Report: NFL Has No Plans To Push Back Start Of League Year, Despite Coronavirus Concerns Potentially Shutting Down Training Facilities
BOSTON (CBS) -- The NFL is obviously not in season, but teams are in the midst of an important part of their calendar as they send scouts and coaches around the country to scout players ahead of next month's draft.
That seems like it's going to be put on hold, though, as the NFL joins the rest of the nation's professional sports leagues trying to help limit the spread of coronavirus.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday morning that teams are discussion the possibility of shutting down their training facilities. If that happens, Schefter speculated that the NFL league year -- slated to begin next Wednesday, March 18 -- could get pushed back to a later date.
If NFL teams in fact shut down their training facilities, as many are now discussing, then it would be challenging at best to start the new league year next week, when buildings are closed and more pressing issues face their communities and this country. https://t.co/ReXxk5CZdH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2020
That would be significant news for a number of reasons, including the potential extension of the window of uncertainty regarding Tom Brady, who's been far and away the biggest offseason storyline the NFL has seen in years.
However, minutes later, multiple reports indicated that the NFL does not plan on moving back the start date of the league year.
NFL said it has "no plans to move the start of the league year."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2020
The NFL says it has no plans to move the start of the league year. Still on for next Wednesday, March 18.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2020
The situation, though, should be considered fluid. Teams are likely headed toward a temporary shutdown. On Thursday morning, the Washington Redskins became the first team to announce that it was suspending travel for all scouts and coaches.
"The health and safety of our staff and players is our number one priority and we feel that these are the necessary precautions given the current circumstances," owner Dan Snyder said.
Shortly thereafter, the Vikings also announced that they were ending travel for scouts and coaches.
Later, the Eagles announced that they were closing their facility, instructing staff to work from home.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 12, 2020
Later on Thursday, the NFL canceled its spring meetings.
New: pic.twitter.com/Jme2W77RYy
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) March 12, 2020
With scouts and coaches all over the country, other NFL teams are likely to follow suit once the league makes a universal decision.
The NFL's consideration comes amid major decisions in the sports world, from the NCAA restricting fans from March Madness, to the NBA and MLS suspending their seasons.