Nonetheless, the superb, the most important for a violation of the protocols, got here because the league tries to maintain its season on observe amid a spike in infections that has unfold to no less than 4 groups. The choice to penalize the Titans got here three weeks after the league introduced stronger measures designed to decrease the chance of infections, together with utilizing video surveillance cameras in crew services to observe compliance with protocols that embrace the carrying of masks.
The league additionally mentioned that groups not in compliance with its guidelines may very well be fined, lose draft picks and even forfeit video games if their actions affected different groups.
The outbreak on the Titans had already led to the postponement by three weeks of their recreation towards the Pittsburgh Steelers, which was initially deliberate for Oct. 4.
With the variety of circumstances on the crew persevering with to develop, and the crew unable to satisfy in particular person to follow for almost two weeks, the league postponed the Titans matchup towards the Buffalo Payments, transferring it from a Sunday to a Tuesday.
The penalties and postponement usually are not the one scheduling issues the league has been pressured to sort out. The league postponed by a day, to Monday, the Week 4 New England-Kansas Metropolis recreation after it was revealed that Cam Newton, the Patriots’ star quarterback, and a Chiefs follow squad quarterback had examined constructive for the virus on Oct. 3. On Wednesday, Stephon Gilmore, one other Patriots star, examined constructive as effectively, calling into query the league’s resolution to permit the groups to play.
The league has not but taken the step of including an 18th week to the season to accommodate postponed video games. Neither is there any critical consideration but of shortening the season. As a substitute, the league will proceed to depend on juggling the present schedule, together with rescheduling video games by a day or two, to a Monday or a Tuesday, for instance.
The league has additionally fined coaches lots of of hundreds of {dollars} for failing to put on their face masks correctly throughout video games. The Las Vegas Raiders had been additionally fined $50,000 final week for permitting an unauthorized particular person of their locker room, doubtlessly exposing members of the crew. Ten Raiders had been fined as a lot as $30,000 this week for attending a crowded, indoor charity occasion and never carrying masks whereas there, violating native well being tips.
