A requirement that players take personal responsibility for their health during the COVID-19 pandemic is included in the collective bargaining agreement reached on Friday, according to NBC Sports.
Per the report, players would be barred from attending indoor nightclubs, indoor bars, indoor house parties with 15-plus people and indoor concerts. They also may not take part in indoor church services unless they are at 25 percent or less capacity.
Players also would not be allowed to attend other sporting events.
The rule for indoor bars would not apply to a player picking up food.
While it wasn’t clear how players would be monitored, they reportedly would be fined if found in violation. If a player tests positive after one of these activities, he also would forfeit pay for games missed and potentially void future guaranteed money.
The NFL Players Association team representative voted to approve the proposed changes on Friday.
“Our NFLPA Board of Representatives voted to adopt, by a count of 29-3, the proposed amendments to the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement to protect our players’ health, safety and financial well-being,” the board said in a press release.
According to multiple reports, the key agreements included maintaining the salary cap for 2020 at $198.2 million per team and setting the 2021 salary cap at a minimum of $175 million. If the league’s revenues are more than anticipated, the cap floor could rise.
In addition, the agreement allows teams to spread losses stemming from the coronavirus pandemic over four years starting in 2021, NFL Network reported.
ESPN said the teams also settled on an 80-man roster deadline of Aug. 16, before players practice in pads. Teams could have up to 90 players in camp if they split into two squads that train in separate facilities.
Other reported agreements include a $350,000 opt-out payment for players considered at high risk for COVID-19. Players without risk will receive a $150,000 stipend if they opt out..
Also, players who make a team’s final cut would get a $300,000 stipend if the season is canceled and no games are played. If the season is called off before the cut-down deadline, players who were on a team in 2019 would get $250,000, per ESPN.
Tuesday is the reporting date for 30 teams.
The Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs are due to start camp on Sunday because they will play earlier than other teams. They are scheduled to open the season on Sept. 10 in Kansas City, while the rest of the teams begin play on Sept. 13.
–Field Level Media
