Michael Quinn

The NFL is colliding with a force that many other sports leagues have avoided so far for the most part. Covid-19 is breaching NFL teams at a considerable rate right now, granted they do not have a “bubble” like the NBA, NHL, and MLB. Nonetheless, NFL teams and players seem to be ignoring protocols set by the league, which is unacceptable with the commissioner. 

Most should know that it is a serious matter to follow Covid-19 protocols, but Commissioner Roger Goodell did not hold back on his stance on how serious he will be if they are broken. This comes in response to Titan’s players holding a workout outside of team facilities that has now led to a massive outbreak of Covid-19 within the organization, according to Turron Davenport of ESPN. Goodell put his foot down with no hesitation, stating in a memo that “protocol violations… will result in additional financial and competitive discipline, including the adjustment or loss of draft choices or even the forfeit of a game.” Goodell and league officials realize how significant this is if they wish to continue the season, even throwing forfeits out in the air, something that has never happened in the history of the NFL. 

Being just over a century old, an NFL game has never been deemed forfeited. With Goodell dropping the word “forfeit” around in wake of how teams are treating these protocols shows how consequential this subject is to the league. Coaches not properly wearing masks was the main factor until Titan’s players held a workout that has the potential to jeopardize the season. Given the recent outbreaks, now over the previous recorded 26 positive tests, it is vital that teams follow these protocols or suffer from the consequences set by the league.