California governor 'not anticipating' fans if NFL season starts on time
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom pushed back Saturday against President Donald Trump, who reportedly told sports commissioners he wants the NFL season to begin on time and in front of fans.
"I'm not anticipating that happening in this state," Newsom said due to the coronavirus pandemic.
California has been hit hard by the virus, which continues to spread across the United States. Three NFL teams - the Los Angeles Rams, Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers - reside in the state.
"Let me tell you why," Newsom added. "We've all seen the headlines over the last couple of days in Asia, where they were opening up certain businesses and now they're starting to roll back those openings because they're starting to see some spread, there's a boomerang. One has to be very cautious here, one has to be careful not to overpromise."
Earlier this week, NFL executive Jeff Pash said the league is focused on playing a normal season with no delays or empty stadiums. However, the league's chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, suggested games won't be feasible without the availability of widespread COVID-19 tests and quick results.
The NFL preseason annually takes place throughout August, while the regular season gets underway in September.
"Our decision on that basis, at least here in the state of California, will be determined by the facts, will be determined by the health experts, will be determined by our capacity to meet this moment, bend the curve, and have the appropriate community surveillance and testing to confidently determine whether or not that's appropriate," Newsom said. "Right now, I'm just focused on the immediate, but that's not something I anticipate happening in the next few months."
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