played the Vikings in Minneapolis on Sunday and both teams have suspended in-person activities. https://t.co/JneJzte3Y2
— The Associated Press (@AP) September 29, 2020
This led to both the Titans and Vikings (the team the Titans played) to suspend all in-person activities for the time being.
The Titans and Steelers match-up has been postponed until maybe Monday or Tuesday.
After another positive test for the #Titans, bringing their total to 4 players who tested positive, and with their facility currently closed, their game vs. the #Steelers will now be played either Monday or Tuesday, rather than Sunday. The first COVID-19 schedule alteration.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 30, 2020
This is the first covid outbreak of the league and it remains to be seen whether more scheduling changes will have to be made if the disease isn’t managed.
Also read: NFL Game Postponed: Steelers-Titans to be televised nationally on Monday or Tuesday
NFL’s Response to Coaches Not Wearing Masks
The NFL has already set down a hardline when it comes to punishment over coaches not wearing masks during games. The NFL fined the coaches $100,000 and their respective teams an additional $250,000.
The coaches fined included Pete Carrol, Kyle Shanahan, and Vic Fangio.
The issue was thought to have been resolved but yet again the NFL spotted Kliff Kingsburry from the Cardinals without a mask. The NFL is tired of coaches ignoring covid protocol and has thus adopted a much sterner stance.
Therefore, the NFL has threatened to take away draft picks, increase fines, and even suspend coaches who are not wearing masks.
The NFL is done with being Mr. Nice Guy. If the league has to continue there needs to be incentive for coaches to follow the guidelines. Further, the job extends to players as well.
Derek Carr was seen at Darren Waller’s charity event in a bar without a mask. These kinds of actions put the season at risk. Players and coaches need to step and be responsible. The NFL recognizes that and has ensured it will not back off with regards to covid at all.
Also read: “I Know I Can Play Better”, Cam Newton Confident of himself after week 3 Performance against Raiders
