Things are changing quickly right now in the sports world as the coronavirus outbreak spreads. Wendesday is proof of that. At around 7 p.m. EST the Sixers tipped off their game against the Detroit Pistons. By around 10 p.m., the season was put on hold.
What Thursday will bring is unknown. Hopefully it is the continuation of more decisions being made that put the safety of the fans, the players and employees everywhere first.
What is beginning to seem more-and-more likely is that the NFL is about to begin making some major changes as well, and it wouldn't be surprising if the league is completely put on hold right before the start of free agency and into the coming weeks.
One of the reasons is the safety of their employees, as right now is one of the heaviest travel times of the year in the league. Lets use the Eagles as an example.
Currently, the Eagles' scouts are traveling the country to different colleges and Pro Days to work with draft prospects, changing cities almost daily. Throughout this month and into April the Eagles will be hosting at least 30 prospects. That means 30 players, who are also traveling the country right now to visit other teams, will be flying into Philadelphia, staying in a hotel and coming into the NovaCare Complex. Later this month, owner Jeffrey Lurie, head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Howie Roseman are scheduled to fly to Florida for the league meetings, and in April, the NFL will be holding their draft in Las Vegas.
That is a lot of travel, a lot of time on airplanes and lots of time in close quarters with people when so many businesses are telling their employees to work from home, canceling events and putting most things on hold.
Even though games aren't being played, the timing of this in some ways could not be worse. On Saturday the NFLPA is set to vote on the potential passing of the new CBA. On Monday the legal tampering period begins. On Wednesday the new league year starts.
As crazy as it sounds, this time next week the Eagles could have made a bunch of roster moves, handed out millions of dollars, made multiple trades and completely changed their roster. Or, they could be essentially quarantined with the league on hold. It wouldn't be surprising if it was the latter.
While leagues around the world are putting their respective sports on hold, limiting fan interactions and travel for their employees, the NFL is likely going to do the same very soon. The chances of the league meetings being held later this month in Florida seem slim. The draft, which last year had over 600,000 fans attend, will likely be altered in a major way, if not moved completely to an event fans can only watch on television. The pre-draft process could be altered as well.
It is no surprise that the Eagles, with Lurie at the helm, have already started making changes. Coaches are no longer traveling during the draft process and are instead working from the NovaCare. There are a number of reasons for that, some football related, but being extra cautious when they can be is one of them.
At a time when health officials are suggesting not to travel, all teams should be doing the same.
Unfortunately, any team that cuts back traveling or limits people coming into the practice facility will be at somewhat of a competitive disadvantage against the teams that don't. Like the NBA took the decision out of the hands of fans, it might only be a matter of time until the NFL does the same with teams around the league, pushing back the start of the league year, the start of free agency and the NFL Draft, giving all teams the chance to take a step back and focus on the safety of the employees instead of the start of free agency.
What will end up happening remains to be seen. But what is clear is that one way or another, this next week is going to be a crazy one for the Eagles.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
