Dallas Cowboys weighing coronavirus response as NFL cancels annual league meeting
The Dallas Cowboys are coming up with measures regarding the safety of their employees in light of the coronavirus pandemic, including, sources said, taking scouts off the road and limiting travel.
But nothing has officially been decided at this point.
The team is continuing to gather information in consultation with the NFL to determine the best next steps.
As of now, no pre-draft visits or workouts have been cancelled.
The NFL is in discussions about altering the 2020 NFL draft, set for April 23-25 in Las Vegas, possibly conducting it without fans, according to published reports. But no final decisions have been made.
According to ESPN, the NFL has no plans on moving back the start of free agency, which means the deadline for the Cowboys to get a deal done with quarterback Dak Prescott to avoid the franchise tag remains on Monday at 10:59 a.m. CT.
But NFL commissioner Roger Goodell did notify the clubs today that the NFL’s annual meeting that had been scheduled to take place in West Palm Beach, Fla., March 29-April 1 has been canceled.
Any open football issues, including playing rules, bylaws, and resolutions, as well as other business matters that were on the agenda will be taken up at the Spring meeting scheduled for May 19-20.
“This decision was made consistent with the league’s primary concern to protect the health of club and league employees and the public while enabling the league to continue with its essential business operations,” read a statement released by the NFL.
“We will continue to closely monitor developments, consult with leading experts, and be prepared to make any changes necessary as circumstances warrant.”
XFL cancels rest of season
The XFL, which includes the Dallas Renegades, announced Thursday evening that it is canceling the rest of the season.
The league said that it is “committed to play a full season in 2021 and future years.”
The XFL, which has played half of its 10-game season, was scheduled to hold its championship game on April 26. All XFL ticket holders will be issued refunds or credit toward future games, the statement said.
The XFL also said that players will receive their base pay and benefits for the 2020 regular season.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 2:56 PM.
