Panthers’ training camp plans in flux: Go to Wofford or stay in Charlotte?

[TheSpecialJuan]

The team has a contract to return this summer to Wofford, where it’s held training camp every year since joining the NFL in 1995. But concerns over potential health risks associated with putting 90 players and another 60 or so coaches and staffers on a college campus amid the coronavirus pandemic could prompt the Panthers to change their plans.

A team official said the Panthers hope they can keep camp at Spartanburg, S.C., this year but did not rule out a contingency plan.

“We remain hopeful that we can hold training camp at Wofford College,” spokesman Steven Drummond stated in a text message Wednesday. “We will follow the guidelines communicated by the government, medical professionals and public health officials and be prepared to adjust if necessary. The health and safety of our fans, players, coaches and staff will be our number one priority.”

 

[TheSpecialJuan]

https://theathletic.com/1813080/2020/05/13/panthers-training-camp-plans-in-flux-go-to-wofford-or-stay-in-charlotte/

[jfra78]

No reason to go to wofford if no one can watch

[Wes21]

11 hours ago, jfra78 said:

No reason to go to wofford if no one can watch

Some coaches like to do part of camp in a different location to get the players isolated and away from home.  If Rhule is that type of guy, going to practice somewhere else would still be a valid strategy.

[trueblade]

1 hour ago, bull123 said:

Players are not going to want to go to camp in July 

They may have some reservations, but they will want to go. Most players know they only have a three to four year window to make their NFL money. They will do whatever they need to (including signing any waiver you put in front of them) to ensure the season goes forward and they can make the club. 

[Jeremy Igo]

There is no way it is in Spartanburg. Players will not want to be that far away from their families. I suspect a few hotel floors will be bought out like a lot of other teams do to begin with.

[Waldo]

I can't see any positives for going this year. Keep it close and have the support and ability to make changes to this process which will have many new unknown hurdles.

[TheCasillas]

I figured this was going to happen due to SC being opened up.

37 minutes ago, Jeremy Igo said:

There is no way it is in Spartanburg. Players will not want to be that far away from their families. I suspect a few hotel floors will be bought out like a lot of other teams do to begin with.

What about the players who don't have immediate family? They are always away from their families during a regular season, what makes this different? Covid cant break into their home and kidnap their family. 

[RASTAN66]

Were I a player I would gladly go to Spartanburg for training camp --- in fact I'd be eager to do so.

That said, all players are entitled to make their own decisions and I know some will feel drastically different vs. my position...

Should the team decide to it is going to Spartanburg for camp they won't have any problem fielding a full roster --- lots and lots of football players are champing at the bit to get their shot at the NFL.

 

[MrBubba]

I would want it in Spartanburg.  Easier to keep players in bubble, then running around Charlotte.  

[Drk89Wng]

I always hated them practicing there. Too many injuries have happened there and we just need to get out of any situation that isn’t progressive for the teams development. The facilities there don’t line up with this regimes ideals. 

[cookinbrak]

21 hours ago, Jeremy Igo said:

There is no way it is in Spartanburg. Players will not want to be that far away from their families. I suspect a few hotel floors will be bought out like a lot of other teams do to begin with.

Think those guys are going to endanger their kids? Some of the ignorant ones, maybe, but not most. Treat it like a business trip- Daddy got to go out of town for a couple of weeks.

[Call Me James]

On 5/15/2020 at 6:59 AM, cookinbrak said:

Think those guys are going to endanger their kids? Some of the ignorant ones, maybe, but not most. Treat it like a business trip- Daddy got to go out of town for a couple of weeks.

That's not how business trips work. 

[Wes21]

20 minutes ago, Call Me James said:

That's not how business trips work. 

???