Report: 'Heated Discussions' Within NFL Teams Due to Access Tiers Amid COVID-19

There are reportedly tense talks within NFL teams due to a league-mandated tier system to limit the number of people who have access to certain areas of facilities amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the "heated discussions" within teams stem from club personnel trying to "cement their positions in the protocol."

The league reportedly sent a memo to teams outlining three tiers, with the top two having access to certain restricted areas.

Per Schefter: 

• Tier 1 will consist of players, coaches, trainers, physicians and necessary personnel who must have direct access to the players.

• Tier 2 will consist of general managers, football operations employees, other assistant coaches, video personnel, security and other essential personnel who may need to be in close proximity to the players and other Tier 1 individuals who may need to access restricted areas. Only individuals assigned to Tiers 1 and 2 will be permitted access to restricted areas, and there will be limits on the number of individuals from each team that can be assigned Tier 1 and Tier 2 access at any given time.

• Tier 3 will consist of certain operational personnel, in-house media and broadcast personnel, field manager, transportation providers and individuals who perform essential facility, stadium or event services but do not require close contact with Tier 1 individuals. Team and other personnel who work exclusively in areas of team facilities that are or will be completely cordoned off from the rest of the facility do not need to be credentialed in one of the three access tiers.

The tier system is part of the NFL's Infectious Disease Emergency Response plan that all 32 teams must have in place "seven days before the first mandatory reporting date for players for the 2020 NFL season."

Per the NFL Communications Department, all teams are scheduled to open full training camps with rookies and veterans between July 25 and 30. 

While the NFL still intends on starting the regular season as planned, ESPN's Ed Werder reported last week that at least one head coach thinks the season should be delayed. 

The 2020 regular season is scheduled to begin Sept. 10, with the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium.