The NFL is going full steam ahead in its efforts to play the 2020 regular season as it otherwise would, but the optimism generated by a recent report indicating the league may be able to (mostly) proceed as normal has been tempered in recent days. For instance, the CFL’s statement that it is likely to cancel its season and reports of NFL teams exploring out-of-state options for training camp feel like harbingers of things to come rather than blips in the radar.
And as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a radio interview yesterday that she does not expect to see Ford Field, the Lions’ home stadium, full of fans in the fall. The league has said that if it plays the 2020 season, it plans to do so in front of capacity crowds, but obviously that will be dependent on each state.
“There is reason to feel some confidence here,” Whitmer said. “But we also have to measure (peoples’) expectations and say life’s going to be different. We’re not going to be filling stadiums in the fall.”
It’s unclear whether that means Whitmer is amenable to playing with partially full or empty stadiums, and as Birkett notes, the governor was interrupted before she could finish her thought. A follow-up email from her deputy press secretary did not do much to clarify matters.
“Medical experts have made it clear that COVID-19 spreads when people are in close contact with one another, and without a vaccine, our best strategy in combating the virus is to practice social distancing,” the email read. “In regards to stadiums, our administration will continue to make informed decisions on re-engagement based upon data and medical expertise.”
Even if the NFL season is delayed, it does not sound as if Whitmer is prepared to green-light capacity crowds.
“Certainly as governor I want to give people the confidence that our plan will be met on days certain,” she said. “But the fact of the matter is, COVID-19 is a novel virus and that means it’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before. We’re learning a tremendous amount. Every week that goes by, we’ve learned so much more about this disease and what it’s going to take to keep us safe and to avoid that second wave.”
Whitmer’s stance is likely to be echoed by leaders across the country, which means that if the 2020 season does get off the ground, there will be games played without fans, and teams in more restricted states may need to play in states like Arizona, which authorized the resumption of play for major sports leagues effective May 16.
The Lions, meanwhile, issued a generic statement on the matter last week:
“The Detroit Lions are following the NFL’s lead in preparing to play a full 2020 season in front of fans. Given the evolving circumstances surrounding COVID-19, contingencies are needed and will be in place. We are evaluating all facets of the game day experience, and will do what is required to maintain a safe and healthy environment at Ford Field where our fans can feel comfortable.”
i wouldnt listen to anything she says to be honest. maybe they can play in the non-essential sections of walmart instead.
Why not? Because you disagree with her politics? Or because you think she is wrong for issuing stay at home orders even though the data supports her decision? Because you agree with gun toting militia over scientists?
“Because you agree with gun toting militia over scientists?” Lmao A+ comment right there, so true.
“The data supports her decision” it actually does not. I listen to doctors and scientists. Has nothing to do with gun toting militias. You simply cannot shut all, or most, businesses and commerce down due to a virus that at best is a bit more lethal than the common flu. The COVID-19 virus’ damage has been to the politicians reactions to it rather than the virus itself. We will have stats on the numbers over the coming years and I hope the citizens of this nation will come to the understanding that it was a massive overreaction.
It’s quite a bit more lethal than the flu there sport.
Numbers day otherwise sport
What doctor have you heard downplay the seriousness of this virus other than Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz? I love how people compare it to the common flu. Except the flu has a VACCINE AND TREATMENT, which covid does not. You can not compare the two because one can be prevented or mitigated while the other cannot. Overreaction? Did Italy overreact when they did nothing and their healthcare system was overrun leading to doctors having to choose who to save and who to let die? get out of your bubble. This isn’t a political game, despite what some want you to believe. Have you seen the numbers in Detroit? While I will agree that not all of the state is a hot spot like others, but you can’t issue a stay at home for one area and not another unless you plan to prevent travel to those areas. Is there a better solution? Possibly, but I have yet to hear one. The supposed “overreaction” is what’s saving this country from disaster. If it weren’t for social distancing and flattening the curve, the death numbers would be exponentially higher. I hate being stuck home just like everyone else but sometimes sacrifices need to be made for the greater good.
I’m not going to get into a debate with you. You can repeat what you’ve heard on the TV all you want. I simply don’t have the time or the patience to discuss it with someone I don’t know over the internet… I have personally spoke with my son’s pediatrician, seen other doctor’s tweets/educational posts (lesser known than Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz or Dr. Faucci) and looked into data regarding reporting of COVID and the symptoms relating to it… anyone who thinks you can get rid of a virus by shutting down everything for two months is foolish. We will have Coronavirus and the flu for the foreseeable future, and there is nothing a politician can do about it. Regardless of what the claims are. Regardless of the “flattening curve”. Regardless of making hand shakes illegal or any other nonsense you’ve heard. My freedom and liberties are being affected by an overreaction and I’m quite tired of hearing that my opinion does not matter.
The guy who threw the first stone doesn’t want to debate someone in the comments section on the Internet. Classic. Considering you admitted to getting your infectious disease advice from your child’s pediatrician, I don’t think there would be much of a “debate”. My uncle is a proctologist and he agrees with me! I’m glad that you feel that your freedoms and liberties are more important than everyone else. Opinions are like a-holes, everyone has one and most of them stink. Good luck in life friend.
Fuck whitmer.
Well then why do people who get the flu vaccine still get the flu? So if you think a coronavirus vaccine will save us is pure fallacy.
link to cdc.gov
It’s rather interesting that the citizens of Michigan seem to have no problem organizing protests against shelter in place orders but can’t direct their football frustrations towards getting new ownership for the Lions. Nothing will ever improve for the Lions as long as the Ford family is running the show. Boycotting the stadium would be a good first step to forcing the Fords to sell to new ownership.
Learn from the Jags, use tarps to cover the empty seats.
The Jags have to compete against some pretty nice beaches so they can at least use that as an excuse for some of those empty seats.
Michigan’s governor has christened herself as Emperor of the state, but she’s in reality flat out communistic in her style.
It’s funny watching some people confuse inconvenience with oppression.
Is this any different than the standard attendance at a Lions game?
There’s the dumb comment I was looking for. Surprised it took this long.
Sorry for making light of a crappy situation. I guess I should just go lock myself in a closet and cry instead
She should be hung for treason
Whitmer: “COVID-19 is a novel virus and that means it’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before.”
That’s a failure of science comprehension right there. Novel means it’s new, but not brand new. It’s a variation of other coronavirus strains.
No wonder Michigan is so far behind the ball of other states in the area.
BTW, for those who think we should “believe scientists,” there are plenty of scientists who are saying something different than the company line right now, but they are being ignored, marginalized, or even silenced.
In the end, people will believe the science they want to believe. But no side of an issue has a monopoly on “real” science.
It doesn’t matter, they already do
You’re a day late and a dollar short.
I never realized how many globalists and Statists followed football.
She’s been terrible with her way of dealing with this virus.
None of this is about much more than politicians not wanting to say the wrong thing so they dont get re-elected, or move ahead or whatever.
If they intend to wait until this is completely gone the economy will be devastated.
This was supposed to be all about not over burdening the hospitals. Has that happened? Where?
How about just being careful, same like you do to not get hit by a bus?
If you dont feel good, or are at special risk, or dont wish to catch it, how about you choose on your OWN not to go to the damn Lions game?
You wouldnt miss much anyway.