The worldwide impact of the Coronavirus [COVID-19] pandemic has reached the sports world in the United States, with the NFL and the New York Giants being no exception.
Giants issue COVID-19 statement
The Giants are not only taking their scouts and coaches off the road, but they are limiting visitors to their East Rutherford, N.J. headquarters. Part of the statement they released Thursday afternoon:
“As of today and for the foreseeable future, we have taken our scouts and coaches off the road for pro days and campus workouts. All business travel has been suspended until further notice. In addition, we will limit visitors and personnel to the Quest Diagnostics Training Center and have required most of our employees to work from home for the next two weeks.”
League meeting cancelled
UPDATE 2:25 p.m.
The NFL's spring meeting has been canceled.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2020
UPDATE 2:35 p.m.
NFL statement on cancellation of spring meeting.
New: pic.twitter.com/Jme2W77RYy
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) March 12, 2020
Giants pull coaches off the road
The Giants are among NFL teams pulling coaches off the road for player workouts and Pro Days, per a published report. NJ Advance Media is reporting that travel restriction applies to scouts and other traveling staff.
Giants coaches and scouts were conducting business as usual as late as Wednesday, attending Pro Day workouts across the country.
The Washington Redskins officially announced Thursday that they have suspended travel for coaches and scouts.
Widespread reports have many colleges cancelling their scheduled Pro Days to protect athletes.
Agents are beginning to recommend that draft prospects not travel for visits with NFL teams.
As an agent, it's my strong recommendation that my players don't travel for any team visits. With 12 or more games played, an All-Star game and Combine for most, teams have enough information to make an informed draft decision.
— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 12, 2020
Adam Schefter reported that some NFL teams are considering shutting down their training facilities. There could be further action coming from the NFL later on Thursday.
NFL teams are to be updated by league via conference call today on coronavirus plans. League is considering potential changes to NFL draft, league meeting, free agency, source said earlier today.
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) March 12, 2020
The NBA, where Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for the virus, and MLS have suspended play.
The SEC, ACC and Big Ten have cancelled their post-season conference tournaments. As of now, the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments are expected to go on without fans.
The NFL's spring meeting has been canceled.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2020
New: pic.twitter.com/Jme2W77RYy
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) March 12, 2020