The National Invitational Camp, the organization that operates the N.F.L.’s annual scouting combine, relaxed Covid-19 restrictions for draft prospects scheduled to attend next week’s event in Indianapolis amid fears of a potential boycott.
The N.I.C. distributed a memo Monday to prospects. reversed policies that would have severely limited players’ movement during the weeklong event, the biggest talent evaluation showcase ahead of the N.F.L. draft. More than 300 players are expected at the week-long event that begins next Tuesday. Prospects do not need to be vaccinated. They will only be tested for coronavirus symptoms.
Last year’s combine was canceled because of the pandemic and this year’s format, outlined in a memo last weekend, had called for a “bubble” environment where players would be sequestered to only “secure” locations throughout the combine venue while not performing medical examinations, on-field tests or interviews.
Performance evaluations, such as the 40-yard dash, bench pressing, and other drills, are just a few of those tests. Players often train months ahead for these drills. Players and their representatives refused to accept restrictions that would have allowed them only to interact with one medical support personnel member. They also wouldn’t be permitted to interact with their entire team of trainers and nutritionists, putting them at risk of being sent home.
According to a person familiar with the dispute who was not authorized to speak publicly, a group of agents representing more than 150 prospects were prepared to have their players withdraw from on-field workouts, the centerpiece of the N.F.L.’s prime time broadcast of the combine, in response to the restrictive bubble protocols.
The N.F.L. wrote to agents in a letter. Players Association signaled its support, calling the combine “antiquated” and said that it would back prospects who skipped the event if they felt they were being mistreated. (The union doesn’t yet represent players not employed by the league.
The N.I.C. The N.I.C.
The N.I.C. The N.I.C.
Source: NY Times
