The NFL and NBA announced new, stricter COVID-19 protocols following an outbreak among players in both professional sports leagues this week.
The new rules come after more than 100 NFL players — includingCleveland Browns quarterbackBaker Mayfield and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. — were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list this week according toCBS Sports.
The NFL plans to “implement preventative measures that have proven effective: masking regardless of vaccination status, remote or outdoor meetings, eliminating in-person meals, and no outside visitors while on team travel,” the league said ina statementon Thursday.
“We will continue to strongly encourage the booster shots as the most effective protection. Finally, and based on expert advice, we will adjust the return-to-participation requirements for those who have recovered from COVID-19,” the memo stated.
That same day, Mayfield blasted the NFL on Twitter over its handling ofthe crisis. “@NFL Make up your damn mind on protocols,” hetweetedThursday.
“Actually caring about player safety would mean delaying the game with this continuing at the rate it is….,” he added. “But to say you won’t test vaccinated players if they don’t have symptoms, then to pull this randomly. Doesn’t make any sense to me.”
Coronavirus COVID-19.getty
The NFL has yet to announce if they will reschedule any upcoming games,though sources toldNBC that was imminent. The NHLhas postponed gamesdue to a similar outbreak among players.
Meanwhile, the NBA has been forced to delay multiple games due to the surge.
NBA players — including Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook and Brooklyn Nets shooting guard James Harden — are currently in the league’s COVID safety protocols after possible exposure.
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The only players not subject to testing during this period will be those who have received their booster shot more than two weeks ago.
source: people.com
