The NFL has released its guidelines for players to return to training facilities, and while the league claims that the protocols were created in concert with the union, NFLPA President JC Tretter told players on Twitter yesterday to be "wary of any updates or information about returning to work from the league or your team," according to Ken Belson of the N.Y. TIMES. Tretter said players were welcome to contact him for "accurate updates as we push for the safest possible return to work." The league's "lengthy memo was sent to team executives, general mangers, head coaches and trainers on Sunday." Execs and doctors from the league and the union have "worked together during the coronavirus pandemic, but Tretter's tweet suggested that the league may be pushing faster than the union to bring the players back." An NFL spokesperson said that the league and the union were "in agreement on the protocols" (N.Y. TIMES, 6/9). But the union contends that Sunday's memo to all teams establishing specific protocols was "sent without NFLPA approval." A message from the union sent to all players reads, "We advise that you stay home and stay safe during this time as we continue to work through return-to-work protocols to keep you safe" (NBCSPORTS.com, 6/8).
IN THE DETAILS: In L.A., Sam Farmer details the new protocols as such: "Everyone will wear masks. There will be dedicated entrances with automated doors for the exclusive use of players and coaches. Whenever possible, teams will conduct virtual meetings, and those that are in-person will take place outdoors in masks. 'High touch' surfaces will be professionally cleaned at least three times per day. There will be at least six feet of space between lockers." In addition, the rules issued yesterday "separated employees into three categories." Tier 1 includes "players, coaches, trainers and physicians." Tier 2 includes "owners, general managers, club facility staff, and public relations." Tier 3 "consists of individuals who perform essential facility, stadium, or event services but do not require close contact with Tier 1 individuals" (L.A. TIMES, 6/9).
LOCKER ROOM MAKEOVER: In K.C., Herbie Teope notes teams like the Chiefs are "responsible for reconfiguring their locker rooms to meet the league’s guidance of six feet of spacing between each locker." In a "normal year, the Chiefs would bring in extra lockers to the main locker room to accommodate their 90-player offseason roster" (K.C. STAR, 6/9).
HARD ROCK LIFE: In West Palm Beach, Hal Habib notes having lockers six feet apart "would require the Dolphins’ locker rooms to be reconfigured" both at their Baptist Health Training Facility in Davie and at Hard Rock Stadium. It is "unclear how much latitude might be given to clubs claiming that reconfiguring its locker room isn’t 'possible.'" The Dolphins, like other teams, "will have a major puzzle to solve for training camp, when 90 players are trying to make the team" (PALM BEACH POST, 6/9).
NO SUCH ISSUES: In Dallas, David Moore writes the idea of keeping lockers at least six feet apart is a "logistical nightmare for most NFL clubs," but the Cowboys "can make it work." The team's main locker room "currently houses 78 players," and there is a "back room, normally reserved for rookies in camp, that has an additional 27 lockers." The number in both "drops dramatically with 6 feet of space between players." But there are "another two rooms with a total of 100 lockers at the adjacent Ford Center for high school football," and there are "at least two other auxiliary rooms that can be used for additional lockers or to store and sanitize equipment between practices" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/9).
