HBO's new "Hard Knocks" season centered around the Chargers and Rams premiered last night, and it "featured a heavy dose of the new reality for the NFL: testing, social distancing and questions," according to Emmanuel Morgan of the L.A. TIMES. The drama "started quickly," with Chargers coach Anthony Lynn entering a videoconference with players to tell them he had been infected with COVID-19. The Rams adjusted to the pandemic in part by "moving most of their facility outside." Cameras showed Rams coach Sean McVay and Dir of Football Operations Sophie Harlan "discussing how to configure desks and chairs for the tent early on." Cameras also showed players "getting tested, some acting calm while others clinched their faces as the swab entered their noses" (L.A. TIMES, 8/12). YAHOO SPORTS' Ryan Young noted there were "plenty of coronavirus protocols in place at training camps." Players were seen "getting tested and undergoing temperature checks and health questionnaires upon arrival at team facilities." Drink fridges "had foot handles on them to eliminate the need to touch the doors," and team meetings "looked extremely unusual with players spread out across a massive room." Players, coaches and staff "were seen putting on and taking off masks throughout the episode" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 8/11).
TO KNEEL OR NOT: SI.com's Nick Selbe notes cameras captured a group Zoom call in which several Chargers players talked about social justice issues with Ted Bunch of A Call to Men, which "deals with issues of manhood and preventing issues of violence against women and girls." On the call, Chargers LS Cole Mazza "expressed conflict over how to feel about kneeling for the national anthem, citing his family's military service." After Bunch clarified that "kneeling before the flag was a direct protest against police brutality and not about the military, other Chargers players offered their understanding of Mazza's perspective and supported him should he remain standing while others knelt" (SI.com, 8/12).
