The deadline for NFL players to opt-out of the 2020 season is on Thursday and Tre'Davious White, an All-Pro cornerback for the Buffalo Bills, is undecided. While he has yet to make a decision, White blasted fans who question player opt-outs this season.
“Crazy that me choosing my family’s wellbeing over a game comes with so called fans attacking and questioning me and saying I’m selfish,” White tweeted on Thursday morning. “No you guys are selfish for thinking that football is bigger than life. Oh by the way my girl’s grandfather passed from COVID. U understand now?”
At the time this article is being written, 61 players in the NFL have chosen to sit out the upcoming season. Bills' White has yet to make his final decision known as of now. Despite the players having to make a crucial decision, fans have criticized those that have elected to opt-out in 2020.
For whatever reason, fans may view NFL players as immune to COVID-19 due to the supreme athletes they are. Either that, or they just don't bother taking player safety into consideration. Some fans essentially see them as robots that are meant to entertain us. However, similar to everyone else, NFL players have families and children to worry about amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
As an illustration, Marquise Goodwin of the Philadelphia Eagles opted out due to the safety of his newborn child. Goodwin and his wife experienced multiple miscarriages before having their daughter. Therefore, the veteran wideout believes it is best to prevent any chance of putting his family at risk.
White has until 4 pm EST on Thursday to make a decision on playing for the Bills this season. Regardless of what White chooses to do, hopefully fans can respect his decision and understand the concern each player faces entering the 2020 campaign.