CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr. isn’t sure playing a season makes much sense this year.
Regardless of his trepidations, Beckham reported for training camp on time last week and is participating in all activities.
And if there was any question, the Browns posted a picture of Beckham working out Monday afternoon on their social media feeds.
Last month, Beckham questioned how and why the NFL can play during the COVID-19 pandemic that will keep most stadiums empty this fall.
In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, published Monday but conducted two weeks ago before the NFL and NFLPA agreement on health and safety protocols for the 2020 season, Beckham reiterated a point he made last month about playing during a pandemic during a YouTube conversation with Cam Newton.
“Obviously with everything that’s going on, it doesn’t make sense why we’re trying to do this,” Beckham told the publication. “I can understand basketball was already in the playoffs. Five-on-five basketball in an arena is going to be more intense than regular-season games. Hooping is different than playing an 11-on-11 contact sport where there’s 80 people in a locker room.
“Hooping is different than playing an eleven-on-eleven contact sport where there’s 80 people in a locker room.”
Beckham has never been afraid to speak his mind or voice his concerns, and he did just that in that interview.
“We’re not ready for football season,” Beckham said. “So why are we trying to push forward? It’s obviously for their money. And that bothers me because there’s always been this – and I hate saying it like that – but the owners’ [attitude is], ‘Oh we own you guys,’ and just kind of that unfairness going on that they don’t see us as human.
“I just feel like the season shouldn't happen and I'm prepared for it to not happen and I wouldn't mind not having it.”
The Browns have put extensive safety protocols in place at their training facility which head coach Kevin Stefanski referred to last week as “above and beyond” what is mandated by the league and NFLPA.
