NEWSLETTER
The NFL and and NFLPA cleared an important hurdle in the quest to play football in the midst of a pandemic, agreeing on daily COVID-19 testing protocols.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero has the scoop:
The NFL and NFLPA agreed to daily COVID-19 testing for the first 2 weeks of camp, after which they’ll look at positivity rates. If the rate drops below 5% for players and Tier 1/Tier 2 individuals, they’ll move to every other day. Important deal as talks continue on other issues.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 20, 2020
One other point worth noting on daily testing: The NFL contracted with a national lab to make sure their testing needs didn’t take resources away from local markets, which Dr. Sills said was "a driving force for us." No negative impact on local supply for hospitals, etc.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 20, 2020
On Sunday, waves of star players (including Khalil Mack) used Twitter to express concerns regarding their health and safety as training camp approached. One day later, the NFL and NFLPA made daily testing a priority. Therefore, the goal of getting the ball rolling in time for training camp has been accomplished. And they clearly feel like this went well for them:
Our statement on Covid-19 testing procedures: pic.twitter.com/6mYF3aK0jm
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 20, 2020
This is what player empowerment looks like! And this is what it looks like when both sides work together to make something positive happen.
For more on the news of daily tests, NFL.com’s Judy Battista has additional details on what should be viewed as a significant step toward playing professional football in 2020.
There are still issues that need resolving on both sides. And that a chunk of those issues revolve around money could mean that coming to an agreement won’t be easy. But to get this one out of the way, and in short order, is a win for both sides.
