While the NFL is telling everyone who will listen that the 2020 season is expected to be played as usual in the face of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, in full stadiums, the fact of the matter is that behind the scenes, the league is discussing plans that may alter the business-as-usual plan.
The Washington Post reported that a shortened season, as well as empty or partially-full stadiums is very much on the table. And commissioner Roger Goodell and league management is continually monitoring the situation.
All of this comes on the heels of Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reporting that Rams center Brian Allen recently became the first NFL player to test positive for the novel coronavirus.
Breaking news from @JayGlazer: Los Angeles Rams C Brian Allen is first NFL player to test positive for Covid-19. pic.twitter.com/pkGeD2GHJ2
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) April 16, 2020
According to the story in the Post:
“We look forward to the 2020 NFL season, and our guidelines and decisions will be guided by the latest advice from medical and public health officials, as well as current and future government regulations. We will continue to plan for the season and will be prepared to adjust as necessary, just as we have done with free agency, the draft, and now the offseason program.”
As of this writing, the NFL draft is going ahead on its originally-scheduled dates, beginning Thursday, April 23 and running through that Saturday. However, the league has moved the event to a virtual format, as opposed to the high-profile events planned in Las Vegas.
Mostly due to timing, the NFL, being in its offseason, has been effected the least of any of the major American sports. But if the virus continues to spread, the league may find itself exploring alternate plans, just as the other leagues have done by postponing their seasons.
