Hard to mask this Jets, NFL issue

NFL executive VP of football operations Troy Vincent sent a memo to all 32 clubs on Monday, Sept. 14, that shouldn’t come as a surprise, based on what we saw this summer at Jets camp.

Vincent reminded people on the sidelines to make sure they properly cover their faces at all times in accordance with league protocol.

“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 governments,” Vincent wrote 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.”

We have no idea if masks work or not, or even if they are needed outside, but we can tell you a number of Jets coaches were taking them on and off all summer at practice. The point of this article isn’t to be a “Corona Karen.”

According to the Urban Dictionary, a Corona Karen is, “That woman who scans the streets and parks from her condo balcony or car with her trusty binoculars hungry to report social-distancing violators to tip lines or police.”

But the issue that Vincent touched on from the NFL’s Week One was going on all summer at Jets camp, and probably at every training camp.