(Reuters) – The novel coronavirus has forced the National Football League to take Thursday’s draft online but players hoping to be picked will still have a dress code to adhere to — hence lounging around in pajamas will definitely not be an option.
FILE PHOTO: Jan 29, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell during a press conference before Super Bowl LIV at Hilton Downtown. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
With 58 of the top college prospects connected virtually, the NFL issued a memo detailing what they expect to see online if or when commissioner Roger Goodell announces their name from the basement of his Bronxville, N.Y. home.
Traditionally, when Goodell steps up to the microphone to announce each franchise’s first pick, he is joined on stage by sharply dressed players for a photograph while presenting them with team ball cap or jersey.
This year it will be a virtual handshake and while the NFL stopped short of telling players what exactly to wear, the league has issued a long list of what is not acceptable, including fashions that might be deemed political statements.
The memo, obtained by Pro Football Talk on Sunday, detailed that there should be no third party logos, no explicit language, or racial, religious, or ethnic slurs.
Players cannot be seen wearing a brand logo that does not belong to one of the NFL’s official licensed partners.
Also not tolerated will be any clothing referencing alcohol, gambling, tobacco products (including e-cigarettes), obscene, pornographic (or escort services), violent (including firearms or other weapons), or sexual imagery.
Players will also have to make sure any backdrop is sanitized of products, brands or logos not approved by the NFL.
In order to help with this effort, the league has shipped a “welcome kit” of NFL approved products to all potential top draft picks.
If players do not agree to these conditions, they are free to opt out of the live draft day activities.
Reporting by Steve Keating in Toronto; Editing by Pritha Sarkar
493063 504815Normally I dont read this kind of stuff, but this was genuinely interesting! 791740
506851 506933Its superb as your other posts : D, regards for posting . 944342
416896 366952Have read a couple of with the articles on your site now, and I genuinely like your style of blogging. I added it to my favorites weblog web site list and will probably be checking back soon. 84411
852297 335806Hello, Neat post. There is an concern along together with your internet site in web explorer, could test thisK IE nonetheless could be the marketplace leader and a huge portion of other people will miss your magnificent writing because of this issue. 650317
179902 199546Id ought to verify with you here. Which isnt something I often do! I enjoy studying a publish that can make people believe. Also, thanks for permitting me to remark! 119511
1790 296772You completed several excellent points there. I did specific searches on the problem and found numerous folks go in conjunction with along along with your blog. 268077
24721 194888I love the look of your internet site. I recently built mine and I was searching for some design concepts and you gave me several. May I ask you whether you developed the internet site by youself? 770415