Understand this. Khalil Mack is not an outspoken person. He's always come across as reserved. Somebody who doesn't care much for his public image. He'll donate to charity and all those things. When it comes to elevating his "brand" though? He isn't interested. That is how people should know when he does decide to speak up, it means something.
Training camp is just over a week away for the Chicago Bears. Rookies are schedule to report on Tuesday, July 21st with quarterbacks to follow on the 23rd. Everybody else on the 28th. Normally this would be routine procedure. In 2020? It's anything but. The ongoing uncertainty around COVID-19 has a lot of players on edge.
The NFL isn't making it any better with their lack of a cohesive plan to keep them safe for when they report. This has led to several prominent names speaking out in protest against the league. A chorus that Mack himself decided to join.
Khalil Mack is anxious to play in 2020 but isn't stupid
The NFL can't possibly be this foolish, right? Some think so. Others though believe the delay is on purpose. Owners are intentionally dragging their feet, putting pressure on players to report in order to get themselves ready for the season. It gives the team's an advantage in negotiations over financial discussions. Major League Baseball saw the same thing happen.
Mack and others taking a public stance is a way to voice their displeasure and also make it clear to fans that they aren't the ones holding matters up. They want to play but aren't going to put themselves or their families at risk recklessly. It feels like this will become another situation where it comes down to who blinks first.
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