By my count... the only cancelled NFL games in my lifetime have been after 9/11, that snowstorm game in Philly in 2010 that got played on Tuesday night, Hurricane Katrina and the wildfire game between the Chargers and Cardinals.
In the latter cases, they just moved the game instead of cancelling.
So when people this weekend were tweeting about how come the NFL hasn't CANCELLED the Chiefs-Panthers game, I just had to laugh. Not happening. And it won't bring anybody back to life, or prove how sensitive you are, to anything.
So here come the easy columns about the NFL selling/losing it's soul.
Whatever.
The NFL is a business that's only open for a few days a week, a few months a year. This was a close call. Had it been a coach or another player murdered, the "store" might have been closed.
I could have gone either way on this one. If the NFL is fine with games in London, games on 4 days rest, games with extra needless overtime, games that end in ties.... well, they could have just called this one a tie. Wouldn't have messed up anybody's playoff picture.
Just don't say "that's what (insert person) would have wanted" or "it will at least provide some welcome distraction."
Aside from the genuine tragedy of a football player murdering his girlfriend in cold blood, the second worst thing was watching media members on Twitter trying to outdo each other on the concern-o-meter.
Third worst was watching all the hushed tones by announcers asking questions to experts/analysts.
Fourth worst was watching TV types do the whole "I am fighting off choking up right now, I am so disturbed by this tragedy" thing.
Give it a rest.
I don't know the number of murder-suicides in American on an annual basis, but given the NFL's workforce of 1500+ players (and who knows how many coaches and front office personnel) it was bound to happen - eventually.
And I don't particularly care to know more about Javon Belcher.
He blasted his girlfriend and baby-momma to death in front of her mother.
I know enough.
Everything that happened after that, doesn't much register much with me one way or another.
"Oh, he killed himself too?" Fine.
I understand there is a possible - POSSIBLE - mental health issue here. Mental health issues quite often lead to tragic murders, followed by suicide. Either by grief, shock, or by plan.
But we don't know that right now, and we may never.
He might have just been a pissed off NFL player, sleep deprived, and shaking off a hangover.
I heard a few anecdotal tales of how much he had "loved" his 3 month old child prior to this episode. I mean, really. Really?
And did you see what was Belcher's major in college?
A: "Child Development and Family Relations."
I shit you not.
The NFL Does Not Cancel Games: Understanding the League's Rescheduling Policies
The National Football League (NFL) stands as a symbol of unyielding determination and adaptability, especially when faced with challenges. In recent times, the world has witnessed the league's commitment to ensuring that games are played, even in the face of adversity. Despite various obstacles, the NFL has managed to uphold its reputation by devising strategies to reschedule games rather than outright cancellation. This article delves into the reasons behind the NFL's decision to reschedule games, its rescheduling policies, and addresses frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of this approach.
The NFL's Rescheduling Philosophy
One of the defining features of the NFL is its unwavering dedication to delivering the sport to its fans, irrespective of the hurdles it encounters. Canceling games would not only disappoint fans but would also have far-reaching financial implications for the league, teams, players, and the wider industry. Recognizing this, the NFL's approach is centered around adapting to circumstances rather than giving up.
Rescheduling Policies and Procedures
The NFL has a well-defined set of policies and procedures in place to guide the rescheduling of games. These policies have been refined over the years to address various challenges, including weather-related issues, natural disasters, and unforeseen events like the global pandemic.
Flexibility in Scheduling: The NFL builds flexibility into its schedule, especially during critical points in the season. The league employs techniques like "bye weeks," where each team has a designated week off during the regular season. This allows the NFL to shuffle games around without drastically affecting the overall schedule.
Rescheduling Due to Weather: Inclement weather is a common challenge for outdoor sports like football. In cases where weather conditions threaten player safety or stadium functionality, the NFL may opt to delay or reschedule a game. The decision is typically made in consultation with meteorological experts and local authorities.
Unforeseen Events and Emergencies: The NFL has demonstrated its ability to adapt during unforeseen events. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, prompted the league to implement strict health and safety protocols. When players or staff tested positive, games were rescheduled to ensure the virus's containment while keeping the season on track.
Monday and Tuesday Games: While traditional NFL games are played on Sundays, the league occasionally schedules games on Mondays and Tuesdays. This not only provides flexibility but also caters to a wider audience and ensures that games can proceed even if rescheduling is required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why doesn't the NFL simply cancel games when faced with challenges?
The NFL values the commitment it has to fans, players, and the industry. Cancelling games would not only disappoint fans but also disrupt the league's financial ecosystem. By rescheduling, the NFL aims to maintain its dedication to the sport while ensuring that the show goes on.
Q2: How does the NFL decide when to reschedule a game?
The decision to reschedule a game is influenced by various factors, including player safety, venue conditions, and unforeseen events. The league consults experts, authorities, and relevant stakeholders to make informed decisions that prioritize everyone's well-being.
Q3: What happens if a player tests positive for a contagious illness before a game?
In cases where a player tests positive for a contagious illness, the NFL follows its health and safety protocols. The player is isolated, and contact tracing is conducted to determine potential exposure. If necessary, the game may be rescheduled to prevent further spread.
Q4: How do rescheduled games affect the overall schedule?
The NFL builds flexibility into its schedule to accommodate rescheduling. This is achieved through techniques like bye weeks and occasional Monday or Tuesday games. The league aims to minimize disruptions while ensuring a fair and competitive season for all teams.
Q5: How does rescheduling impact players and teams?
While rescheduling can be challenging for players and teams, they understand the need to adapt. The NFL and its teams have robust support systems in place to assist players during changes in schedule, ensuring their physical and mental well-being.
The NFL's steadfast commitment to its fans, players, and the game itself is showcased through its rescheduling policies. Rather than canceling games, the league has consistently shown resilience and adaptability, navigating through challenges to maintain the integrity of the sport. With a well-defined set of rescheduling procedures and a dedication to safety and fairness, the NFL stands as a prime example of how determination can triumph over adversity.
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