NFL outlines 3-phase offseason
The NFL’s revised offseason program still includes a post-draft rookie minicamp, voluntary workouts and a mandatory minicamp next month despite the union’s objection to in-person activities due to COVID-19 concerns.
A memo sent to teams Wednesday outlined several changes to the offseason schedule that was agreed upon under the collective bargaining agreement last year.
The first phase of the offseason program was extended from two weeks to four from April 19 to May 14. Teams can hold up two hours of activity at their facility, but on-field drills will not be permitted and all meetings must be held virtually. Capacity limits for the facility and weight room remain in place.
During this first phase, the league plans to focus on educating players about the COVID-19 vaccine and making it available without jumping ahead of the general public. Players, coaches and staff will be encouraged to take the vaccine but it won’t be mandatory.
The second phase has been shortened from three weeks to one from May 17 to May 24. On-field drills will be permitted without contact but meetings will remain virtual.
The third phase remains four weeks and will run from May 24 to June 18. It includes 10 days of traditional OTAs at full speed without contact and players are required to attend minicamp. Meetings can be virtual or in-person.
The three-day post-draft rookie minicamp may be held on either the first or second weekend following the draft.
The league plans to continue discussions with the NFLPA regarding the offseason program.
One of the 22 women who have filed lawsuits accusing Texans QB Deshaun Watson of sexual assault and harassment dropped her case, at least for now, citing privacy and security concerns after some of the women were ordered to make their names public following court hearings last week. Houston police and the league are investigating the allegations, and Nike has suspended its endorsement contract with Watson . ... A lawyer and his 26-yearold client filed a criminal complaint with Pittsburgh police that All-Pro Rams DL Aaron Donald and others assaulted the man at a nightclub last weekend, causing multiple injuries.
Colleges: The NCAA Division I Council approved a change in transfer rules that will allow major college football and basketball players to transfer one time before graduating without being required to sit out a year of competition, according to reports. The one-time exception has been available to athletes in other sports for years . ... Arizona is expected to hire Gonzaga assistant Tommy Lloyd, 46, as its next men’s basketball coach, according to reports.
NBA: Joel Embiid had 39 points and 13 rebounds and the 76ers beat Nets 123-117 in an anticipated matchup that fizzled with the visitors missing stars James Harden, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge due to injuries or rest. With the win, the 76ers moved into first place in the Eastern Conference. The Nets are second.
NHL: The Capitals signed F Conor Sheary , 28, to a two-year, $3 million extension.
Soccer: As expected, players on the U.S. women’s team asked a federal appeals court to overturn a lower court decision throwing out their lawsuit seeking equal pay to the men’s team . ... Manchester City and Real Madrid advanced to the semifinals of the Champions League. Madrid next will next face Chelsea, while City will face Paris Saint-Germain.