New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins thinks the “honor system” with COVID-19 could put people at risk.

One of the big differences between the NBA and NFL regarding returning to play is that the NFL isn't going to be going into a bubble. That means teams aren't going to have as much control over their players and that when it comes to social distancing and trying to avoid COVID-19, they will be on their own to abide by safety protocols.

Jenkins, in an appearance on CNN (via Pro Football Talk), said he believes this “honor system” puts everyone at risk.

“We kinda end up being on this trust system. The honor system, where we just have to kind of hope that people are social distancing and things like that. And that puts all of us at risk … Not only us as players and who’s in the building, but when you go home to your families. I have parents who I don’t want to get sick.”

Jenkins also said that until there are universal protocols in place as a country that help ensures everyone's safety, he doesn't feel comfortable with the NFL starting the season as planned. He continued:

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“Until we get to the point where we have protocols in place and until we get to a place as a country where we feel safe doing it, we have to understand that football is a nonessential business and so we don’t need to do it. So the risk, you know, has to be really eliminated before we, before I would feel comfortable with going back.”

It's hard to imagine that the risks of the pandemic will be completely eliminated by the time the NFL season is set to start. So it will be interesting to see if Jenkins changes his mind as the season gets closer and there is more pressure to play. For now, though, the Saints safety does not think the protocols as they stand serve to adequately protect players, coaches and their families.