NFL training camps scheduled to open this week
While leagues either had seasons interrupted (NBA, MLS, NHL) or starts postponed significantly (MLB) due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the NFL had the luxury of carrying on without a major disturbance.
Sure, April's draft went virtual — rather than being hosted in Las Vegas — offseason activities such as minicamps were not held and the preseason was cut in half, but the league still put out a 2020 schedule that would feature a full complement of games.
Training camps are set to open this week, with rookies reporting early this week and all players being at their respective camps by July 28.
However, there is nothing like waiting until the 11th hour when it comes to health and safety protocols for when players actually do arrive at their team facilities. That lack of progress — despite ample time to prepare — had players hitting up their social media accounts to voice their concerns Sunday. Players blitzed social media with the #WeWantToPlay hashtag, demanding the league clarify their health guidelines in the midst of a pandemic.
Of course, this begs the questions: What took so long? And could we really see a fall without football at all?
More controversy for Washington NFL team
In a further embarrassment for the Washington NFL team, as well as the league, The Washington Post published a report Thursday that 15 former female employees of the team said that they were sexually harassed while working for the club.
Paste BN Sports' Christine Brennan wrote that these types of allegations are nothing new for the Washington NFL team, representing a problem that goes back decades.
Team owner Daniel Snyder has vowed to change the culture of his organization after the damning allegations.
- Opinion: NFL can no longer have Daniel Snyder in its club
- Washington NFL team name change far from enough for Native activists
What else you need to know from the NFL
- Should the NFL delay the 2020 season? And wait until the country — which has handled the coronavirus pandemic poorly — gets a better handle on COVID-19.
- Where these 15 players stand after franchise tag deadline: Only two NFL players received extensions prior to Wednesday's deadline.
- 'I’m a Cowboy and couldn’t be happier': Dak Prescott didn't get a long-term deal from the Cowboys before the franchise tag deadline.
- Myles Garrett ready to be 'top dog': Garrett became the NFL's highest-paid defensive player, only raising the enormous expectations that Browns have for their defensive end.
- 'Madden' rating adjustor defends player ratings: It seems every player has a beef with their "Madden" ratings. Rating adjustor Clint Oldenburg explains this year's most controversial ratings.
Testing your NFL knowledge
Think you can name your favorite NFL team's all-time leading passer? Its top rusher? Or, the career leader in receiving yardage? Some of the names on these lists might just surprise you.
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