LA Rams News: NFL-NFLPA agreement has some teeth in it too

So what’s forbidden?

The system is part honor-system. part monitored, part closed-feedback. How so?  The current protections in place do not sequester anyone. So players are free to make their choices, however risky, throughout training camp through the end of the season.  Making choices to skip face masks, ignore the 6-foot social distancing recommendation, or even to hang out in groups where nobody’s COVID-19 status has been determined.

The players and coaches are frequently tested to ensure persons do not inadvertently spread the disease to others. And the system is closed-feedback in that additional steps will be taken to address vulnerabilities You know what those are, right? Like the MLB plans that were tossed aside when players tested positive but games were played anyways.  Or players who went to a casino, only to return to the team hotel now infected by COVID-19.

Personal time still needs wise choices

For the most part, when players or coaches are on their personal time, it’s up to them whether they will follow the rules. But when they are at the team facility, the rules are strictly enforced. Rules like submitting to the required virus testing. And even when on “their time”, everything they do, right or wrong, will impact everyone else on the team eventually. So at the start of each day, everyone must submit to a new COVID-19 test.

Failing to do so will result in a $50K fine.  The fine for refusing to wear a mask, PPE (personal protective equipment), or maintain social distancing during team travel is fined, up to $14,650. Keep in mind, this is a “per incident” penalty. That means each failure to adhere becomes a little more costly until the maximum penalty per incident is reached.