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As a result, the league and the National
Basketball Players Association are working on an agreement to
allow players to voluntarily skip the season's resumption with
no consequences, according to the report.
A conference call that featured up to 50 players reportedly saw
some of the participants express concern about the protocols
surrounding the resumption of play at Walt Disney World Resort
near Orlando.
Especially among players on teams that aren't viewed as
legitimate threats to reach the NBA Finals, doubts about the
plan are surfacing, though they haven't yet risen to the level
of the NBPA seeking any protocol changes, per Wojnarowski.
The sentiment is being driven by concern over both the
coronavirus pandemic and the nationwide protests sparked by the
death of George Floyd on May 25.
Training camp is set to begin in mid-July for the 22 teams that
were in playoff position or close to it when the NBA suspended
its season on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested
positive for COVID-19.
Among the major sticking points is the fact that visitors won't
be permitted in the "bubble" until the end of the first round of
the playoffs, almost seven weeks after players arrive at Disney
World, according to the report.
Players who leave the facility reportedly would be subject to a
10-day quarantine upon their return.
Wojnarowski reported that players could undergo a medical exam
to be classified as being at high risk of COVID-19, which would
grant them permission to stay home. Those without a medical
waiver could opt out of the Disney World action by forfeiting
their pay for the team's last eight regular-season games,
according to the report.
ESPN cited sources as saying fill-in players would be allowed to
compete in Orlando in place of any who opt against appearing. In
addition, any players who are replaced on the roster because of
an injury or because they contract the coronavirus reportedly
would not be allowed to resume action this season.
--Field Level Media
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