Bucs Better Become Hermits Until 2021
July 26th, 2020
The NFL really is Big Brother now, at least for this season.
Leave it to a former successful labor lawyer to flush out the buried details in a labor contract. But Joe would expect nothing less from the astute eye and sharp mind of the creator, curator and overall guru of Pro Football Talk, the great Mike Florio.
As part of the deal to rework the CBA and get the NFL to agree not to slash the salary cap this year, players are now subjected to unprecedented Big Brother surveillance from NFL strongman Roger Goodell and his henchmen in the free agency era of the NFL.
Basically, the NFL has really become the No Fun League as its detractors have mocked it for decades.
In short, if a player is having any fun whatsoever and comes down with “The Sickness,” they can be penalized. Big time.
Per Florio, if a player is caught inside a bar or a club, unless they are picking up a to-go order, seen or reported to be among a crowd in their home or in anyone’s home, or just going to Mass, a synagogue or any place of worship, and later tests positive for “The Sickness,” their team could immediately fine or dock the player potentially millions of dollars, depending on how much they make.
Per multiple sources, the deal specifically prohibits players from engaging in certain behaviors this season. Players cannot attend indoor night clubs, indoor bars (except to pickup food), indoor house parties (with 15 or more people), indoor concerts, professional sporting events, or indoor church services that allow attendance above 25 percent of capacity.
Players can be fined for violating these rules. Moreover, if they test positive after engaging in prohibited activities, they will not be paid for the games they miss. Also, future guarantees in their contracts would be voided.
Wow! Joe isn’t even sure Govs. Gavin Newsome, Gretchen Whitmer, J.B. Pritzker or Andrew Cuomo forced their citizens to endure such draconian measures during state lockdowns for “The Sickness.”
And no “professional sporting events,” how ironic is that?
Imagine offsides-jumping, Lightning-trolling, belly-shirt-wearing, practice-hating, kicker-heckling, tree-grinding , non-contact-football-loving, chicken-wings-grilling, playing-time-squawking, TV-cooking-star, half-sack Swaggy Baker trying to live under these conditions.
You can’t even have a small bunch of people over to your house or go to someone else’s house, or fulfill your faith’s teachings without getting docked and maybe cut (in the offseason)? And if you get sick you could lose a million dollars or maybe your job?
Holy flurkingschmidt!
Not only is Joe unsure these rules can be enforced (who takes pictures of dudes in church?), but damn, don’t you know politicians somehow will use these restrictions as rallying cries to get votes.
The ban on guys attending any church service they desire won’t go over well in some circles.
Joe is almost eager to find out how many of these cats in the NFL get busted for breaking these rules. It’s going to happen. You just know it.
July 26th, 2020 at 12:06 pm
This was unexpected…or perhaps should have been expected given the amount of money involved. The NFLPA would have to have approved this, right?
July 26th, 2020 at 12:19 pm
Money involved. True. And the health of groups.
July 26th, 2020 at 12:30 pm
“ You can’t even have a small bunch of people over to your house or go to someone else’s house…”
Actually, you can. Joe, I’m willing to bet you never have 15 people over at your house at one time. That’s a LOT of people for one house. The only time this happens is with big house parties, not regular get-togethers. It’s hardly restrictive except for maybe Mike CMG Williams to the extent he might have to sleep on that lawn mattress.
July 26th, 2020 at 12:33 pm
I see nothing wrong with that if the government would have really locked down the country as they needed to months ago we would not be in this mess.
July 26th, 2020 at 12:39 pm
Swaggy Tree humper? I remember Albert Hainsworth stressin’ over all those distractions in the Tampa Bay area. You know,(ahem) beaches, boats, Mons Venus…stc. If a player can’t stay focused and committed to excellence he shouldn’t be on the roster. Note to Devin White: linebackers are permitted to hit the QB, so learn how. Buc fans would love to see you truck D. Brees. Let Jack Wagon Jameis come on in relief, and then drop into coverage for that sweet game winning pick6!
Go Bucs, beat them Aint’s. Time for the WhoDat’s to wear the paper bags again.
July 26th, 2020 at 12:44 pm
Pryda
I see it differently
If the government hadn’t shut down unnessescarily several months ago, we would have had almost exactly the same results, but by now we would also have herd immunity, and basically be done with it
July 26th, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Not surprising…better than a lockdown or quarintine of players. If one reads the news, they would have to understand that this is a serious situation, not getting better….and these are serious measures. And you can bet the league is taking them seriously…either doing things like these or a cancellation of the season. And no one wants that.
July 26th, 2020 at 12:47 pm
From the top to the bottom forgive all debts until the virus is no more. Capitalistic greedy schmucks run roughshod over sanity.
July 26th, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Many experts are saying herd immunity isn’t a likely outcome of this disease. And the hospitals are already full…. reducing measures to control it would only increase the overloading of HC system, and shortage of treatments.
July 26th, 2020 at 12:53 pm
gp….you are correct sir! pryda likes “big brother” to make him feel safe. He would have been a top notch informant (snitch) to the Stasi of E. Germany.
July 26th, 2020 at 1:08 pm
No half measures
July 26th, 2020 at 1:09 pm
I think we can agree on some things…1. the league and players have billions on the line to have a season this year. 2. They have access to the best medical minds on the planet. 3. They believe it necessary to implement these somewhat draconian measures to have some semblance of a season. QED.
Seems some think they know better based upon wherever they glean their information. Everyone has a right to their opinion. But unless they are among best and brightest in the medical field, I will trust in the decisions of the league and NFLPA as being in the best interest of the league and the players, for as I said before, they have access to the brightest and best. Everything else is questionably founded speculation, based upon something other than the state of the art in the field of medicine.
July 26th, 2020 at 1:13 pm
Ah yes, the JBF message boards. Universally known messaging haven for epidemiologist experts and anthropologist savants. I feel much more informed, thank you all for your valuable contributions!
July 26th, 2020 at 1:14 pm
Maybe at a rookie’s house or some backup. What is 15 people at Brady/Jeter’s place, one person for every two rooms?
July 26th, 2020 at 1:18 pm
Oh those poor millionaire players, how will they possibly endure?
July 26th, 2020 at 1:26 pm
GP
Where are you reading “herd immunity”. Everything I’ve read said there is absolutely no guarantee of herd immunity. There are now reports of people who had the disease once and then got it again. Reports of antibodies that give us herd immunity fading after just a few months,
Sweden did what the right wanted…they stayed open in hopes of saving their economy…not only did they end up with worse disease numbers than their neighbors who closed er down…there economic numbers were not appreciably better either as not enough people ventured out.
What a bunch of babies on the right. We’ve had this fight over seat belts and masks and other methods of self preservation before. When it comes down to FreeDUMB as a choice I’ll take a pass.
If everybody had shut down back when we should have and masked up we could have had tens of thousands of fewer deaths as borne out by the successful countries in the world.
July 26th, 2020 at 2:07 pm
This just in :
The masks have BEEN on for 6 weeks now here in Pasco and the daily numbers are still extremely high….
They keep telling us the masks are doing good….but the numbers suggest otherwise.
July 26th, 2020 at 2:09 pm
Adam Lakers Carolla:
Props for the “Stasi” blast. LOL
July 26th, 2020 at 2:10 pm
There is no reason to argue with keyboard experts. The only reason they argue this is because ….
1. The Government is Not going to tell them what to do.
2. They feel their rights are being trampled on or violated.
3. They Think they know more than the real Doctors and experts do.
July 26th, 2020 at 2:16 pm
Kind of funny that Joe is calling out the NFL for the exact SAME behavior he has been subjecting his readers to for years. Odd isn’t it?
[VERY odd. In fact, Joe can never remember telling people they can’t go to bars, can’t go to restaurants, can’t go to professional sporting events, cannot practice their religion, cannot host a party or attend a party. So yeah, it’s beyond odd, isn’t it? — Joe]
July 26th, 2020 at 2:19 pm
🤔
July 26th, 2020 at 2:22 pm
🤔
July 26th, 2020 at 2:45 pm
Its a legit concern for players returning to the football field that they may contract this virus. I don’t fault them for making decisions based on their personal situations. If they choose to sit out 2020 that’s their choice. Having said that I’m sure there are some knuckle heads that will take the year off and end up traveling and partying. Some will contract this virus because of what is considered risky behavior. In that case after having told the league they won’t play because they have a possibility of getting sick. To then knowingly engage in risky behavior while still under contract. There should be recourse for the teams.
I can understand why the league would want these restrictions. For active players it makes sense as well. I’m sure there are players that want to play as long as the risk is as minimal as possible. Who wants to share a locker room with a guy that just had a house party and is engaged is risky behavior. That player could infect other team members who are minimizing there risk of exposure.
July 26th, 2020 at 2:45 pm
1987…the laws haven’t been enforced..at least up to a week ago. Absolutely no charges for not wearing masks in all Pinellas county. You know just making a law, or claiming a disease will disappear because you are used to getting your way, isn’t going to accomplish anything regarding this disease…without actions being they preventive or dealing with enforcement.
July 26th, 2020 at 2:51 pm
… but can they burn down Portland, OR?
July 26th, 2020 at 3:01 pm
Buc1987 Says:
July 26th, 2020 at 2:07 pm
This just in :
The masks have BEEN on for 6 weeks now here in Pasco and the daily numbers are still extremely high….
They keep telling us the masks are doing good….but the numbers suggest otherwise.
———————————————————————-
Buc1987,
Please give us your interpretation of the data and what mitigation factors you think would help, if you think the masks are not helping? This way we can help all Pasconians.
July 26th, 2020 at 3:03 pm
“Big Brother” my arse. “1984” was not a choice it was a dictate. No one is forcing the players to do any of this. If the players don’t like it they can opt-out. Otherwise, they enter into the agreement with both eyes open, knowing full well what’s involved.
Sacrifices are being made by nearly everyone on the planet. I couldn’t give two spits about some damn-no going to the club tonight-rule.
July 26th, 2020 at 3:52 pm
Where did Joe reference this?
July 26th, 2020 at 3:52 pm
If Brady gets the virus it all doesn’t matter its over. Top ten 2021 draft pick for sure. They need to keep him in a bubble between games.
July 26th, 2020 at 3:56 pm
No, but the NFL is trying (see above).
The players are not being forced to do anything. They just better hope a) they don’t get sick, b) they don’t mind losing a chunk of their contract; and c) they don’t have any guaranteed money due from their contracts.
July 26th, 2020 at 5:53 pm
Joe Says:
July 26th, 2020 at 3:56 pm
“The players are not being forced to do anything. They just better hope a) they don’t get sick, b) they don’t mind losing a chunk of their contract; and c) they don’t have any guaranteed money due from their contracts.”
——–
Which would put them squarely in the footprints of many Americans.
July 26th, 2020 at 6:11 pm
I’m sorry but my son is in the Navy….fortunately in the reserves and just got back from active duty. There are young guys in the Navy sailing out for weeks on end with NO CONTACT.
Certainly the top paid guys effect the average but in 2017 that average salary was 2.7 million. Those Navy guys make a lot less for a lot more isolation.
July 26th, 2020 at 6:59 pm
This is one of your best info pieces in a long time, Joe, not to impugn your other work (though the stupid handles for players/personalities get old).
This is actually great news, too! The NFL is multi-billion dollar business and fans depend on it to get through crazy times. There is NOTHING wrong with imposing some stiff behavior and stiff fines. This is where military style discipline can save the day (BTW, the military has the same kind of rules imposed right now, without the the million dollar salaries and other perks).
This give the best chance for a full season; it gives the best chance for guys like D. Smith who are justifiably concerned can breathe easier…and perhaps play.
There will be plenty of guys that want it both ways, and they will hurt their teams and should pay stiffly–so as to be a deterrent to prevent bad behavior to start with.
Does this mean D. White’s big party in Missisippi is canceled? Hope so. That one was just asking for trouble.
Great read, again, Joe.
July 26th, 2020 at 7:17 pm
Glad the NFL is putting business before politics. Really hoping the players take this serious and we have a full season. Too much money for both players and owners for not trying to make this work. This is our shot and short window to make it to the big game. Both BA and Brady are under a time crunch with their age and health.
July 26th, 2020 at 7:25 pm
Pryda, while not perfect, the government at all levels has a responsibility to pass information on the virus, and do what they can to keep people safe…but that does not mean putting them in prison per se. The government can’t “make” anyone not spread the virus. It’s against the the law to drive drunk. Why? People die. But we don’t outlaw booze and cars. The govt’s done okay in that regard. Again, not perfect…people have to use their heads.
I could probably live just fine and never work another day. But probably 90% or more in the country are not like that. You can’t just shut everything down. People have to have good info, and make decisons to live their own lives. No one can take better care of me, than me. And no, it’s not my responsbility to pay more so other people can not work and stay home.
July 26th, 2020 at 8:02 pm
Wow! We can have a comment about masks in Pasco County not working, but any rebuttal is thrown into moderation and the comment is disallowed. As the Orange Man would say, “sad.” Sad is assuming everyone isn’t moderation. –Joe
July 26th, 2020 at 8:21 pm
“seen or reported to be among a crowd in their home or in anyone’s home, or just going to Mass, a synagogue or any place of worship”
Uh, no.
Constitutionally, they cannot do that.
July 26th, 2020 at 8:26 pm
Unfortunately, I live in Pasco on the water. Never seen a mask go by on anyone in a boat and some days, I have more than 100 boats go by my home. However, I will say at least 75 percent of boaters have a flag on it for our President. Luckily, I’ve been at my summer home for more than 2 weeks, so I am not subjected to these pinheads going by my house. No one on those boats is socially distancing. That’s why, Buc 1987, the numbers keep going up in Pasco.
July 26th, 2020 at 8:26 pm
Buc1987 Says
“The masks have BEEN on for 6 weeks now here in Pasco and the daily numbers are still extremely high…”
This just in: The masks are not being worn by everyone. They people crying over their rights are refusing to wear them. They’re spreading it.
Not to mention the beaches, bars and more. Remember, incubation periiods come with this thing.
July 26th, 2020 at 8:31 pm
I’ve been sticking to the Stay at Home stuff, and although we had a scare because a manager where my son works got infected, we self quarantined and got tested. All is fine.
I have not been to church in months. I miss it. But if I was a player and the NFL tried to fine me for going, I would sue in a heartbeat.
That said, I doubt many players get to go during the season anyway, since they play on the same days as church.
July 26th, 2020 at 8:42 pm
Lavante David is #100 on the top players list?
July 26th, 2020 at 8:46 pm
st pete
you’re politics are showing and it is sad. Sweden is doing fine…read the entire article, not just the headline. the fact is that if you’re presidential pick was in office, you (and many others) would be singing a different tune. PATHETIC and intellectually disingenuous. you’re better than that????
July 26th, 2020 at 9:05 pm
Constitutionally, the NFL is not a government and has a labor organization who’s members just agreed to allow it. So uh yeah, they CAN do that, and if a player doesn’t want to, they CAN opt out of this season.
July 26th, 2020 at 11:45 pm
Thanks Roy!
July 27th, 2020 at 12:51 am
@Buccaneer Bonzai
I saw that too! What kind of numbnuts make these lists? David at 100 is dumb, but what’s even more sad is that this is his first appearance on the list in four years?!? Just waiting on the Joe’s to give their two cents on this in an article before I start ranting.
July 27th, 2020 at 5:11 am
Roy,
The government doesnt outlaw booze because you drinking booze does not get me drunk or mess up my organs. The government does outlaw drinking and driving because you could possibly kill someone if you do. Thats why the government could make it mandatorty to wear a mask because of the potential of you getting someone else sick. Thats why they made it illegal to smoke in public places ie restaurants, planes etc. Because of the 2nd hand smoke. Its really not hard to understand or atleast it should not be.
July 27th, 2020 at 6:29 am
The 20-somethings are the root cause of the sickness going out of control which almost all NFL players fall in that category.
July 27th, 2020 at 6:50 am
The NFL is a business. Imagine the place where you work applying the same restrictions on you and your family.
July 27th, 2020 at 10:57 am
Oh how horrible, unnecessary and unconstitutional the NFL is being! Imagine, trying to have a season and imposing restrictions on risky behavior. An abomination!!!
Except for….”Eight more players and two coaches with the Miami Marlins have tested positive for COVID-19, as an outbreak has spread throughout their clubhouse and brought the total of cases in recent days to at least 14, sources familiar with the situation tell me”
Today’s news.
This is what I have been preaching here to largely deaf ears for weeks. The only way it will work with sports is the “bubble concept” that the NBA is trying. And, that will likely fail when some player with the same attitude as many here sneaks out to see his GF and gets it.
What odds do you give the Marlins chances are in a shortened season? About the same odds as the Bucs have having a full season this year.
As Pasco County goes so goes the season.
July 27th, 2020 at 11:03 am
And, has anyone watched the baseball games sans fans? I’m a big SF Giants fan and their games are unwatchable- -not because they are a bad team but fans are a more critical factor when watching on TV than I had thought.
It’s totally boring. A HR is about as exciting as a ground out. Canned sound may make it worse.
July 27th, 2020 at 11:40 am
@Webster…I think you miss the point. I don’t disagree with what you said.
First, I have no issue with a mask mandate. That is part of what I said above goverment can do to help make people safe. Just like I have no issue with the law against drinking and driving.
Here is what I said/meant: People violate any and all of the above and there’s a punishment. However, people are making the case to SHUT EVERYTHING DOWN as if it will make people not spread the virus.
July 27th, 2020 at 11:46 am
@Alvin…are people in those boats related? No need to social distance if you live with them anyway. Wasn’t sure what size of boat you are talking about. My family is in a boat and we stay away from anyone…far, far, far greater than six feet from anyone…not wearing a mask. That’s just stupidity. Sure, someone gets close, we get to a dock, etc. Masks are on.
Morons in some states have limited the size of people in private boats. Family of four…man, wife, two kids….only three allowed in a boat (arbitrary as can be), and they asked about it…was told one of the famiy had to be left off the trip…”maybe next time.” That is jacka$$ery with hair on it.
July 27th, 2020 at 2:12 pm
For Joe and the rest of you who are saying the NFL is stopping people from practicing their religion, just stop. Joe never wrote that. –Joe They are putting consequences in place to prevent people from gathering and last I checked, you don’t need to gather in a building to practice a religion. It may be how you like to practice your faith, but gathering is not a requirement.
July 27th, 2020 at 3:29 pm
Striking that participating in a ‘protest’ is not specifically listed.
July 27th, 2020 at 8:51 pm
is the shots against the governors supposed to be politically driven? what has cuomo done to restrict freedoms? wear a mask? yeah that was really a bad idea….it was the epicenter and now it isnt. come on joe, why you making this political? it is that reason we got into this mess