One league that has run into probably the fewest problems related to the coronavirus pandemic is the NFL. Due to it being the offseason, the NFL hasn't had to cancel any games — yet.Can the NFL actually start the season on time?
Sure, free agency has been been changed, OTAs have been cancelled and the NFL Draft is going virtual this year, but that's the extent of the league's current changes and cancellations.
According to heavy.com (who transcribed his comments on NFL Networks' NFL Total Access), Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank is surprisingly optimistic about the situation:
“I think that we will. That’s my personal view … I’m not a physician, I’m not a scientist and what have you, but I read and follow everything else. I know that it’s important, I think regardless of the sport — the sport’s important for lots of people for lots of reasons, not just the economics of it but to bring people together in a sense of community, sense of togetherness, et cetera, and a sense of purpose that they can join in together with.”
Blank makes it clear he doesn't have extensive knowledge because he's “not a physician” and “not a scientist.” However, he also points out that he's been reading and following the latest updates in the news and from government agencies.
And it seems like Blank is mixing his knowledge with how much he feels the world needs sports — not just for a distraction, but for things like community and especially the economy. Getting sports back would certainly mean a lot of jobs spared and money being circulated around.
The entire world has been rocked by the coronavirus pandemic. And that includes the world of sports. The NBA suspended its season, college basketball tournaments were cancelled and the MLB hasn't even started yet.
With that in mind, Blank seems to believe the NFL could be starting on time. Hopefully, he's right. Only if it can be done without any danger to the players and support staff and with the proper medical interventions available.
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