NFL cancels annual meeting in Florida because of coronavirus outbreak

The NFL has canceled its scheduled league meeting later this month in Palm Beach, Fla., because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement came on a day when the NCAA Tournament was canceled, and the NHL and Major League Baseball followed in the NBA’s lead by suspending their season and spring training, respectively.

The Pittsburgh Steelers joined other NFL teams in rescinding travel for their coaching staffs and scouting personnel as a precaution. Coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert did attend Clemson’s pro day Thursday.

”Our coaching staff and personnel have returned home, and we have no plans to travel as we continue to evaluate the situation over the new days,” Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said.

The NFL is planning to move forward with the start of the new league calendar year Wednesday at 4 p.m. That is when free agency opens and all teams must be compliant with the salary cap.

However, the NFL annual meeting, scheduled for March 29-April 1, was canceled because it would have put hundreds of executives and coaches in one gathering spot. The annual meeting is when owners meet to vote on rules proposals.

“There will be full consideration and votes on any open football issues, including playing rules, bylaws, and resolutions, as well as other business matters that were on the agenda for the Annual Meeting, at the Spring meeting scheduled for May 19-20,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said in a statement. “Most of the first day will be dedicated to football-related issues. Head coaches and general managers will participate in the meeting.

“This decision was made consistent with the league’s primary concern to protect the health of club and league employees and the public while enabling the league to continue with its essential business operations. ​

“We will continue to closely monitor developments, consult with leading experts, and be prepared to make any changes necessary as circumstances warrant.”

The next big event for the NFL is the annual draft, which will be held April 23-25 in Las Vegas.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday announced the postponement of media availability on Monday in Canton, Ohio, for inductees Troy Polamalu and Steve Atwater.

NFL player agents have been informed that some top-30 visits at team facilities for college prospects have been canceled. Some teams also have closed their team facilities and ordered employees to work from home.

The Washington Redskins, New York Giants, New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among other teams that have eliminated travel during the pre-draft scouting process. Some colleges have started canceling their pro days. Michigan canceled its pro day, which was scheduled for Friday.