This one is sure to raise a ton of eyebrows.
On Monday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that 13 NFL staffers and four players have tested postive for COVID-19, despite being vaccinated.
“Just this month, 13 NFL staffers and four players, including one of each this weekend, have tested positive for COVID despite being vaccinated, per sources. NFL and NFLPA have been in discussions to increase testing cadence for vaccinated staff and players as an extra precaution.”
“The NFL and the NFLPA are also at odds over the use of wristbands to identity unvaccinated players, per sources. The NFL is allowing clubs to to make players wear bright colored wristbands, which the NFLPA believes is unnecessary. Talks to continue.”
Last week, the NFL sent out a memo that threatened forfeits and the loss of game checks if an outbreak among unvaccinated players causes an unresolvable disruption in the regular-season schedule. The league has encouraged vaccination for players but has not required it, per an agreement with the NFL Players Association.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Unvaccinated players will be subject to severe protocols during training camp and the regular season, including daily testing, mask-wearing and travel restrictions.
A forfeit will be called in 2021 if all of the following circumstances occur:
• A game is postponed by requirement of government authorities or medical experts, or at the discretion of the commissioner, because of ongoing health concerns of an outbreak.
• The league can’t find a suitable date to reschedule within the 18-week framework of the regular season.
• The original postponement was caused by an outbreak among unvaccinated players of one team.
If the forfeit occurs, players from both teams will lose their game checks.
According to the memo, if an outbreak among vaccinated players causes the postponement of a game, the league “will attempt to minimize the competitive and economic burden on both participating teams.”
