HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 01: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks with the media during a press conference for Super Bowl 51 at the George R. Brown Convention Center on February 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas.
After disputes regarding the postponement of the NFL Draft by the general managers’ subcommittee due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the league office confirmed Tuesday that the draft would be go on as scheduled from April 23-25 with all teams drafting from their respective homes. The NFL is taking precautions when it comes to technology mishaps by installing safeguards to assure teams that picks or trades won’t be jeopardized in the case of a technological error.
League sources said there will be several tests of the NFL’s system prior to April 23. One aspect will include a conference call with all 32 teams that will be operational throughout the draft. This ensures that general managers will be able to announce a trade or draft pick through their landline if there internet connection is interrupted. The other option allows for transactions and draft selections to be sent via email.
CORONAVIRUS FAQ: WIKI OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The NFL will reportedly be more lenient with time constraints, especially if a technological problem is delaying a team’s draft process. Also, the league will be informed if two teams would like to make a trade and work with them to ensure there is a sufficient amount of time to get the deal done.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
Below is commissioner Roger Goodell’s memo sent to all 32 teams on Tuesday that details the draft guidelines courtesy of ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
Team USA women’s hockey player Hilary Knight responded to the joke made by President Donald…
The Tennessee Titans have acquired Jermaine Johnson from the New York Jets for T’Vondre Sweat.…
Max Scherzer has agreed to a new contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Scherzer signed…
Jontay Porter has signed a contract with the Seattle SuperHawks of the United States Basketball…
Former New York Rangers player Ron Duguay has received a stage IV colon cancer diagnosis. …
Jonathan Kuminga scored 27 points in his Atlanta Hawks debut against the Washington Wizards. On…