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NFLPA’s DeMaurice Smith implores fans to wear masks if they want football this year

By Scott Rogust

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 30: DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association, speaks during an NFLPA press conference prior to Super Bowl XLVIII on January 30, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 30: DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of the National Football League Players Association, speaks during an NFLPA press conference prior to Super Bowl XLVIII on January 30, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images) /
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NFLPA boss DeMaurice Smith makes a call to fans who want football in 2020

In the coming weeks, the MLB, NBA, and NHL seasons will return to action. While it’s great news for fans in need of their sports fix, we can’t ignore the significant spikes in COVID-19 cases across the United States. If the trend continues, the upcoming NFL campaign will be in serious danger.

NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith used his time during a conference call on Friday to speak directly to football fans and to give them an ultimatum. If they want the 2020 season to start on time with no issues, then they have to wear a mask.

"“We’re at a point where what’s goof for this country is good for sports,” said Smith, via ProFootballTalk. “Nothing will bring fans back to stadiums quicker than the simple decision to wear a mask.”"

Wearing a mask is a very simple task

Smith stresses that wearing a mask is common sense. The scientific research proves that donning a face covering while out in public will significantly reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Unfortunately, wearing a mask has become politicized in the United States and thus created a divide in the country.

As of July 16, the United States has seen 72,045 new COVID-19 cases, which is up from 67,404 the day prior, according to the CDC.

The NFL had the advantage in coming up with a plan for the upcoming season, considering preseason doesn’t start until the end of July. But now, they’re scrambling just like MLB was over a month ago. They won’t have a bubble format like the NHL or NBA, where both are close contact sports. Playing football outside of a bubble and traveling across the country doesn’t seem like a  feasible plan for the NFL.

Trying to curb the spread of COVID-19 is pivotal right now, because a second wave is expected to occur in the fall and winter months. If the easy task of wearing a mask continues to be shot down by detractors, then a 2020 NFL season won’t be in the cards.

Related Story. NFL could have faceshields on helmets for 2020 season. light

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