NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has confirmed that next month's draft will go ahead as scheduled after getting "unanimous approval" to proceed by the league's executive.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event will not take place in front of fans in Las Vegas, and will instead be broadcast from a TV studio over three days between April 23rd and 25th.
"Apart from the CEC, I have personally discussed this matter with many other owners, club executives and coaches, and there is widespread support for the CEC's conclusion," Goodell revealed in a memo to the NFL's 32 teams.
"Everyone recognises that public health conditions are highly uncertain and there is no assurance that we can select a different date and be confident that conditions will be significantly more favourable than they are today.
"I also believe that it can serve a very positive purpose for our clubs, our fans, and the country at large, and many of you have agreed.
"Because of the unique circumstances in our country today, the 2020 draft will obviously need to be conducted in a different way.
"Already, we have cancelled all public events, we will not be bringing prospects and their families to the draft, and the draft itself will be conducted and televised in a way that reflects current conditions.
"Our staff is certainly mindful of the operational issues this presents, and our top priority is putting in place procedures that allow all clubs to operate on a level playing field so that the draft is conducted in a way that is competitively fair to all clubs.
"All clubs should now be doing the necessary planning to conduct draft operations in a location outside of your facility, with a limited number of people present, and with sufficient technology resources to allow you to communicate internally, with other clubs, and with draft headquarters."
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