The best players in the NFL have spoken.
Training camp will begin at the end of the month, but many of the players are concerned that the league has yet to address players’ health and safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The rookies for the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs are set to report on Monday and rookies for other teams are due to report on Tuesday. Players from all teams are scheduled to perform before July 28.
NFLPA WANTS SAFETY ANSWERS BEFORE TRAINING CAMP
Super Bowl Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, New Orleans Saints interlocutor Drew Brees, Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson were among the players who spoke. on social media, and ended their posts with “#WeWantToPlay.”
These were some of the players’ reactions:
NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith and president JC Tretter addressed the union’s concerns in a 90-minute video conference call with journalists on Friday.
They want players to be tested daily for the virus. A joint committee of NFL and NFLPA-trained physicians, coaches and strength coaches recommended testing every other day.
NFLPA SAYS 72 POSITIVE TESTED PLAYERS FOR CORONAVIRUSES
Other pending issues include the number of preseason games. The league has planned to reduce the exhibition schedule from four games to two, while the union does not want any.
The players also wanted a 45-day acclimatization period to help avoid injury. The league asked them to report early, but the union declined. Questions remain about protections for players who want to opt out of playing.
All 32 teams have submitted their infectious disease Emergency Response to the union, which has been approved by joint infectious disease experts and NFL medical director Dr. Allen Sills, according to a person familiar with the details. The person, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the protocols have not been finalized, said the union approved several and continues to review them.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE AT FOXNEWS.COM
On Friday, the league sent players and teams an Education Protocol for the camp, which requires clubs to distribute joint educational materials and conduct educational sessions for players, staff, and family members.
Under the collective bargaining agreement, the NFL has the right to impose reporting dates, and teams can fine players who don’t report.
The NFLPA could file a complaint to argue that the league is not providing a safe work environment under the employment agreement.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
