J.C. Tretter, the NFLPA president and center of the Cleveland Browns, has expressed his concerns on playing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While Tretter has been vocal on his stance, the NFLPA has sent a warning to the league about putting player's safety and the regular season at risk.
The NFLs unwillingness to follow the recommendations of its own experts will put this season and the safety of all players at risk. This year must look differently if we hope to play a full season and crown a Super Bowl Champion. Read: https://t.co/lp7vFYFFjN
— JC Tretter (@JCTretter) July 7, 2020
In the article that Tretter wrote, he highlights that the NFLPA and the NFL formed a joint committee of doctors, trainers, and strength coaches. The committee was created to ensure the safety of the players in the upcoming season.
Even though the league is focused on having a training camp, they've agreed to some limitations. Those limitations included prohibiting teams from holding joint practices and having no fans in attendance.
Also, Tretter speaks about the increased chances that players face when it comes to injury. Back in 2011, during the NFL lockout, injuries saw an increase of 25 percent after players returned. Provided that, the joint committee has recommended that the league hold a 48-day training camp schedule. However, the NFL doesn't appear to be on board with the idea that was given to them by the committee.
On the contrary, the league is willing to reduce the preseason to two games while the NFLPA is pushing for zero. While the NFLPA understands that the preseason is used to evaluate rosters, they realize that having no preseason would prioritize player safety. At the same time, extending training camp would still give teams somewhat of a chance to evaluate players.
As of this moment, the NFL and NFLPA seem to be at odds on how to conduct the preseason and training camps. Until both sides come to a plausible agreement, the prospects of a safe regular season hang in the balance.
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