Mar 16, 2020 - Sports

NFL will hold draft as scheduled but cancel public events due to coronavirus

Jacob Knutson

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

The NFL announced Monday that it will hold its 2020 draft next month as scheduled, but will cancel the planned public events in Las Vegas due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The big picture: The league said the selection process will still be televised, adding that it is exploring "innovative options" for conducting the draft in such a climate.

What they're saying:

"This decision reflects our foremost priority — the health and safety of all fans and citizens. While this outcome is disappointing both to the NFL and to the Las Vegas community, we look forward to partnering with the Raiders, the City of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for a future NFL Draft as well as evaluating opportunities for other major NFL events in Las Vegas in the future, including the Super Bowl."

— NFL commissioner Roger Goodell

Go deeper: NFL players' union approves new labor agreement with 17-game season

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NFL will hold draft as scheduled but cancel public events due to coronavirus

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