The National Football League’s draft event in Las Vegas has been canceled due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, made the announcement March, 16.
How the NFL 2020 draft will proceed
In the statement announcing the decision, the NFL made it clear that the teams will still make select players on April 23 through April 25. However, the league added that it is looking into different ways of how to proceed with the draft and will make that information available as it develops. Furthermore, the draft process will be televised. The Cincinnati Bengals will have the privilege of selecting the number one overall pick.
“Our decision is a reflection of our priorities; the safety and health of our fans and citizens,” said Goodell. “While this decision is a disappointment to both the Las Vegas community and the NFL fans nationwide, we look forward to partnering with the City of Las Vegas, the Raiders, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority in the future for an NFL Draft. Likewise, we are looking into opportunities for other big NFL events in Las Vegas in the future; that includes the Super Bowl.”
The main stage for the 2020 NFL draft was to be located near The Caesars Forum convention center. The NFL also planned to construct a floating “red carpet” stage for draft picks and officials in front of the Bellagio’s fountain, with the players arriving at the stage by boat.
The announcement came just one day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised canceling any event with 50 or more people in attendance. The CDC advisory is effective for the next eight weeks, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Before closing the public draft event, the NFL also canceled its yearly league meetings, which were to take place in Palm Beach, Florida.
While the NFL joined the other major sports leagues last week in postponing events, it not revised its schedule of regular-season games. The regular season schedule begins in September. Currently, the NFL is on target for its normal off-season schedule; that includes the free agency period as well as initiating a new league year, beginning March, 18.
NFL teams suspending travel due to coronavirus
Quite a few NFL teams have suspended their pro day travel due to the concern surrounding COVID-19. The Washington Redskins were the first team to suspend all-pro day travel, including their scouts and coaches.
“Due to health and travel concerns surrounding coronavirus, we’ve told all of our coaches and scouts that they have to return to their homes and travel is suspended until further notice,” Redskins owner Dan Snyder said. “The health and safety of our players and staff is our number one concern and these are the necessary precautions considering the current circumstances.”
The Redskins will also be canceling the 30 pre-draft visitors to their training facility.
The following NFL teams also are suspending travel for their coaches and scouts:
- Arizona Cardinals
- Atlanta Falcons
- Baltimore Ravens
- Buffalo Bills
- Carolina Panthers
- Chicago Bears
- Cleveland Browns
- Detroit Lions
- Green Bay Packers
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Miami Dolphins
- Minnesota Vikings
- New York Giants
- New York Jets
- San Francisco 49ers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Chicago Bears and the Cleveland Browns also have directed most of their employees to work from home.
Likewise, the Cincinnati Bengals have asked employees to work from home, at least through March, 23.
The Denver Broncos are opening the option for all employees to work from home, until further notice.
The Atlanta Falcons, except for essential personnel, are closing their offices until March 27. Their offices will be deep cleaned over the weekend.
Philadelphia Eagles staff, with a few exceptions, will also work from home.
The Houston Texans are implementing measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. All staff will be able to work from home.
With a few exceptions, the Carolina Panthers have instructed their staff to work from home and are limiting travel for scouts and coaches until further notice.
Finally, the Pittsburgh Steelers are limiting commercial flights for scouts and coaches until further notice.
