COVID-19 Prep Fumble –
NFL players are supposed to start reporting to training camp today, but safety protocols to protect players from contracting the novel coronavirus have not been solidified. The players are still waiting for answers on the environment at training camp, COVID-19 testing procedures and protocols, process if a player test positive and what happens contractually if they opt out of the season.
Yesterday a group of players coordinated a social media campaign to express their concerns and show that #WeWantToPlay. Top NFL players including Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints), DeAndre Hopkins (Arizona Cardinals), Malcolm Jenkins (New Orleans Saints), Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs), Richard Sherman (San Franciscos 49ers), JJ Watt (Houston Texans), Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) and dozens more went on Twitter to post their frustration and demand that the NFL do what’s best for the health and safety of them as well as their families.
As of July 17, the NFL Players Association says 65 players in the NFL are known to have tested positive for COVID-19.
Switch –
ESPN 300 cornerback Jordan Hancock announced his commitment to Ohio State on Sunday. The No. 102-ranked prospect from North Gwinnett High School outside of Atlanta decommitted from Clemson on July 14.
He joins the Buckeyes’ top ranked recruiting class which now has 16 ESPN 300 commitments, the most of any Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program.
Dream Not Supported
Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler, a Republican, and co-owner of the Atlanta Dream has expressed that she objects to the WNBA using its platform to create awareness for Black Lives Matter. Players are asking for her to be removed from ownership of the Dream. The WNBA is not forcing her to sell her interests in the team, but large brands including Sony and Target are reassessing future contributions to her campaign.
“Black Lives Matter. We are the women of the Atlanta Dream. We are women who support a movement. We are strong and we are fearless. We offer a voice to the voiceless. Our team is united in the Movement for Black Lives. It is not extreme to demand change after centuries of inequality. This is not a political statement. This is a statement of humanity. Black Lives Matter.”
— The players of the Atlanta Dream
Opening Day –
MLB is starting its shortened season this Thursday night. The reigning World Series champions the Washington Nationals will host the New York Yankees at 7 p.m EST. It will be different without fans and crowd noise being pumped in the parks for only 60 games, but baseball is back.
Here are the weekend matchups. Watch all games on ESPN or the ESPN app. Times are EST.
Thursday, July 23
• Yankees at Nationals, 7 p.m.
• Giants at Dodgers, 10 p.m.
Friday, July 24
• Braves at Mets, 4 p.m.
• Brewers at Cubs, 7 p.m.
• Angels at Athletics, 10 p.m.
Sunday, July 26
• Braves at Mets, 7 p.m.
• Giants at Dodgers, 10 p.m.
Game On,
Shavannia
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