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The New Orleans Saints released a statement expressing their commitment to playing football this season, deeming it “too important” for the city to not have it take place.
“We are preparing to play and we are being very proactive in working with healthcare professionals, our medical staff and both the NBA and NFL,” the Saints statement read. “In addition, we are in constant contact with local and state government. When we return this season, our highest priority will be health and safety of our fans, staff, players and coaches. It is what we need to do and are doing relative to planning to play and we will be ready.
“And considering the economic and cultural significance of the Saints, we are working to do everything in our power to make it work. It’s too important for our city.”
The NFL has been gifted with the most time out of any major sport to deal with the effects of the novel coronavirus, given its long and hefty offseason. Yet it looks like multiple sports, no matter the window, will be impacted by this global pandemic.
That alone will force NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to pivot and make some concessions if games are to be held.
The regular season is slated to begin on Sept. 10, for the Saints and everyoen else, but there is no surefire clarity as to when it will be safe to step into the gridiron. Several experts have pointed to social distancing lasting for months and the ban on public gatherings is bound to last for a while.
The Saints and other NFL teams might want to play, but safety must come before revenue, even if it does deal a massive blow to their plans.
