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Kansas City Chiefs starting right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif has canceled his contract before the next NFL season due to the current coronavirus pandemic.
The lineman wrote the following on Twitter:
“Given the global health crisis we are currently experiencing, the NFL and NFLPA have agreed on major health and safety protocols to protect players. I have no doubt in my opinion, the Chiefs medical staff has put together a robust plan to minimize The health risks associated with COVID-19, but some risks will remain.
This is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make, but I must follow my convictions and do what I think is right for me personally. That is why I have decided to take the League and NFLPA negotiated Exclusion Option and officially opt for the 2020 NFL season.
Being on the front line during this off-season has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it places on people in our healthcare system. I cannot afford to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport I love. If I’m going to take risks, I will take care of the patients.
I want to thank everyone at the Kansas City Chiefs organization for their support and understanding. “
Duvernay-Tardif had three years remaining on his contract. He was slated to earn a base salary of $ 2.75 million for the defending Super Bowl champions. The Quebec-born player was selected in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
In April, the medical school graduate began working at a long-term care facility in Quebec to help during the pandemic. On Friday, details of a plan agreed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association appeared on social media. A provision allowed players to choose not to participate in the upcoming season. High-risk individuals may choose not to receive and receive a stipend of $ 350,000, while those less exposed would receive a stipend of $ 150,000. Players can also choose not to participate later in the season, in case a family member becomes ill. Also, the player’s contract has tolls.
Kansas City, along with Houston, was the first team to show up for training camp because the two teams are slated to open the season on Thursday night soccer night on September 10.
