The National Football League is instituting strict guidelines for its upcoming virtual draft, as the league continues to follow COVID-19 restrictions for ‘large gatherings’ of more than 10 people.
With players not being able to show up in person to an actual event, the league is making sure their virtual Draft experience does not showcase any material on the players’ end that might be deemed objectionable solicitation in the eyes of the NFL.
This would cover not only players abiding by a dress code that would forbid obscene clothing, but also including the camera backdrops of the rooms each player will broadcast themselves from.
The New York Post is reporting such guidelines:
*Prospects cannot wear anything that includes ‘disparaging depictions of the NFL’ or ‘derogatory statements regarding the NFL, its owners, employees and/or NFL partners.’
*No racial, religious or ethnic slurs, explicit language, or libel or hate speech. And even more specifically, no obscene, pornographic (or escort services), violent (including firearms or other weapons), or sexual imagery.
*Anything featuring political statements is not allowed, nor are any references to alcohol, drugs, tobacco products, gambling products, illicit substances or activities, pharmaceuticals or dietary and/or nutritional substances and products commonly referred to as ‘energy drinks.’
The Draft will being on Thursday, April 23rd at 8 pm ET, and will run until Saturday April 25th.