The NFL intends to conduct its annual draft as scheduled April 23-25, but has canceled all public aspects of the event in Las Vegas. The move was widely expected after the CDC recommended an end to all gatherings of more than 50 people for eight weeks and MGM Int'l shut down operations late yesterday. The Draft will be televised, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, but did not elaborate on other details. The NFL is "exploring innovative options for how the process will be conducted and will provide that information as it becomes available," according to the league's statement. Goodell called the decision a "disappointment," and said the league looks forward to bringing a future draft to Las Vegas. "This decision reflects our foremost priority -- the health and safety of all fans and citizens," Goodell said. In a simultaneous statement, Raiders Owner Mark Davis said, "Health and safety has always been our top priority, so despite it being a major disappointment, this was the right decision" (Ben Fischer, THE DAILY). In Las Vegas, Vincent Bonsignore notes the Draft was set to be the "first major NFL event in Las Vegas and the gateway to the Raiders inaugural season in their new city." It will be in Cleveland in '21 and K.C. in '23, but there is "no commitment for 2022, so Las Vegas could be back in play for that draft" given this year's cancellation (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 3/16).
RULES TO ABIDE BY: In Boston, Ben Volin noted the NFL league office on Friday "sent a memo to all 32 teams advising them that all pre-draft travel has been canceled, and that teams or individuals will be punished for violating the rules." This means that teams will "no longer be able to host 30 draft prospects on official visits to the team facilities." Team personnel are also "not allowed to travel to any location, including universities, to speak with prospects." The NFL will "allow teams to schedule up to three phone or video calls with draft prospects per week." The calls "cannot interfere with a prospect’s school schedule" (BOSTON GLOBE, 3/14).
