NFL Stars Call out the League Via Twitter

The issues that exist between the NFL and its players over the league's handling of COVID-19 safety protocols have become well documented in recent weeks. Stories have emerged about the players' concern with what seems to be an overall lack of information on specific health protocols. With rookies preparing to report to training camps on Tuesday, some of the leagues' star veterans took to Twitter on Sunday to voice their concerns.

The NFL’s unwillingness to follow the recommendations of their own experts will jeopardize this season. The NFL needs to adjust if we hope to play a full season.
— Trent Brown (@Trent) July 19, 2020

Notable players such as Russel Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, and Richard Sherman came out on Sunday, criticizing the league still not having a clear plan for player safety. J.J. Watt probably gave the most detailed view in his tweet, citing how players have not been granted a full and proper training camp acclimation period and don't know if there will be daily testing and don't see how a positive test will be handled.

I am concerned.
My wife is pregnant.@NFL Training camp is about to start..

And there’s still No Clear Plan on Player Health & Family Safety. 🤷🏾

We want to play football but we also want to protect our loved ones. #WeWantToPlay
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) July 19, 2020

Watt also brought up a notion previously covered on Raider Maven about including an opt-out clause for those at higher risk or who have family members at higher risk. For all of those different topics to not yet be decided on or at the very least told to the players, it invites considerable concern considering that camps are just about to open.

Getting ready to report this week hoping the @NFL will come to agreement with the safe and right protocols so we can feel protected playing the sport we love #WeWantToPlay
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) July 19, 2020

Most of the other players' tweets offered similar sentiments. Wilson tweeted: "I am concerned. My wife is pregnant. @NFL Training camp is about to start. And there's still No Clear Plan on Player Health and Family Safety. We want to play Football but we also want to protect our loved ones. #WeWantToPlay.”

Once again in the interest of keeping everyone (players & fans) as informed as possible, here is an updated list of what we as players know and don’t know as the first group gets set to report to training camp tomorrow.#WeWantToPlay pic.twitter.com/xQcjs33zgM
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 19, 2020

Drew Brees tweeted: "We need Football! We need sports! We need hope! The NFL's unwillingness to follow the recommendations of their own medical experts will prevent that. If the NFL doesn't do their part to keep players healthy there is no football on 2020. It's that simple. Get it done @NFL."

The NFL has ignored the safety recommendations from the experts that THEY hired. We all love this game and want to go out and compete with our brothers. The NFL needs to provide a safe work environment for us to do that. #WeWantToPlay
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) July 19, 2020

One thing is evident: Players want to play. They don't want to have to sit out if they can help it, but for them, if the league isn't making an effort to hold up their end of the bargain, it'd be hard not to at least think that Football in 2020 will have a hard time getting off the ground.

We need Football! We need sports! We need hope! The NFL’s unwillingness to follow the recommendations of their own medical experts will prevent that. If the NFL doesn’t do their part to keep players healthy there is no football in 2020. It’s that simple. Get it done @NFL
— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) July 19, 2020

Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

Want the latest breaking Las Vegas Raiders news delivered straight to your email for FREE? Sign up for the DAILY Raiders Nation newsletter when you CLICK THE FOLLOW button on the main page. Don't miss any of the latest up to the second updates for your Las Vegas Raiders when you follow on Twitter @HondoCarpenter