As of this writing, the NFLPA has issued statements from the representatives of 14 different NFL clubs announcing the players’ intentions to exercise their right to refrain from participation in next week’s Phase-Three-scheduled in-person voluntary Organized Team Activities, or OTAs. No doubt more will follow as we near representation from half of the league’s clubs.
Every single team-issued statement invokes concerns over the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with infections rising again from last month as the temperatures warm. Player representatives have noted that the strict protocols that were in place for the 2020 regular season are not currently in place.