NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith isnt happy to see NFL players continue to work out together regardless of a union advisory sent last weekend stating they need to stop doing so.
During an interview with USA Today, Smith was specifically inquired about social media posts from workouts by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and stated they arent acting “in the very best interest of gamer security.”
” Theyre not in the best interest of safeguarding our players heading into training school, and I do not think they are in the best interest of us making it through a whole season,” Smith told USA Today.
2 RelatedOn June 20, Dr. Thom Mayer, the NFLPAs medical director, provided a statement recommending gamers to prevent working out with teammates to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The declaration was made after around 10 groups reported favorable coronavirus tests for at least one player, a source informed ESPNs Jeremy Fowler.
In spite of the advisory, Brady and several of his brand-new Buccaneers colleagues, including tight end Rob Gronkowski, continued to hold exercises at a Tampa, Florida, high school, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Smith also addressed ongoing talks between the league and union over how positive coronavirus cases among players will be managed from a roster and benefits perspective.
” I certainly understand how competitive our players are, and I get that,” Smith informed USA Today. “But at the exact same time, we are in the process of attempting to negotiate, we have to negotiate with the league about what occurs to a gamer if they test positive throughout the season. Does that gamer go on injured reserve?
” All of the things that players might desire to do throughout the offseason have a direct influence on how well we can negotiate protections for them once the season begins. Since we believe that was in their finest health and safety interests, we sent out the guidance. Lets simply say for some of the players who have actually practiced, weve made sure that theyve heard the message.”
The NFL maintains that training camps will begin on time late next month, with league executive vice president/general counsel Jeff Pash stating Thursday that “active discussions” are ongoing about what will happen after that point.
The Hall of Fame Game, the leagues annual preseason opener that was originally set up for Aug. 8, has already been canceled by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The NFL regular season is slated to start Sept. 10.
” I definitely comprehend how competitive our players are, and I get that,” Smith informed USA Today. “But at the exact same time, we are in the process of trying to work out, we have to work out with the league about what happens to a gamer if they check positive during the season. Lets just state for some of the gamers who have actually practiced, weve made sure that theyve heard the message.”
