Post by britishbearfan on Jul 28, 2020 9:55:20 GMT -6
Whilst I believe people should be able to choose their own path without our judgment, I won't pretend to understand this decision. Even a cursory glance at the data reveals that young athletes are very low risk for COVID-19. That's not to say that playing in the NFL isn't a dangerous activity for the players - but its going to be approximately as dangerous this year as it is every other year.
If he was a 70-year old coach then I could understand the decision. But to me it seems like he is either drastically over-estimating the risk or has some other angle.
Other names of key NFL players opting out of the 2020 season are coming out now. My gut feeling is that the season won't be completed even if we do have a beginning of the season. By November I could very well see the league have to shutdown if teams are ravaged by the disease and struggling to put a full team on the field on gamedays.
The Covid-19 is really coming back now in states that didn't take the pandemic seriously. Today Florida set a new record for deaths in that state (single day record of death). Intensive care units are maxed out in a number of cities - no more beds available, yet the Covid-19 victims continue to come into the ER rooms. My daughter-in-law is an ER nurse in a major city... there's only so many medical people and bed space available. It's a big deal.
If a number of key players don't play this year I don't know how legit the season will be anyway. Even if the league limped to a Super Bowl (of sorts) I'd think there's gonna be a big asterisk along side the "winner" of that game anyway.
And it's not just about the death risk. We know people who have contracted the disease and are fine now. However, we know others who have suffered the after affects of the disease MONTHS after getting it and they STILL are suffering. It attacks the lungs and I can see how a professional athlete would be concerned about compromising their lungs permanently - obviously, that's a problem for a professional athlete. They may never again play at the level they used to play at. I understand why some may opt out and preserve their bodies for the rest of their career... in 2021 and beyond. It sucks. But I understand that this is their life, and their livelihood that provides for their families. Maybe sitting out this season isn't a bad idea for them. But I respect everyone's decision. It's a life and death decision. Football is just a game. There are more important things in life than a game.
Post by GrizzlyBear on Jul 28, 2020 13:07:18 GMT -6
Just cancel the entire season already. That way no team will have an unfair advantage.
As I've said before, back in 2004 the NHL season was canceled over a silly labor dispute. And we all got over it. Now the world is fighting the worst pandemic in a hundred years and Goodell is seriously thinking about going through w/ this? It's just not worth it.
They're all extremely wealthy and most likely won't be affected by the financial hit (if you can even call it that). They actually can afford to not go to work this fall and I'm convinced they'll be okay.
And I agree w/ you David. As much as I love Football, life and good health is more important than sports & entertainment.
Also, tell your daughter a BIG thank you for everything she does. God knows we need these heroes right now.
Whilst I believe people should be able to choose their own path without our judgment, I won't pretend to understand this decision. Even a cursory glance at the data reveals that young athletes are very low risk for COVID-19. That's not to say that playing in the NFL isn't a dangerous activity for the players - but its going to be approximately as dangerous this year as it is every other year.
If he was a 70-year old coach then I could understand the decision. But to me it seems like he is either drastically over-estimating the risk or has some other angle.
Disagree wholeheartedly. You're talking about a sport where guys do nothing but have close contact on every single play. Look at the Miami Marlins...who just had 14 guys test positive after a night out in Atlanta. Now...will they die? Maybe not, but the long term impact from this thing is scary, and if I were an athlete in a position to do it, I would not play this season. I just saw a study where 3/4's of people who got corona and recovered still have significant heart damage, despite being mostly healthy prior. And it's not just heart damage you have to worry about. It's lung damage, cognitive damage, weakness and coordination issues...you see where I'm going with this if you're an athlete?
These guys make their living based on what their bodies allow them to do...why risk your earning potential when a virus that should be avoidable is in play and the league doesn't seem to care. I wouldn't.
Whilst I believe people should be able to choose their own path without our judgment, I won't pretend to understand this decision. Even a cursory glance at the data reveals that young athletes are very low risk for COVID-19. That's not to say that playing in the NFL isn't a dangerous activity for the players - but its going to be approximately as dangerous this year as it is every other year.
If he was a 70-year old coach then I could understand the decision. But to me it seems like he is either drastically over-estimating the risk or has some other angle.
Disagree wholeheartedly. You're talking about a sport where guys do nothing but have close contact on every single play. Look at the Miami Marlins...who just had 14 guys test positive after a night out in Atlanta. Now...will they die? Maybe not, but the long term impact from this thing is scary, and if I were an athlete in a position to do it, I would not play this season. I just saw a study where 3/4's of people who got corona and recovered still have significant heart damage, despite being mostly healthy prior. And it's not just heart damage you have to worry about. It's lung damage, cognitive damage, weakness and coordination issues...you see where I'm going with this if you're an athlete?
These guys make their living based on what their bodies allow them to do...why risk your earning potential when a virus that should be avoidable is in play and the league doesn't seem to care. I wouldn't.
I understand there's no easy answer to this. No matter what a player chooses it sucks. But if some want to be careful and not gamble with their career and possibly even their life I understand that. I'd be tempted to sit it out this season and be healthy for next year and possibly save my future career. Why gamble? They could end up never being able to play at a high level again if the get Covid. And why do it just to satisfy the fans who want their football no matter what? Or the owners?
Whilst I believe people should be able to choose their own path without our judgment, I won't pretend to understand this decision. Even a cursory glance at the data reveals that young athletes are very low risk for COVID-19. That's not to say that playing in the NFL isn't a dangerous activity for the players - but its going to be approximately as dangerous this year as it is every other year.
If he was a 70-year old coach then I could understand the decision. But to me it seems like he is either drastically over-estimating the risk or has some other angle.
Disagree wholeheartedly. You're talking about a sport where guys do nothing but have close contact on every single play. Look at the Miami Marlins...who just had 14 guys test positive after a night out in Atlanta. Now...will they die? Maybe not, but the long term impact from this thing is scary, and if I were an athlete in a position to do it, I would not play this season. I just saw a study where 3/4's of people who got corona and recovered still have significant heart damage, despite being mostly healthy prior. And it's not just heart damage you have to worry about. It's lung damage, cognitive damage, weakness and coordination issues...you see where I'm going with this if you're an athlete?
These guys make their living based on what their bodies allow them to do...why risk your earning potential when a virus that should be avoidable is in play and the league doesn't seem to care. I wouldn't.
I have no problem with NFL players voluntarily "opting out" if they so chose. I'm all for individual liberty.
But let's not make them out to be some sort of bio-hero(s). They made a choice and are still well paid for doing so, that's cool. That's all it is.
I work every day with far more exposure risk than all of you here and all NFL players COMBINED and if I tried to "opt out", I would be immediately condemned as a traitor. And I'm at older and at higher risk.
Let me repeat: I have no problem with Goldman making a personal choice. That's all it is. He's a fat guy--young fat guy--who's at low risk of serious complications who is still being well paid to play it safe. That is all this is.