NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith has not been very pleased to see that NFL players continue to train together despite a recommendation sent over the past weekend by the guild, asking players to stop doing so.
During an interview with USA Today, Smith was specifically asked about the social media posts of Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, noting that “they are not in the best interests of player safety. “
“They are not in the best interest of protecting our players for training camps, and I don’t think they are in the best interest of the possibility of being able to celebrate a full season,” Smith told USA Today.
On June 20, Dr. Thom Mayer, NFLPA medical director, released a statement suggesting players avoid training with partners to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The statement was made after about 10 teams reported positive tests for coronavirus from at least one player, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
Despite the request, Brady and several of his new teammates with the Buccaneers, including tight end Rob Gronkowski, continued to train at a high school in Tampa, Florida, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Smith also discussed discussions in progress between the league and the guild about how positive coronavirus cases among players would be treated from a roster and benefits standpoint.
“I certainly understand how competitive our players are, I understand that,” Smith told USA Today. “But at the same time, we are in the process of trying to negotiate, we must negotiate with the player what happens if a player throws positive evidence during this season. Is that player going to the injured reserve list? Are they going to the injured list short-term? If you test positive for the virus after boot camp, is it a work-related condition? Are you covered under workers’ compensation? What benefits are you getting later on from getting COVID-19?
“All the things that the players wanted to do during the offseason will have a direct impact on how well we can negotiate protections for them once the campaign starts. We sent the guideline out because we thought it was in the best interest of their health and safety. Let’s just say that for some players who have coached, we’ve made sure they heard the message. “
The NFL maintains that training camps will start on time next month, with the league’s executive vice president and attorney general, Jeff Pash, noting last Thursday that “active discussions” are taking place about what will happen from that point.
The Hall of Fame Classic, the annual preseason opening game that was originally scheduled for August 8, has already been canceled by the Professional Football Hall of Fame. The NFL regular season is scheduled to start on September 10.
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