MLS players balance health history with virus risk

SEATTLE (AP) — Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Andy Rose needed to have a lot of conversations and make hard decisions when Major League Soccer first started moving toward returning to action with a tournament in Florida.

There were concerns about potentially exposing his young son and pregnant wife to the coronavirus. And as someone living with Type 1 diabetes, significant concerns about his own personal health.

“You’re trying to not read too much. There’s so much information out there,” Rose said.

“I checked in with my endocrinologist a couple weeks ago, we had a conversation. And then obviously going through this process of going to Orlando while my wife is pregnant. I’ve been in constant communication with our team doctor and he’s been amazing in terms of giving me updates.”

The majority of the league’s players will be taking part when the tournament starts next week.

For some like Rose, that will include balancing underlying health concerns with the opportunity to return to the field.

Rose had to decide whether to even play in Florida and, if so, how best to protect himself knowing diabetics have a higher risk of complications if they contract the coronavirus. That meant a lot of talks with doctors, his endocrinologist and infectious disease experts.

“Having all those conversation, given my health, given how seriously I take managing my diabetes on a daily basis, I came to the conclusion fairly early on even before Orlando was a go — this was still during negotiations -- that I would feel safe going,” Rose said.

MLS has said players can opt out of the tournament for various reasons.

Players who are deemed high risk have to be cleared by their primary care provider to participate. Some of those high-risk conditions include moderate to severe asthma, heart conditions, diabetes and being immunocompromised.