NFL Wideout, Odell Beckham Jr., expressed his concerns this morning by saying, "We're not ready for football season. So why are we trying to push forward?".
I totally understand Odell, the NFL is dead last in terms of providing the players with a satisfactory plan for helping them stay safe during the pandemic. What's frustrating about it is that the NFL has had the most time to prepare. As a professional sports organization, the NFL has had the most time in between playing that they should have a solid COVID-19 plan for returning to play. I feel like they've been ignoring the virus and this whole situation form the start. As a result of their lack of planning, all preseason games have been canceled along with rookie minicamps and OTAs.
Many players agree with Odell that the NFL shouldn't have a season and those players have opted out as a result. As of today, 44 NFL players have opted out. In terms of player safety, there is much more at risk than any other sport. With full padded practices starting August 17th, there will be 80 players coming in close contact with each other, not to mention the coaching and medical staff as well. Due to the nature of the sport, there is a much greater risk for exposure and the players seem to be the only ones aware of that. The NFL has said they are committed to keeping the players and coaches safe but then again it's a business and the NFL is gonna do everything they can to play a full season.
Odell also expressed how he thinks the owner of the teams see the players as just a way to make money and that "they don't see us as human". Again, I get it man...the owners control everything regarding the team and a player can feel undervalued and underappreciated. Looking forward, I don't think Odell will opt out of the upcoming season. However, I'm curious to see how many other players will. The regular season is set to begin September 10th so we'll see just how many of our favorite players are strapping up their pads for game day.
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