Goodell says draft will go on
An NFL draft handled remotely because of the coronavirus pandemic is the latest twist to an event that has become as popular as any pro football happening short of the Super Bowl.
Commissioner Roger Goodell alerted NFL teams in a memo that the dates of this year’s draft would remain April 23-25. There has been chatter from franchises about wanting it pushed back, and Goodell threatened disciplinary action against any teams publicly criticizing the decision.
So next month’s draft, originally set for Las Vegas, will have a pretty much unadorned look. And with club facilities shut at least through April 8 and likely for much longer, Goodell told the teams: “All clubs should now be doing the necessary planning to conduct draft operations in a location outside of your facility, with a limited number of people present, and with sufficient technology resources to allow you to communicate internally, with other clubs, and with draft headquarters.
“Needless to say,” he added, “we will be prepared to adjust to changed circumstances in the next several weeks, including the prospect of clubs being able to resume even limited operations within their facilities.”
The draft will be televised and, given the scarcity of sports offerings, the ratings for this “selection meeting” could be impressive.
Ravens lose Brockers: The Baltimore Ravens won’t have Michael Brockers on their retooled defensive line after all.
Baltimore reached agreement on a three-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams free agent last week. But the deal was never sealed in part because Brockers could not take a physical at the team’s training facility due to restrictions in place surrounding the coronavirus.
The Ravens had concerns over a lingering ankle sprain after Brockers had a physical administered by an independent doctor.
No settlement could be reached. Brockers’ agent, Scott Casterline, then said that a tentative deal is in place for Brockers to return to the Rams.