While Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay may have developed a solid game plan against the Dallas Cowboys in the 2020 NFL season opener, he failed to abide by the restrictions placed in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The NFL had established safety protocols for both coaches and players to follow on game days. Among them is a rule requiring coaches to wear wither a mask or plastic face shield at all times on the field.
The NFL sent out a memo reading coaches throughout the NFL to ensure that they are taking these precautions. McVay is all too aware that he is part of the guilty party.
McVay acknowledged his failure to keep the mask on and promised to be better about it moving forward, via ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry:
“I figured that memo was directed at me,” McVay said Monday evening during a video conference with reporters.
“I’ve been getting blasted all day about it, so I just love it,” McVay said, a bit tongue-in-cheek, before continuing in a more serious tone. “I will do better.”
McVay added that the was certainly among those that forced the NFL’s hand on the memo:
“I was definitely one of the main culprits of not following what the league wants,” McVay said. “I will definitely be aware of that and do better.”
This is hardly the first time McVay has had some trouble abiding by the rules while the game is taking place. He is not too far removed from the season he required a “get-back” coach to help him stay off the field and out of the way of game officials.
Since getting a “mask-on” coach certainly comes with its own set of challenges, the onus will fall on McVay to ensure that he and the rest of the staff are holding each other accountable before the NFL opts to reprimand teams.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid made headlines for the face shield he wore that was covered with fog throughout the whole game. It will be interesting to see which directions McVay opts to go in order to make sure it is no longer an issue.
The Rams are looking to keep their solid start to the year going as they get set to hit the road to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2.
