We are all chomping at the bit for some football. And while we are finally getting MLB and the NBA back in just a few days there are still major questions about if the NFL will return.
Issues in regards to player safety from the current COVID-19 pandemic have been put back at the center of the discussion with cases rising all ver the U.S. How the two sides will handle it is still seemingly very unclear and there is news today from NFL Network that all 32 team owners will meet via conference call on Friday (7/17) to discuss how to proceed. There is hope that some clarity will be given after this meeting, but unfortunately it looks like we are in for another go around like the situation we saw play out between the MLB and the MLBPA. Which personally made my sick.
The reality is there is not going to be fans in the stands at NFL games this year. If you think that there will be then good for you, but for those of us that live in reality we know that this is just not something that is possible. Teams are starting to report to camp in just a few weeks, and it is unclear if the league has set any sort of health and safety guidelines for their players what so ever. With the lack of fans in attendance NFL owners are poised to take an enormous hit financially. This impact will be felt by everyone involved with the NFL, especially the players. Television contract’s are massive but those alone will not be enough to cover every teams operating cost. As reported today the NFL and NFLPA are having separate discussions. One about finances and the other about players safety. The latter seems to be doable on the surface, but the financial discussion? Not so much. We will have to wait and see on Friday, but this could be the beginning of a very ugly battle between the two sides.