Goodell confirms NFL draft will go ahead as scheduled
Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed to teams in a memo Thursday that the 2020 NFL Draft will proceed as scheduled on April 23-25.
"All clubs should now be doing the necessary planning to conduct draft operations in a location outside of your facility, with a limited number of people present, and with sufficient technology resources to allow you to communicate internally, with other clubs, and with draft headquarters," wrote Goodell.
Commissioner Goodell sent out a memo to NFL teams tonight that the draft will go on April 23-25. pic.twitter.com/tYlHo3fKqC
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 26, 2020
The league had already canceled the public events set to take place in Las Vegas amid the coronavirus pandemic. The draft will instead be moved into a studio, though the league has yet to announce its specific plans.
Goodell said the management council executive committee was "unanimous and unequivocal" in its decision to allow the draft to go ahead as planned.
"I also believe that the draft can serve a very positive purpose for our clubs, our fans, and the country at large, and many of you have agreed," wrote Goodell.
Among those who don't agree with the decision is the league's general manager subcommittee, which reportedly unanimously recommended postponing the event.
In Roger Goodell’s memo that the draft will go on, he served warning to those around the league that criticize the league’s stance. Goodell wrote, “public discussion of issues relating to the draft serves no useful purpose and is grounds for disciplinary action.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 27, 2020
All NFL teams were told to close their facilities until at least April 8 in a response to the ongoing pandemic.
Club facilities are closed until at least April 8, when the NFL will reassess. The draft starts 15 days later. GMs and other executives I've spoken to already are exploring options, including the possibility of conducting the draft from their living rooms. A lot up in the air.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 26, 2020
The Cincinnati Bengals hold the No. 1 overall pick and are widely expected to use it on Heisman-winning quarterback Joe Burrow.