Tomlin wants facilities reopened only when every team is ready

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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin doesn't want certain teams to reopen their facilities before others can amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I prescribe to the approach of competitive fairness within our game, and that is everybody gets an opportunity," Tomlin said Saturday, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "Our game is extremely competitive. It's one of the things that make football at this level so attractive to our fans. I'm committed to preserving and protecting that and so all teams getting an opportunity to start on the same footing is a core element of that."

The NFL previously laid out the protocols each team must have in place by May 15 in preparation for the reopening of facilities. But in its memo to teams, the league didn't say that certain clubs will be held from returning to headquarters until all 32 franchises are ready.

With states across the country loosening restrictions at different rates, some clubs could receive permission from the government to relaunch facilities before others are allowed.

"There's a couple of things that we're committed to adhering to, and that's the global approach of the National Football League in regards to football ops and how important competitive fairness is in our game," Tomlin said. "We all got to get started on the same footing in that regard. Then, also, respecting our local government and the guidelines they prescribe individually in terms of workplace safety.

"Those are the two key components for us. We're in a wait and see mindset and we'll be ready to go when both boxes are checked."

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