NFL training camps are set to get going here in about two weeks. At the very least, that’s what the league wants us to believe amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
We’ve already seen players in leadership positions push back against the NFL’s lack of safety protocols. An outspoken player is now pushing back against a report that his side is nearing an agreement with the NFL to start training camp on time.
Richard Sherman says the players have not agreed to anything regarding training camp, preseason
As you can see, the initial report from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport notes that “almost everything is done and agreed to except for number of preseason games and testing protocols.”
Sherman is not buying that. Given that the future Hall of Fame cornerback has been in a leadership position within the NFLPA, he’s definitely in the know here.
NFL cuts preseason in half, players dissent
After canceling the Hall of Fame Game between the Steelers and Cowboys, the NFL made the decision to cut preseason schedules from four games down to two for each team.
Though, the players don’t want to play a single preseason game next month. That makes sense in that they are meaningless games. Why risk injury and health to play games that don’t even count in the standings?
NFL COVID-19 testing protocols
The league is said to be setting up strict testing protocols as the virus continues to spread around the United States unchecked. Though, players have not necessarily taken a liking to this.
At the very least, they want to hear more before drawing a conclusion. Sherman seemed to double down on that Friday.
Testing is going to be extremely important for the NFL. We’ve seen issues in this regard around the baseball world as the 2020 MLB season prepares to start July 23. That can’t be the case when it comes to the NFL. Strict protocols must be in place before training camps open.