Las Vegas was set to be the place to be for NFL fans this offseason as not only is it the new home for the Raiders, but also the 2020 NFL Draft.
Now, as news surrounding the coronavirus worsens, things might be changing. The pandemic has slowly affected nearly all major sports and the world. The NBA, MLS and NHL are among the league’s to suspend play for the time being.
On Wednesday night, it was revealed that Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus. In response, the NBA started postponing games and eventually put the remainder of the season on hold.
Of course, the NFL is the only major American sports league in the offseason right now, but concern is growing over the upcominf draft. According to Raiders owner Mark Davis, every facet of the league and the city of Las Vegas are working together to devise a plan regarding the NFL Draft, via Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News:
“The league office, the players association and the city and the state are working together,” Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis said in a Wednesday phone interview. “They’re making a measured decision. Health and safety will always be No. 1.”
As with any professional sports draft, the NFL Draft, of course, involves the exchange of pleasantries and handshakes amongst the various players who hear their name called. That direct physical contact could be a potential health hazard, given the spread of the coronavirus.
Although the NBA’s season suspension is the biggest sporting news, other leagues had already begun playing without fans. While the entire country of Italy has had national changes due to coronavirus, soccer is still being played in the country despite no fans in attendance.
News in regard to the coronavirus has continued to surface surrounding other sports as well. Many expect the MLB, which has already begun Spring Training, to provide some measures for their players as well.
With so many other leagues altering their activities, it will be interesting to see what the NFL does. Davis shared his belief that the league will make the right decision in regard to future endeavors:
“They’ll make the correct decision,” Davis said. “They won’t put anyone in jeopardy over it.”
Luckily, the draft is still over one month away, giving the league some time to see how the situation develops.
