AsylumGuido

NFL: Teams will forfeit games that can't be rescheduled due to COVID-19 outbreaks among unvaccinated

The league is about to drop the hammer in 2021

Yes, the NFL was able to play a complete 2020 season despite a raging COVID-19 pandemic, but it wasn't pretty. There were several instances of teams violating protocol that led to outbreaks within clubs -- like the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens -- forcing the league to scramble in rescheduling games. At times, it was an unmitigated disaster that drew complaints from teams who felt they were being put at a competitive disadvantage if they were set to play an offending team, and the NFL is ready to remedy that for 2021, and in a big way.

The league has notified all 32 clubs that in the event a game can't be rescheduled due to a COVID-19 outbreak that stems from unvaccinated players, that team will forfeit that contest and a loss will be tagged to their record (their opponent will be awarded a win) -- CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones confirmed -- and it will impact playoff seeding. What's more is that the league isn't stopping there, but also making the offending team responsible for financial losses stemming from the canceled contest, and additionally it will be subject to direct punishment from commissioner Roger Goodell in addition to these two penalties.

"If a club cannot play due to a Covid spike in vaccinated individuals, we will attempt to minimize the competitive and economic burden on both participating teams," the league's front office said in the memo. "... Every club is obligated under the Constitution and Bylaws to have its team ready to play at the scheduled time and place. A failure to do so is deemed conduct detrimental. There is no right to postpone a game."

This is a complete about-face from the acquiescence by the NFL last season, and it's a huge push toward getting everyone in the league vaccinated. To that point, the memo also notes that vaccinated individuals who test positive and are asymptomatic can return to the team after two negative tests if they are 24 hours apart. Unvaccinated individuals, however, are still banned/isolated for 10 days.The message the league is sending each team is crystal clear at this point: if you want to compete for a Super Bowl in 2021 and without any added handicap, take vaccinations seriously.

Otherwise, deal with the potential fallout if COVID-19 strikes your roster by way of an unvaccinated person.

_____________________________________________________

Thankfully the Saints were one of the first three teams to reach 85% vaccination rate and should avoid this easily averted penalty.

20-0 Baby!

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill

neugey

Goodell also probably reserves the right to have the Ravens play on a Tuesday night if he's feeling frisky.

halloween 65

Or make Denver play without a qb.? again.

K Major

I may have missed it but what about the teams that have outbreaks among “vaccinated” players? Will they forfeit games also ?

AsylumGuido

No. Unvaccinated players have to sit out a minimum of ten days. Vaccinated players can return as soon as they test negative twice in a 24 hour period. I think the league will be far more willing to work with vaccinated players. This is specifically targeting the unvaccinated players.

The NFL knows its best chance of having a season go off with absolutely no hitches is for as many players as possible to be vaccinated. They are going to make life hell for those that refuse. Unvaccinated players will have to follow the full protocols and will not have access to several areas of the complex, including saunas, spas, and the cafeteria. Vaccinated players and staff will have full run of everything.

As a side note, I heard today that the count now stands at 16 for teams with 85% of their players vaccinated with at least one shot.

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill

OldMaid

Last year was last year.
Now,this year. Possibly another year of this.
No. NFL wants advertising dollars from games played on schedule. NFL wants bodies in the stadiums.
Vax is out .
Teams, players, staff, owners need to be serious about their health…hinhint, surroundings.
So let it be known to these guys, they might have to restrict their posse , Vegas days, strip clubs , etc.

SmashMouth

NFL does need to earn their contracts after all. They assuredly don't want to forfeit themselves those dollars they are so heavily counting on for salary cap and those excessive team valuations. Or maybe Roger can take a pay cut for a year or two.... you know... take one for the team!