Sean McVay believes NFL memo was directed at him
The National Football League is finally back! Week one of the NFL calendar is officially in the books with most considering it to be a massive success. There were no positive COVID-19 cases prior to the first games kicking off and fans were able to watch their favourite teams in action again.
That’s not to say there were no hiccups along the way though, as the league did end up issuing a memo to players and coaches warning them about wearing their face masks properly while on the sidelines.
“We must remain vigilant and disciplined in following the processes and protocols put in place by not only the league, union and clubs, but also by state and local government,” NFL executive VP of football operations Troy Vincent said in the memo. “The NFL-NFLPA Game Day Protocol, which reflects the advice of infectious disease experts, club medical staffs and local and state governmental regulations requires all individuals with bench area access (including coaches and members of the club medical staff) to wear face coverings at all times.
“Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in accountability measures being imposed against offending individuals and/or clubs.
“The face covering must be worn as designed so that it securely fits across the wearer’s nose and mouth to prevent the transmission of the virus.”
While the powerful memo was sent out to the entire league, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay believes the memo was directed to him. He was caught on camera several times during the Rams’ opening week victory against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night wearing his mask below his chin, which violates the league’s policy.
“I figured that memo was directed at me,” McVay said Monday evening during a video conference with reporters, via ESPN. “I’ve been getting blasted all day about it, so I just love it,” McVay said. “I will do better.”
Other coaches around the league did not seem to have as big of an issue wearing the mask throughout the game which is why McVay believes he is responsible for the league issuing the memo after just the first week of games.
“I was definitely one of the main culprits of not following what the league wants,” McVay said. “I will definitely be aware of that and do better.”
On the field, McVay’s team did everything right on Sunday evening beating the Cowboys in a crucial week one contest. It was the first game in the Rams’ new $5 billion SoFi Stadium that they are sharing with the Los Angeles Chargers. The indoor-outdoor venue has climate control and is a state-of-the-art facility that any football fan would be amazed by.
Los Angeles won’t be back at their new home until week four against the New York Giants on October 4th though, as they play two consecutive road games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills.
The Rams are looking to win their first Super Bowl since 1999 when they were still the St. Louis Rams. They reached the Super Bowl two years ago but fell short against the New England Patriots.
