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The NFL and NFLPA officially adopted the CDC's adjust COVID-19 guidelines on Tuesday, bringing forth some significant changes to the league's protocols. Among the marquee adjustments includes the amount of time a player needs to isolate themselves after a positive test, slashing the figure from 10 days to five. In addition to that change, Lindsay Jones reported that players will not be required to submit a negative test after their five days of isolation, rather the NFL will be expecting players to use the honor system when reporting symptoms.
There is no testing requirement for NFL players to be released from quarantine after five days, source confirms. So this will all hinge on players honestly reporting their symptoms after testing positive.
— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) December 28, 2021
Naturally, this aspect of the NFL's adjusted protocols has raised some significant concerns among fans, as it seems like an easily exploitable system especially ahead of the playoffs. The league's expectation that a player is going to willingly sideline themselves ahead of a crucial game is a bit far-fetched, and many expect players to take advantage of the lenient rule.
What could go wrong?
— herewegobrownies (@herewegobrowni2) December 28, 2021
Yeah, we're struggling to see how this could possibly backfire, too. Surely players would self-report themselves to the NFL rather than partake in a key game down the stretch of the season, right?
https://twitter.com/RandomMusings15/status/1475964676689309700?s=20
Honesty is the best policy, just ask Aaron Rodgers!
Some players used fake vaccination cards… But yeah let's rely on the players honesty…
— Isaac (@ikereyes31) December 28, 2021
Considering NFL players have already been busted for the use of fake vaccination cards, it's hard to imagine that they'll fess up to their symptoms when it's not required of them.
https://twitter.com/TylerRickyTynes/status/1475972406862925828?s=20
If the NFL thinks the honor system is going to help them combat the spread of COVID-19, they have another thing coming.
creating an honor code for a sport where players lie about injuries just to get back on the field seems like a genius idea https://t.co/nila9fQiQx
— Joe Ali (@JoeAli) December 28, 2021
Players downplaying or flat-out lying about injuries in order to get back on the field is not an uncommon occurrence in the league, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the same occur in instances like this, where it will be far easier to get away with it.
