Titans will not lose picks over coronavirus lapses
The NFL could fine the Tennessee Titans for violations of coronavirus protocols cited in a review by the league and the NFL Players Association. But the league will not strip the team of draft picks; force it to forfeit games; or discipline Titans officials, coaches or players, according to a person familiar with the findings.
The NFL and NFLPA completed their review of the coronavirus outbreak in the Titans organization, in which 24 members have tested positive for the virus since Sept. 24. The team's training facility was closed for 11 days, and two games involving the Titans were rescheduled.
The review concluded that there were problems with the Titans' compliance with protocols requiring mask-wearing within the team facility, according to the person with knowledge of the findings. The review cites gatherings of individuals without masks in certain areas within the facility.
The review by the NFL and NFLPA also concludes there was "insufficient communication" by the team to players about gatherings and workouts away from the team facility, according to the person familiar with the findings. Some Titans players reportedly gathered for off-site workouts while the team's facility was closed during the outbreak. In other NFL news:
• The Carolina Panthers have closed their facility for the next two days after receiving an “unconfirmed” positive coronavirus test. The team said in a statement that “out of abundance of caution, players, coaches and staff inside the red line areas will work virtually Monday and Tuesday.
• The Tennessee Titans are going to have to finish this season without left tackle Taylor Lewan because of a torn right ACL suffered Sunday against the Texans.
• Two months after the Baltimore Ravens terminated Earl Thomas’ contract over what they called “personal conduct that has adversely affected” the team, the Pro Bowl safety’s anticipated grievance has been filed on his behalf by the NFL Players Association. Thomas was due a guaranteed $10 million in base salary this season before his Aug. 23 release. Oct. 12 marked 50 days since that date, the deadline by which players must file a grievance after a dispute arises.