Discussions around the 2020 NFL season remain ongoing. The players union and league continue to have negotiations on how teams will finally report for training camp and begin preparations for live-action. The Chicago Bears are eagerly awaiting this announcement whenever it comes. Hopefully soon. Yet there is one major elephant in the room fans have avoided talking about.
The possibility that certain players may not wish to take the risk of COVID-19 exposure by suiting up this season. It’s already happening in other sports. Two-time NBA All-Star Victor Oladipo chose not to attend the NBA restart down in Orlando. Former MVP Buster Posey informed the San Francisco Giants that he too was opting out in the MLB. It’s not hard to think NFL players would soon follow suit.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Donovan Smith is one who appears headed that direction. He cited uncertainty about safety protocols that could put his first child at risk.
“Risking my health as well as my family’s health does not seem like a risk worth taking,” said Smith, 27, a five-year starter at left tackle for the Bucs. “With my first child due in 3 weeks, I can’t help but think about how will I be able to go to work and take proper precautions around 80+ people every day to then go home to be with my newborn daughter. How can a sport that requires physical contact on every snap and transferal of all types of bodily fluid EVERY SINGLE PLAY practice safe social distancing? How can I make sure I don’t bring COVID-19 back to my household?”
Chicago Bears players are wrestling with this same dilemma
Fans may not like hearing it, but facts are facts. Bears players too are asking themselves the same questions as Smith. Is putting themselves and family members at risk of COVID-19 exposure worth it? For many, the answer will be yes. Both for the millions of dollars they’re making and the love of the game. However, not everybody will likely fall into that category. There is a legitimate chance the team could end up seeing certain guys deciding to stay home.
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The terrifying part is whether that ends up being somebody important. Somebody they can’t afford to lose like an Allen Robinson or a Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Jackson, or Kyle Fuller. Losing any of them would be a crippling blow to the team’s hopes for making the playoffs. Especially given the uncertainty at quarterback.
This is an eventuality people should brace themselves for.
