Dont'a Hightower -- a 3-time Super Bowl champion and one of the leaders of the Patriots' defense -- has also chosen to sit out this season.
Hightower, according to NFL Network's Michael Giardi, just had a baby this month ... and his mom also has type 2 diabetes.
"Me and my fiancée are just more concerned with the health of our family than football," Hightower said in a statement to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, "especially the new addition to our family."
The opt-out is a big blow for the Pats, Hightower recorded 71 tackles and 5.5 sacks for New England last season ... but he's also now one of FIVE Patriots choosing to forego the season.
Pats running back Brandon Bolden and offensive linemen Najee Toran and Marcus Cannon have also joined Hightower and fullback Danny Vitale in sitting out 2020.
There could be more on the way as well ... players still have until the end of this week to make opt-out decisions. [Reply]
More than 70% of NFL players fall into an at-risk category for COVID-19, including having a high body-mass index and/or being African American. If you’re angry at a player for choosing to protect himself and his family, you need to reassess your life’s priorities.
Originally Posted by O.city:
I think we all agree this is gonna be a weird season right? They're gonna be asked to stay away from outsiders as much as possible.
It's an option for them, i don't blame any of them if they wanna take it.
So because players cant go bar and club hopping this season then they should be more likely to opt out due to family reasons. [Reply]
More than 70% of NFL players fall into an at-risk category for COVID-19, including having a high body-mass index and/or being African American. If you’re angry at a player for choosing to protect himself and his family, you need to reassess your life’s priorities.
Originally Posted by Marcellus:
So because players cant go bar and club hopping this season then they should be more likely to opt out due to family reasons.
The NBA caught Lou Williams at a strip club and then made him quarantine for 2 weeks. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Marcellus:
So because players cant go bar and club hopping this season then they should be more likely to opt out due to family reasons.
Or restaurants or church or family gatherings etc. [Reply]
Dozens of players have informed teams they're opting out, but NFL and NFLPA lawyers are still working on the CBA side letter that will allow it, per sources.
The deadline for players to opt out is 7 days after the letter is finalized, so that would now be Aug. 4 at the soonest.
Dozens of players have informed teams they're opting out, but NFL and NFLPA lawyers are still working on the CBA side letter that will allow it, per sources.
The deadline for players to opt out is 7 days after the letter is finalized, so that would now be Aug. 4 at the soonest.
My issue with all of these athletes getting infected. They have it the easiest not to get infected. Yet they still go out and do dumb shit. Same with the coaches and staff. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Valiant:
My issue with all of these athletes getting infected. They have it the easiest not to get infected. Yet they still go out and do dumb shit. Same with the coaches and staff.