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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sent out a memo this week to all 32 teams announcing that the NFL Draft will not be postponed and will go on as planned from April 23-25.
Commissioner Goodell sent out a memo to NFL teams tonight that the draft will go on April 23-25. pic.twitter.com/tYlHo3fKqC
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 26, 2020
“As you know, we have been reviewing and addressing all aspects of our off-season operations, including the Draft, in light of current public health conditions. Earlier today, the CEC discussed the issues relating to the Draft. The Committee was unanimous and unequivocal that the Draft should go forward as scheduled on April 23-25, 2020,” Goodell stated.
“Apart from the CEC, I have personally discussed the matter with other owners, club executives and coaches, and there is widespread support for the CEC’s conclusion.”
That last part is interesting to hear because there’s been quite a few anonymous “coaches and executives” speaking to media members about the decision. Goodell blatantly warned against public discussion, citing that speaking on the matter could be “grounds for disciplinary action.”
One coach told me that Goodell “is trying to silence critics.” The coach added more people in league want draft postponement than want draft to proceed as scheduled. https://t.co/aPmYYn8G3R
— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) March 27, 2020
When it comes to the fans, I’m sure this is some of the best news you could get at this moment in time. While it may cause issues in the future for the teams themselves (unknown health concerns, psychological concerns not revealed, etc.), I think we’re all in agreement that the more entertainment and news we can have during the next few months, the better. As someone who covers the NFL for a living, this is great news for my sanity.
But what are your opinions on the matter? Would you prefer the draft to be postponed or not?