NFL sets protocols for reopening of facilities
The NFL has set protocols for reopening team facilities and has told the 32 teams to have them in place by May 15.
In a memo sent by Commissioner Roger Goodell and obtained Wednesday night by the Associated Press, several phases of the protocols were laid out. The first phase to deal with the coronavirus pandemic would involve a limited number of nonplayer personnel, initially 50% of the nonplayer employees (up to a total of 75) on any single day, being approved to be at the facility. But state or local regulations could require a lower number.
The individual clubs would decide which employees could return to the facility and when once facilities reopen. No players would be permitted in the facility except to continue therapy and rehabilitation for injuries that was underway when facilities were ordered closed in late March by Goodell.
“While these protocols have been carefully developed and reflect best practices,” Goodell wrote, “they can also be adapted and supplemented to ensure compliance with any state and local public health requirements.”
Goodell noted that the league is actively working on the next phase of reopening, which will involve both more staffers, and players. He said the players’ union also is being consulted on these steps. Those protocols are not yet fully developed.
1 The Las Vegas Raiders signed freeagent linebacker Justin Phillips, whom they waived with an injury settlement after suffering a seasonending knee injury, and former 49ers offensive tackle Sam Young.
The Raiders also signed undrafted freeagent tackle Kamaal Seymour out of Rutgers.
Young enters his 12th season in the NFL. He played four games with San Francisco last season and also has played for Miami, Jacksonville, Buffalo and Dallas in his career.
1 The Tennessee Titans agreed to terms with cornerback Johnathan Joseph, a twotime Pro Bowl selection who spent the past nine seasons with the Houston Texans.
Soccer: Four Major League Soccer teams took the first small step toward returning to play by allowing players to use team training fields for individual workouts. Sporting Kansas City, Atlanta United, Orlando City and Inter Miami let players in for vigorously controlled voluntary workouts on the first day they were permitted by the league.
Nashville, Real Salt Lake, LAFC, Houston and Portland are among the league’s 26 teams that plan to start Thursday.
1 The Bundesliga is set to be the first major European men’s soccer league to resume play. The German league says it will restart May 15, but without fans.
Baseball: Fans will be allowed to enter stadiums for games in Taiwan for the first time this season beginning Friday, although they will be limited to 1,000 per game.
Obituary: William “Bill” Henneberry, a USF Hall of Famer and member of the Dons’ fabled 1951 football team, died at 89 on April 30. A native of San Francisco and a Sacred Heart High graduate, Henneberry backed up quarterback Ed Brown, defensive halfback Ollie Matson and linebacker Burl Toler.