AsylumGuido

I just heard some extremely promising news just now on XM's NFL Radio. The owners and the NFLPA have come to an agreement on how to progress toward the start of the season. The owners had wanted two preseason games, while the PA was aggressively pursuing the elimination of all the preseason games. The PA appears to have gotten its way meaning the had to have made concessions, as well. Also included is daily testing. The owners had proposed every other day. They said there are now rapid tests available that gives results in seven minutes. It seems possible that the PA agreed to place a percentage of player salaries in escrow to offset any hit to the 2021 cap due to the decrease in stadium revenues.

Another positive is that while several players have tested positive over the past few weeks almost all have been asymptomatic and it hasn't affected their training at all. News out of the NBA yesterday was another huge positive. Almost 400 players and staff were tested and there were no positive results whatsoever. MLB, NASCAR and the PGA are also running smoothly thus far with few serious issues.

Another subject that was raised was the impact of either the offensive or defensive play-caller testing positive during the season. Just like a positive tested player the coach would have to sit out two weeks. This is where the Saints have an advantage. Sean Payton has already had the virus and all signs point to immunity for those that had previously tested positive.

Also being mentioned are compliance bonuses for players following ALL protocols and fines for any that fail to follow those protocols. With daily testing and tight protocols the playing field itself may be the safest place for the players according to Dr. David Choa on NFL Radio yesterday. He said hotels, buses, airports and restaurants are far more likely to be areas of exposure than tackling, blocking and covering other players.

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

Rugby Saint II