NFL Notes: Training Camp, Revenue, Opt-Outs

Training Camp

• Ben Volin of the Boston Globe writes that while the report date to training camp remains July 28, which was collectively bargained to be 47 days before the first game, the NFLPA and NFL have agreed no teams can hold workouts with more than 20 players until they submit their Infectious Disease Emergency Response (IDER) plan.
• If a team hasn’t filed it’s IDER plan before players report, including rookies who are scheduled to report earlier than the official opening of camp, the NFLPA will file a grievance to shut down the camp and allow players to still report without violating their contracts. 
• So far only the Chiefs and Texans have submitted IDER plans, which need to be approved by both the NFL and NFLPA. 
• Volin notes the schedule for training camp is expected to include three days of testing and equipment fitting, 21 days of conditioning-only workouts, with workouts only allowed on on 12 of the 21 days), 10 days of non-contact practices, then finally 14 days of full-contact practices with 10 days of practice, two off days and two non-practice days.
• In this framework, players wouldn’t start tackling in practice until the end of August, which might make any discussions about having preseason games moot. 
• In response to the NFL trying to shorten the recommended acclimation period to accommodate two preseason games, a number of prominent players spoke out on social media expressing displeasure with the NFL’s approach. (Tom Pelissero)
• Unresolved issues between the two sides remain testing frequency, the number of preseason games, opt-outs, face shields, training camp structure and how to absorb any economic losses. (Mark Maske)
• The NFLPA wants daily testing for COVID-19, while the league has so far planned for every other day. Meanwhile, the NFLPA has pushed back on the idea of face shields. (Maske)
• All 32 NFL teams’ Infectious Disease Emergency Response (IDER) plans have been approved by the league’s chief medical officer, Allen Sills, and have been received by the NFLPA. (Mark Maske)

Revenue

• Ben Volin of the Boston Globe says according to the NFLPA, the NFL was projected to make $16.5 billion in revenue in 2020. 
• With the effects of the pandemic limiting or eliminating fan attendance, losses in revenue are projected to be about $4 billion, though Volin adds that could be offset if the NFL sells advertising in seats that are vacated. 

Opt-Outs

• Regarding the NFL allowing opt-out clauses for the 2020 season, Tom Pelissero reports that any player may choose to opt-out by August 1 with a written notice. 
• Ian Rapoport adds that opt-out clauses are “irrevocable” and teams will not be able to negotiate with that player. However, players who opt-out could still be traded in order to prevent holdouts masked as the clause.