TAMPA, Florida – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting from left forward Donovan Smith, the man responsible for protecting the blind side of Super Bowl winning quarterback Tom Brady, said on Friday morning that “risking my health, as well as that of my family, does not seem to be a risk to be taken “while playing during the coronavirus pandemic.
In an Instagram post to the NFL and NFLPA, Smith, who is expecting his first child in three weeks, has expressed many concerns about how he and his teammates are expected to protect themselves and their families and the protocols for NFL test. He also questioned the NFL’s proposal to cut players’ wages by 35% due to lost revenue.
NFL players are scheduled to show up for training camps on July 28. The state of Florida – which was one of the most aggressive states to reopen – sees a wave of COVID-19 cases, with 244,151 positive cases on Friday morning, up 11,385 from the previous day, with 4 102 deaths in total.
“The unfortunate events of the COVID-19 pandemic have brought many things to an end. Football is not one. Continuing to discuss the many UNKNOWNs does not reassure me,” Smith wrote. “Risking my health and that of my family does not seem to be a risk to take. With my first child expected in 3 weeks, I can’t help but think about how I can go to work and take the necessary precautions Every day, more than 80 people go home to be with my newborn daughter.
“How can a sport that requires physical contact with each click and transfer of all types of bodily fluids EACH GAME safely practice social distancing? How can I make sure I do not bring COVID-19 back into my home? Yes, we can be tested every day, but if it takes 24 hours to get my results, how do I know every day that I am not spreading or contracting this virus?
“The recurring question here is how? There are too many” how “that have not yet been answered to allay the concerns of the players and ensure the safety not only of me, but also of my family. not imagine how the game will play out the same in these unprecedented times. “
Smith, who missed a single game and started in five seasons with the Bucs, also argued for raising players’ wages, rather than cutting them, because of the risks they will take every time they train , but will enter the team facilities and play.
“Now to hear that 35% of my salary can be withheld while we sacrifice our health and well-being for the joy and entertainment of everyone who will be safe at home in front of their TVs? Is something wrong here . should at least justify a raise because of risk, not a reduction, “said Smith.” I am not a lab rat or guinea pig to test theories. I am a man, a son, a brother, soon to be a father, and I deserve to be safe at work. “
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