Dr. Anthony Fauci says whether the NFL and college football seasons are playing this fall is “impossible to call” right now, and told Sports Illustrated “Jets Country” that the coronavirus pandemic status was The season is expected to start -off will be the determining factor.
Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been the face of the government’s handling of the coronavirus by the government. He recently told CNN that “it would be very difficult to see how you can play soccer this fall if the players weren’t quarantined or bubbled up.”
TRUMP LAUNCHES FAUCI’S EVALUATION OF THE NEXT SEASON OF THE NFL IN THE MIDST OF THE PANDEMIC
“This fall’s situation will be dictated by the dynamics of the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States,” Fauci told the sports website. “Optimally, I would like to see the level of infection drop dramatically and good control over any evidence of a resurgence. Again, league officials in consultation with the players will make their own decisions.”
Fauci said his original statements about the NFL season have been misinterpreted and out of context.
“NFL officials asked me about the risks associated with various scenarios that the NFL could face in the coming season,” Fauci said. “I provided advice from the point of view of public health. The final decision is not mine, but that of the NFL officials and the players themselves. “
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Fauci said it is ultimately not his decision whether the leagues should be opened, but when he offers his advice, he notes that the data is the main source of his views.
“I simply provide data-driven advice and science,” said Fauci. “I certainly don’t make the call about whether or not a league can come back.”
As of Monday, there are more than 2 million reported cases of coronavirus and 119,923 deaths reported. Several states, including Florida, Arizona, and Texas, have seen an increase in cases.
