The NFL has yet to be affected like other pro sports leagues when it comes to COVID-19, but as the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the nation that may soon change.
Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report shared Wednesday that NFL coaches are saying privately that they believe the owners meetings will be cancelled, and that the 2020 NFL Draft in Las Vegas will be held without fans in attendance.
Freeman also added that these coaches believe the decisions have already been made.
This comes on the heels of stunning news Wednesday that the NCAA Tournament will be held without fans, allowing only “essential” staff along with limited family members.
Additionally, the Golden State Warriors will be playing in an empty Chase Center for the foreseeable future following a proclamation by the city of San Francisco banning large gatherings of more than 1,000 people. Furthermore, the NBA is reportedly considering putting the entire season on hold amid the spread of COVID-19 in America.
All of this took place following the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring Wednesday morning that COVID-19 is now being officially classified as a pandemic. At this time, there are over 1,200 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States, up from below 500 on Sunday morning.