COVID testing ‘irregularities’ cause Cleveland Browns to cancel practice

COVID testing ‘irregularities’ halt Cleveland Browns practice

The coronavirus pandemic has already had a major impact on sports in America and Sunday reminded us all that we’re not in the clear. The NFL has had some reported “irregularities” in recent COVID-19 testing, which has led the Cleveland Browns to call off their practice on Sunday out of an abundance of caution.

For the Browns, they will now hold meetings virtually, which is a familiar sight after spending the offseason meeting this way.

They’re also hoping to get things figured out as Fox 8 News says several people within their organization were given a positive test but that could be part of the “irregularities” issue the league is facing.

"“The Browns said in a statement that some COVID-19 tests came back positive for multiple people in their organization. However, the NFL has also reported some “irregularities” in recent results from a lab they have been using to conduct tests.” — Fox 8 News"

Not long after news broke that the team would call of Sunday’s work, the Browns issued a statement about their plans moving forward.

As notated in their release, the Browns are just one of several clubs to receive positive tests, which is discouraging after such promising results from the beginning of camp.

The Browns, and the rest of the NFL, have been working hard to find ways to make a physical game safe despite the presence of a very contagious virus. They have been keeping reporters at a safe distance and have encouraged masks when not on the field. There have also been no fans in attendance at camp — which is something that will likely carry over to the regular season.

Other sports have been playing without fans as the MLB has decided to turn their games into an early 2000s video game mock complete with motion-less cardboard cutouts. The NBA has gone a step further as they have virtual stands where fans can tune in but their entire league is playing in a “bubble” in Orlando.

The NFL has a lot on their hands trying to sort things out this season and this latest speed bump just offers one more hurdle. Here’s to hoping everyone remains safe and we at DPD applaud the Browns for putting that safety first.