NFL owners delay decision on 17-game season
NFL owners have delayed a decision on implementing a 17-game regular season for 2021.
During a teleconference call Wednesday that replaced the usual December gathering of owners in Dallas, they opted to push back any move on the expanded season until early in 2021. The NFL and the players’ union agreed during collective bargaining talks earlier this year to adding one regular-season game to the schedule, but not before next season.
“We had a lengthy discussion on this, obviously it’s an important decision for us,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said.
“We did not take any votes with respect to committing to do it. In the collective bargaining agreement, we have that right to do it.”
Goodell said a scheduling formula for a 17th game was approved unanimously, but did not immediately provide details.
“It obviously comes into play with respect with our future media arrangements that we obviously are contemplating,” he added. “We expect a decision will be made on that in the next several weeks.”
The length of the preseason would be reduced, as well, if a 17th match is added.
A SUPER HONOR
Nobody can say for sure how many fans will be allowed to attend Super Bowl 55, but health care workers will be among them.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said health care workers will be invited to the league’s championship game Feb. 7 at Raymond James Stadium as guests to “honor and thank” them for their “extraordinary service during the pandemic.”
In a letter to Rob Higgins, the executive director of the Super Bowl 55 Host Committee, Goodell outlined the plan to present to owners at a meeting that began Wednesday.
“We currently are discussing with public health officials our desire to invite vaccinated health care workers to the Super
Bowl as our guests,” Goodell wrote. “We know that over the past year, these frontline workers have put their own lives at risk to the benefit of society, and we owe them our ongoing gratitude.
“We also know they will remain essential in the months to come to treat those who are ill and administer vaccines. We hope that in some small way, this initiative will inspire our country and recognize these true American heroes as we look forward to a better and healthier year.”
Coincidentally, Tampa Bay Times sports columnist John Romano called on the commissioner to do this very thing in a column posted Tuesday on tampabay.com.