Agents Organizing Boycott Of Combine Testing, Workouts & Interviews If Bubble Restrictions Aren’t Changed

Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that agents representing more than 150 draft prospects are organizing a boycott of all testing, on-field workouts and interviews at next month’s NFL scouting combine if heavy “bubble” restrictions aren’t changed.

Rapoport says that unless the NFL and the combine agree to ease those restrictions — allow players access to their full team of coaches, trainers, ATCs et al. as in past years — many of this year’s top prospects will only do medical evaluations.

On Saturday, the combine informed prospects that they are permitted to invite one “medical support person” that must be fully vaccinated. The combine would provide all meals and snacks and prospects would stay in a “bubble” environment with limited exceptions. 

Any players who violate the new policies would be disqualified from further participation and will be sent home.

The Combine also announced that they have revamped their workout schedule, which will begin on Tuesday, March 1 and include player measurements, bench press and on-field workouts during the same day.

Previously, the combine held measurements, bench press and on-field workouts were performed on separate days.

The NFLPA issued the following statement: 

“We have spoken to several agents to reinforce our long standing opposition to the NFL Scouting Combine and agree and support the decisions by those to not attend. The combination of the NFL’s proposed “bubble” and fact that we still have an antiquated system of every team doctor examining players and having them perform yet again needs serious modification or elimination. While we do not represent these players we have advocated for their rights to fair treatment.

“Our union has always encouraged players to take control of their careers from the very beginning and we appreciate that agents are looking at ways to support that goal.”

We’ll have more regarding the NFL Combine and potential changes as the news is available.