The least surprising sports development during the coronavirus pandemic has been the stark differences between how the NBA and NFL have approached a global crisis with players, personnel and the public.
NFL executives have insisted they plan to start the 2020 season on time and in full with no contingency, levied a gag order against employees discussing otherwise and issued no public-facing communication from commissioner Roger Goodell. Meanwhile, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has conducted multiple interviews, openly conceding the pandemic could have scheduling ramifications beyond this season.
The divide is not dissimilar to a national debate between politicians who have downplayed the threat of the virus and those who have warned the public of the short- and longterm ramifications of failing to take every necessary precautionary measure.