2020 NFL Off-Season Thread

[livid]

The problem is that people have been saying for almost 4 years now that it's not about the military or the flag so the idea that he continues to parrot that talking point, even after the past few days, suggests he's not really willing to listen. Never mind the fact that, insistence that people stand for the flag, is a gross misunderstanding of the freedoms his grandfathers fought for to begin with. 

I'm all for allowing people to change and learn from their mistakes. But his lesson should have happened way before today. 

[Lint]

There are literally thousands of pictures of him shaking hands with black athletes and he uses a stock photo..

[The Buscher]

And now text messages from Jake Fromm have surfaced in which he advocates making guns very expensive so that "only elite white people can get them".

So that's his career over before taking a single NFL snap.

[gunnar hendershow]

5 minutes ago, B-li Manning said:

And now text messages from Jake Fromm have surfaced in which he advocates making guns very expensive so that "only elite white people can get them".

So that's his career over before taking a single NFL snap.

Buffalo sure loves itself some racist QBs

[Meacon Keaton]

Let’s all just wait until the facts come out, because I just can’t imagine a white male from Georgia being racist.

[DMN in the House]

I'd be more inclined to believe Brees' apology was real and heart-felt if he didn't say things like 'I... can be a leader for the black community in this movement'. It's still incredibly tone-deaf after what just happened, IMO. Coupled with his history, not buying it, but it is what it is.

Very happy with Mark Davis' words on things. Following in his father's footsteps.

[ThrillhouseMAX]

Kinda sums up how I feel about it

[Lint]

 

[The Buscher]

Many of the top rated comments in that video serve to confirm what we already knew:  that most of the Trumpers who burned their jerseys and quit watching the NFL forever in 2017 came right back and learned nothing.

[RoHitman Reigns]

http://huffp.st/4a3hyXH

Goodell admitting the NFL messed up regarding the anthem protests. I didn't see this coming.

[Lint]

In response to this

[RoHitman Reigns]

Safe to say Bennett went off, read the thread. Hell read his twitter period. 

 

[The Buscher]

MyBookie has a prop bet out on whether or not Drew Brees kneels for the anthem in week 1.

Yes +300
No -700

[The Buscher]

Former Chargers WR Reche Caldwell shot and killed in Tampa.  He was 41.

[Lineker]

Here we go again...

[Lineker]

Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook no longer will participate in any team-related activities until and unless he receives what he determines to be a "reasonable" deal, a source said Monday.

The NFL and the NFL Players Association sent a planner to the 32 teams Sunday outlining procedures for the full reopening of their practice facilities, which were closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a lengthy four-part memo to the clubs written by commissioner Roger Goodell and approved by the NFLPA, the league described protocols focusing on screening, testing, infection prevention and treatment for COVID-19, including response for new infections. Also included were instructions on proper facility access; cleaning and disinfecting; physical distancing; hygiene, health education and medical services; food preparation; supplies; and team travel.

No timetable has been set for the return of most players to team complexes; only players rehabilitating injuries have been allowed to enter the buildings. But this is the next major step toward allowing all players back in club facilities.

A source tells ESPN's Dan Graziano that the NFLPA sent an email to its membership to clarify that players are not required to return to facilities yet, in spite of the league's memo regarding reopening procedures.

In addition, NFLPA president JC Tretter, in a tweet, urged players to be wary if told by the league or their teams to return to work. He advised players to check with himself or their player representatives for "accurate updates."

Goodell ordered all of those facilities closed in late March, and the league has taken small steps toward reopening them. Last week, coaching staffs were approved to return, but only if local governmental rules allowed it.

Goodell noted that the protocols for a full return were developed in consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Duke's Infection Control Network and other universities.

"No set of protocols can eliminate the risk of contracting COVID-19, nor ensure that the disease itself will be mild," Goodell wrote in the memo, which was obtained by ESPN and other media outlets. "And we should expect that these protocols will change as medical and scientific knowledge of the disease continues to grow. But we believe, along with the NFLPA, that these protocols offer a sound basis for bringing players back into the facilities and moving forward with our planning for the 2020 season."

Training camps are scheduled to begin in late July, with the first preseason game, Dallas vs. Pittsburgh in the Hall of Fame game, on Aug. 6. The NFL still plans to kick off the regular season in Kansas City on Sept. 10.

A tiered approach will be used within team facilities and must be presented to the league for approval at least seven days before the reporting date for training camp. Players, most coaches, trainers, physicians and the head equipment manager -- anyone who must have direct access to players -- will be in Tier 1, with a maximum of 60 in addition to the players. They will have access to such restricted areas as fields and sidelines, locker rooms, training rooms, medical exam areas, meeting rooms and weight rooms.

The second tier will consist of ownership representatives; facility staff; additional coaches and equipment personnel; the general manager and football operations employees; club communications staff; security personnel; and "certain NFL and NFLPA staff as needed.'' They will have limited access to restricted areas.

All of those people must undergo daily screening and testing before entering the complex.

In the third tier will be personnel who perform essential facility, stadium or event services but do not require close contact with Tier 1 individuals.

Everyone inside the facility must wear surgical masks that have to be replaced daily, or cloth masks that must be washed daily. Players are exempted only when such masks would interfere with performance.

A separate entrance to the facility for Tier 1 and Tier 2 members is required. If not available, a designated time for use of a single entrance is mandated, and that entrance must be cleaned and disinfected before and after use.

Physical distancing is another major challenge. To keep players at least 6 feet apart requires redesigning everything from locker, meeting and weight rooms to cafeterias. Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures will be mandatory. The NFL/NFLPA protocols suggest continued virtual meetings whenever possible.

Among taboos in the protocols is sharing drink bottles and towels, and buffet-style meals.

"Clubs will be required to certify that they have made the arrangements necessary to meet their obligations under these protocols,'' Goodell wrote, "and, in certain instances, to provide the details of those arrangements to be reviewed and confirmed by the jointly retained infectious disease experts at (Duke).''

Goodell promised more information and protocols relating to testing and treatment of anyone who tests positive or show symptoms of the coronavirus.

"These protocols are similarly being developed by joint medical task forces," he wrote, "and will reflect the most up-to-date developments in testing and treatment.''

[TCO]

I didn't realise there was a new caveat to holding out with the CBA. Previously if the player had to show up for the last 6 games and he's get an accrued season towards free agency. Obviously they'd forego their salary for that time and could be fined for missing camp/games, but it was a useful tool.

Now under the new CBA if the player doesn't show up to training camp, he automatically loses that season towards their free agency status. So if Dalvin Cook misses day 1 of training camp then the accrued season voids and he's a restricted free agent next year instead.

That's some serious bullshit.

[DMN in the House]

I can't fault any young RB who's out-played their rookie contract holding out. That team is going to use you up, hit you with a couple franchise tags, and you'll never make the money you deserve.

[Maxx]

6 hours ago, DMN said:

I can't fault any young RB who's out-played their rookie contract holding out. That team is going to use you up, hit you with a couple franchise tags, and you'll never make the money you deserve.

It’s a stretch to say Cook has.  3 years in and has yet to play a full 16 games.

[livid]

22 hours ago, TCO said:

I didn't realise there was a new caveat to holding out with the CBA. Previously if the player had to show up for the last 6 games and he's get an accrued season towards free agency. Obviously they'd forego their salary for that time and could be fined for missing camp/games, but it was a useful tool.

Now under the new CBA if the player doesn't show up to training camp, he automatically loses that season towards their free agency status. So if Dalvin Cook misses day 1 of training camp then the accrued season voids and he's a restricted free agent next year instead.

That's some serious bullshit.

They actually lose the accrued season if they're not there by the start of training camp so they wouldn't be eligible for unrestricted free agency or the franchise tag until a year after they normally would have. So in Cook's case, instead of being a UFA in 2021, it would be in 2022. 

Restricted free agents have very little leverage in the NFL. Because if the Vikings slap a 1st or 2nd rd tender on Cook whoever signs him (and the Vikings decline to match it) would have to give up that type of pick and that is likely not happening. 

But I also don't blame him for saying he's going to sit some things out until he has a contract because of COVID-19. Doesn't make sense to risk it if you don't have to. 

Edited June 9, 2020 by livid