NFL players bash jersey-exchange bans amid pandemic
On the same day that ESPN's Paul Finebaum said "the college football season is slipping away" and a Dallas superintendent hinted there may be no high school football in Texas due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the NFL annoyed its players with interesting guidelines for a season still scheduled to kick off on Sept. 10.
As NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported, players won't be allowed to exchange jerseys following games due to strict social-distancing guidelines:
ESPN's Kevin Seifert added that coaches, as well as players who aren't likely to play, are "strongly encouraged" to wear masks, that team personnel will have temperatures checked upon their arrivals to stadiums, and that individuals cannot share drinks.
Banning athletes who spend hours playing a contact sport that involves tackling and breathing on each other touched a nerve with some players.
San Francisco 49ers defensive back Richard Sherman tweeted that the rule is "a perfect example of NFL thinking in a nutshell."
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson called the rule "damn silly."
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle had some questions:
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs assumed Pelissero was kidding:
As coronavirus cases continue to spike throughout much of the nation, players may have little to worry about regarding on-the-field restrictions by the time September comes around.
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