It’s rare to see the NFL crack under public pressure.
Despite the pushback they constantly get, the league usually goes on with its policies.
But they made a significant change for the upcoming Scouting Combine, as the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero shared.
The bubble has burst: The Combine just informed players it has changed its policy and will now allow them outside of restricted areas next week in Indianapolis, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 21, 2022
His tweet reads, “The bubble has burst: The Combine just informed players it has changed its policy and will now allow them outside of restricted areas next week in Indianapolis, per sources.”
The league drew much flak for the original protocols they set for the Combine.
It was to be initially conducted in a bubble setup which prolongs the time to accomplish tests and drills.
That reality wasn’t lost among player agents and prospects who threatened to boycott the Combine.
It seems like the NFL cracked under the pressure and changed their policy.
After all, adjusting to stringent protocols after weeks of preparation for the Combine will affect the prospect’s performance.
Aside from allowing the aspirants to visit outside restricted areas, the NFL also reiterated that wearing masks is encouraged but not required.
Here’s the full text of the message that just went to players invited to next week’s Combine. pic.twitter.com/HnqeEfDumk
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 21, 2022
However, the league will still require masks during air travel and medical examinations.
The NFL also permits the players to leave secure areas during free time at their risk.
A Quick About-Face From The Playoffs
The loosening of protocols during the Combine keeps the league’s policy attuned to what they implemented during the playoffs.
The league did not facilitate testing during the postseason, which is also controversial in nature.
For the games that matter, the NFL did not want to lose key players who can increase television ratings.
Then suddenly, they reverted to the restrictions implemented during the regular season.
It’s not a good image if a league cannot have a singular policy on pressing matters.
That said, the NFL had no choice but to ease off COVID-19 protocols.
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