By Peter Wexler
The Eagles aren’t due in training camp for another 13 days.
So that gives the league and its players a little more time to work out some important issues.
That would be terms for a return to work.
And players are requesting financial backing in case they decide to sit out the season.
Among the requests in the players’ recent proposal to the league, according to a source involved:
An opt-out clause for at-risk players to receive salary (but not bonuses) if they decide not to play.
An opt-out clause for players with at-risk families to earn an accrued season and benefits if they decide not to play.
An opt-out clause for players who leave the team after reporting (terms uncertain).
A $250,000 stipend guaranteed to all players if they show up to camp and everything is shut down because of COVID-19 concerns. That amount rises to $500,000 if the season starts, only to be shut down.
The definition of “at-risk” is part of the discussion, and procedures for applying for medical opt-outs are not yet finalized.
If a player is serving a suspension and the season gets canceled, the games unserved will not carry into the next season.
The league’s June 7 memo listed the following as considerations for high-risk individuals:
- African American, Hispanic or Pacific Islander
- BMI ≥ 28
- Sleep apnea
- Hypertension
- Altered immunity
- Diabetes mellitus
- Cardiac disease
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, players also want no salary in escrow for 2020 and no reduction in the 2021 salary cap, despite projected revenue loss, which they’d prefer to spread over multiple years. The league’s initial ask to place 35% of this year’s salaries in escrow is considered a nonstarter.
A source told Graziano that no further conversations between the NFL and NFLPA are scheduled for today after the two sides talked each of the past two days.
Several issues remain unresolved. Players want testing every day and no preseason games, while the league wants testing less frequently (such as every other day) and two preseason games. Upon returning to camp, players want a lengthy acclimation period before beginning full practices to avoid injuries and to get comfortable in the new working environment.
