Trump dismisses Fauci concern over NFL

President Donald Trump on Friday dismissed coronavirus concerns about the upcoming NFL season raised by Dr. Anthony Fauci, insisting the league would kick-off safely.

Fauci, a leading voice in the White House task force dealing with the deadly virus outbreak, warned on Thursday there was a chance the NFL season may not take place this year because of COVID-19.

The respected immunologist also believes NFL teams will need to operate in a “bubble” to prevent outbreaks.

“Unless players are essentially in a bubble — insulated from the community and they are tested nearly every day — it would be very hard to see how football is able to be played this fall,” Fauci told CNN.

“If there is a second wave, which is certainly a possibility and which would be complicated by the predictable flu season, football may not happen this year.”

However Trump rejected Fauci’s assessment out of hand in a post on Twitter on Friday.

“Tony Fauci has nothing to do with NFL Football,” Trump wrote.

“They are planning a very safe and controlled opening.”

Trump’s rebuke also added a barb towards the NFL and players who plan to kneel to protest police brutality and racism.

“If they don’t stand for our National Anthem and our Great American Flag, I won’t be watching!!!” Trump wrote.

The NFL’s chief medical officer Allen Sills has said Fauci’s suggestion of playing in a “bubble” was impractical.

“We do not feel it’s practical or appropriate to construct a bubble,” Sills said. “Anyone who tests positive will be isolated until medically appropriate to return.”

The NFL and its players union remain in talks on exact details for the 2020 season, including testing plans. (AFP)

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