Baker Mayfield slams NFL COVID-19 protocols
Baker Mayfield has never shied away from voicing his opinion, but as the Cleveland Browns fight for a playoff spot, he’s frustrated with the NFL’s ever-changing COVID-19 policy.
The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback–who is currently one of several high-profile NFL players and teams restricted from playing due to COVID-19 league rules–took to social media after the NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams on Thursday with changes in their policy.
“@NFL Make up your damn mind on protocols. Showing up and making only 3 teams test?!? All so you can keep the game as scheduled to make money,” Mayfield tweeted on Thursday night in reaction to the league’s sudden changes to their policies due to a widespread outbreak throughout multiple teams.
Baker Mayfield is obviously saying exactly what’s on his mind. In another tweet in the comment section, the Browns’ signal caller added more to his message while taking a jab at the league’s stance on player safety.
“Actually caring about player safety would mean delaying the game with this continuing at the rate it is…. But to say you won’t test vaccinated players if they don’t have symptoms, then to pull this randomly. Doesn’t make any sense to me,” Mayfield added.
Baker Mayfield frustrated with sudden changes in NFL COVID-19 policy
A large outbreak of positive COVID-19 tests around the NFL has forced the league to change its protocols for Week 15 as the NFL and the NFLPA continue to discuss further changes to the protocols.
The league sent out a memo to all 32 teams, stating in-person meetings will not be allowed unless they are “held outside or in practice bubbles large enough to allow for distancing between participants. All players, whether vaccinated or not, must wear masks when indoors at team facilities,” according to Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk. Another note in the memo was that the food service in team facilities will shift to “a grab-and-go” model with no groups of players or staff allowed to eat together.
Baker Mayfield is currently restricted and it’s unclear if he will be able to suit up vs. Sunday as the Cleveland Browns have a critical AFC clash with the Las Vegas Raiders as both squads fight for the playoffs.
On Wednesday, the Browns quarterback joined head coach Kevin Sefanski as the first two members of that organization to test positive for the virus. The list has grown significantly in Cleveland and throughout the league since then.
Also included in the new protocols, players on road trips are not allowed to entertain guests while on the road. Gatherings of three or more members of an organization while outside the team facility at home are also prohibited.