The National Football League and the NFL Players’ Association are running out of precious time to set a number of important protocols ahead of the start of the 2020 season.
Some of those contentious points surround the economic impact of players choosing to opt-out of the season due to safety concerns over the rampant spread of the coronavirus.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler outlined the particular requests in the players’ proposal to the league, citing a source involved.
- An opt-out clause for at-risk players to receive salary (but not bonuses) if they decide not to play.
- An opt-out clause for players with at-risk families to earn an accrued season and benefits if they decide not to play.
- An opt-out clause for players who leave the team after reporting (terms uncertain).
- A $250,000 stipend guaranteed to all players if they show up to camp and everything is shut down because of COVID-19 concerns. That amount rises to $500,000 if the season starts, only to be shut down.
Training camps around the league are set to kick off on July 28, with many rookies and other select players ready to report a week earlier. The clock is now ticking with just under a week to iron out the details.
