In comments that are likely to encounter a setback, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters in a conference call Thursday that the league is planning stadium games with fans this fall.
According to multiple media reports and social media accounts, Goodell also said that the training camps will open on time this summer, meaning all players will report to the camps before July 28.
Goodell said the plan is “to prepare for the games in our stadiums and to involve our fans both in the stadiums and through our media partners,” according to a report from the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport call. Measures such as seat covers and extensive testing are among the planned precautions.
Authorities early Thursday scoured the annual Hall of Fame game and the consecration ceremony. They are considering ditching some of the other preseason games, speeding up a move already underway as the league prepares to adopt a regular 17-game season and a shorter preseason.
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Compared to other leagues, the NFL has so far presented a brave front (of denial, some critics would accuse) amid COVID-19. The reality of the pandemic has changed in recent times, with national cases rising to their highest level since April and concerns about the restart of the NBA and Major League seasons.
Chief health adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci, testifying before Congress a few days ago, said it would be “very difficult to see how football is played” in 2020 given the high degree of physical contact on the field, among other factors. . (ESPN’s Darren Rovell tweeted Fauci’s comments again, framing him with the “hold my beer” meme.)
Malcolm Jenkins of the New Orleans Saints said Thursday on CNN (where he is now an official contributor) that NFL games should be considered “nonessential,” meaning they could stop until the threat from the virus subsides. Several NFL players, including notable ones like Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and members of the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos have tested positive for COVID-19 this month, as have other athletes. Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin revealed two positive tests for the players this week, but said they had not been to the team’s premises.
The league will need the consent of the NFL Players Association to follow through on its plans.
Several major university conferences, including the Big 10 and the Southeastern Conference, have said they are exploring playing soccer games at regular stadiums but with attendance limited to 20% of the normal level. Most other sports, from golf and tennis to hockey, basketball, and baseball, have chosen not to have fans for security reasons.
