Mills said Birds are serious about safety protocols
Deep down inside, the Eagles don’t know if the coronavirus safety protocol is extensive enough for them to play football this season.
Right now, the Eagles know what doesn’t work, having closely followed the COVID-19 outbreaks in Major League Baseball and the positive tests of three of their players, and head coach Doug Pederson.
Veteran defensive back Jalen Mills says the Philly training staff has been “very, very direct” about the ramifications of individuals who don’t follow the safety protocols, from the wearing of masks and social distancing to using only your own equipment and accessories.
“One outbreak could cost a lot,” Mills said on a Zoom conference Thursday. “They let us know how serious it is. You can see how serious our protocol is just getting into the building. I think guys off the top of their head, they know how serious this is just by walking in the building and then we have our beepers on us, as far as tracking us. Every protocol they have, you can see how serious it is.”
The beepers are GPS trackers set to warn users if they’re sitting together too closely, who they’ve been close to and other details. The data is scrutinized by medical staff and the infectious control officer.
The NFL can fine players up to $14,650 for violating the mask, social distancing and tracker requirements, the latter by not using it.
Players are expected to follow the same protocol away from the team facilities. The trackers only work in the complexes, though.
Once players are on their own, it’s going to be tough keeping tabs on them.
The league has threatened to fine players, coaches and medical staff up to one week’s pay if they walk into a nightclub, bar or other gathering without the proper protection and there are 10 or more people present and social distancing isn’t possible, according to reports.
The maximum penalty is a four-game suspension without pay.
Church attendance isn’t considered one of those risky areas.
“The protocol here is top of the line, for sure,” Mills said. “We went from going through the drive-through, can’t even get in to now, taking a test every day, you’re getting your temperature scanned. We’re getting a whole clean box of Lysol sprays, hand sanitizers, your own tissue, your own everything.
“Also, the beeper trackers, if something was to happen and somebody was to come down with it, they could track who that person was closest to throughout the day. They could give them an extra test just to let make sure they didn’t come down with anything.”
The Eagles have had one player opt out of playing this season – wide receiver Marquise Goodwin. He cited family over the job, fearing he might pass the virus to his wife and their infant child. His wife has had health issues. Goodwin gets a $150,000 stipend, which is an advance against his 2021 salary.
Players had until Thursday at 4 p.m. to opt out this season by giving written notice to the league and the team. There could more names added to the list of 63 players known to have given notice before the deadline.