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As the NFL and the NFL Players Association resolve various soccer-related problems in a pandemic, the question of when and how a player can unsubscribe remains unresolved. The league seems to be willing to allow it, but with clear and specific rules.
The WNBA has clear and specific rules, which has led the league MVP to be told that it cannot opt for the 2020 season, against their wishes.
Through John Barr and Sarah Spain of ESPN.com, a panel of doctors has denied Elena Delle Donne’s request to opt out. Delle Donne argues that this decision conflicts with the advice of her personal physician.
“The independent panel of doctors the league appointed to review high-risk cases has reported that I am not high-risk and that I should be allowed to play in the bubble,” Delle Donne said in a statement provided to ESPN.
Delle Donne said she wants to play, but her doctor has advised her that a chronic case of Lyme disease puts her at high risk of contracting COVID-19 and experiencing complications.
Obviously, she cannot be forced to play. However, you could be subject to increased financial penalties and consequences beyond simply waiving the 2020 base payout by refusing to play without qualifying for an opt-out. Washington Mystics general manager and head coach Mike Thibault told ESPN that “we have and will support Elena throughout this process.” That doesn’t address whether or not the mystics can waive the potential consequences if Delle Donne chooses not to participate when league procedures don’t allow it.
All of this is relevant to the NFL because, ultimately, similar procedures could apply to professional soccer players. And there could be professional soccer players who don’t want to play, even if the league-created mechanism tells them they can’t.
