The NFL launched an investigation into the New England Patriots’ protocols and their compliance with league rules after quarterback Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, according to Pro Football Talk.
News broke on Saturday that the NFL would be investigating the Tennessee Titans’ protocols eight days following their first positive test (and after 18 positive tests amid). It’s unclear if the league will investigate the Kansas City Chiefs, who had practice-squad quarterback Jordan Ta’amu test positive for the novel coronavirus on Friday.
With more players and staffers contracting COVID-19, the NFL seems to be getting more vigilant about ensuring the teams are following the protocols, which are designed to keep players safe.
Here’s what PFT reported on the subject:
“There hadn’t even been (and still hasn’t been) a second positive in New England. Which makes it a bit strange, to say the least, that the NFL moved so quickly.
“It’s unclear whether the NFL also has launched an investigation in Kansas City regarding its single positive test, generated by practice-squad quarterback Jordan Ta’amu.”
This may not be a case of the NFL being out to get the Patriots, but rather the league getting more strict about protocols to ensure another outbreak doesn’t take place. But of course, the pandemic is ever-present. And it shouldn’t take an outbreak like the one taking place in Tennessee for the NFL to take COVID-19 seriously.
NFL sent another strongly-worded memo to team executives, GMs and HCs today, urging all to be in compliance with game-day protocols (wearing masks). “We will address lack of compliance with accountability measures that may include…suspensions and/or forfeiture of draft picks.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2020
Though if they were taking the novel coronavirus seriously, they might allow more time for players to quarantine after positive tests for both the Patriots and the Chiefs. Instead, the league will play the Patriots-Chiefs game on Monday night, even though roughly 20 Patriots players and staffers were in close contact Newton, according to Pro Football Talk.
