ESPN’s Schefter: NFL ‘determined’ to continue with draft ‘while there is carnage in the streets’

ESPN reporter Adam Schefter slammed the NFL for holding its annual draft later this month, declaring the league is “determined to put this on while there is carnage in the streets.”

The criticism from the usually reserved Schefter comes as the NFL said it is planning to start its regular season in early September as scheduled and play the games in front of fans, according to a Tuesday article on NFL.com.

“The draft is happening only through the sheer force and determination and lack of foresight from the NFL, frankly,” Schefter told “SportsCenter” anchor Scott Van Pelt. “They are determined to put this on while there is carnage in the streets.”

“We all want to see the days where we have that distraction of football, but [Organized Team Activities], that’s not happening,” Schefter later added. “The offseason program, that’s not happening.”

Schefter is fed up. pic.twitter.com/DDesBWsHRx

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The NFL draft is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas from April 23 to 25 but will be held virtually. Team executives are slated to make their player selections from remote locations with people separated by at least 6 feet as per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The draft plans come as other major American sports leagues, including the NBA and MLB, have suspended their seasons as the coronavirus outbreak spreads across the country.

Other major sports events have been postponed, including the Kentucky Derby and the 2020 Summer Olympics.

“All of our discussion, all of our focus, has been on a normal traditional season, starting on time, playing in front of fans, in our regular stadiums, and going through a full 16-game regular season and full set of playoffs,” said Jeff Pash, who serves as the NFL’s executive vice president and general counsel, according to NFL.com.

“That’s our expectation. Am I certain of that? I’m not certain I’ll be here tomorrow,” Pash added. “But I’m planning on it, and in the same way, we’re planning on having a full season.”

Pash underscored that the league’s medical executives are consulting with the Duke Infection Control Outreach Network about the coronavirus spread, according to the website.

The NFL season is set to kick off on Sept. 10. Team schedules will be released in June.