NFL Announces All Team Facilities Will Close Wednesday Evening
The NFL is in a tough situation right now. The 2020 NFL Draft is less than a month away, and teams are not able to go through the typical process of evaluating players, bringing them in for visits, and sending scouts arount he country due to coronavirus-related shutdowns.
Notably, some teams have chosen to keep their facilities open amid these fears. But this evening, the league sent out a memo to teams ordering that all official facilities must be closed by Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. ET.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to clubs tonight, saying all club facilities will close at 6 p.m. Wednesday, with limited exceptions, per sources. The league will reassess April 8 with advice from experts.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 25, 2020
So NFL teams, like many others, will now #stayathome.
If the NFL Draft ends up taking place as scheduled, this at least creates an even playing field in these unforeseen times. There are exceptions to this rule, including for essential personnel such as training staffs and security workers, but all team facilities will effectively be closed for business for all intents and purposes.
Here is the full memo, which concludes that the NFL is “well-positioned to meet these operational challenges as we prepare to offer our fans and the country an outstanding 2020 NFL season.” pic.twitter.com/y1gjDLV4Uw
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 25, 2020
The NFL was smart to make this move. This protects team employees while still allowing business to continue remotely. Teams are not able to visit with draft prospects as it is, and free agency has still gone smoothly enough without all players being able to travel. This closure lasts until April 8 at the earliest, giving the NFL about two weeks to determine whether or not the draft and associated events will be able to take place as scheduled.