MLB and NFL: COVID-19 Impact on Athletes

Published: Aug. 4, 2020, 9 a.m.

As live sports resume, pro athletes are grappling with the threat of coronavirus, to their own health, their families and their careers. MLB has suspended multiple games due to COVID-19 outbreaks, and the NFL has seen several players choose not to take part in the 2020 season, with a deadline this week to for opt-outs. While frequent testing and other protocols have been enacted across pro leagues, there is still a lot that’s unknown about the physical impact of the virus, even on a healthy, young athlete’s body. ESPN injury analyst Stephania Bell has been paging through medical studies and the leagues’ protocol documents. She has an insider’s take on how teams and players are making decisions about their risk.