NFL Commissioner Goodell Leaving Options Open, Not Planning a Playoff Bubble
COVID-19 continues to disrupt the NFL — there was a Wednesday afternoon game for goodness’ sake — yet NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell isn’t interested in a bubble-style playoffs.
In a conference call with other NFL executives, Goodell outlined a few things, according to The Athletic’s Lindsay Jones.
First in reference to questions about the handling of the Denver Broncos situation on Sunday where they played without a true quarterback versus the Baltimore Ravens having their game with Pittsburgh postponed from Thanksgiving to six days later.
Goodell: “Let me be crystal clear: Health decisions will take precedence over competitive and business interests.
We follow the facts, we follow the science and the recommendations of our medical experts are first and foremost the bedrock of our scheduling decisions.”— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) December 2, 2020
Then, when discussing the potential of following the NBA with playoff bubbles, Goodell gave this assertion.
Goodell was then asked specifically about a postseason bubble. His answer? Not likely “in the sense that a lot in the media focus on it.” (My read: Not an NBA-style bubble.)
— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) December 2, 2020
That seems irresponsible considering how well the NBA bubble worked. However, it’s not surprising that Goodell wants the NFL to do its own thing.
Despite several games being shuffled around and two separate teams suffering major outbreaks — Tennessee early on and Baltimore now — the NFL seems intent on just forcing the season to continue.
The NFL starts Week 13 on Sunday with games running through Tuesday.
