Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence is mulling the possibility of opting out of the 2020 season, as ESPN.com’s Todd Archer writes. Lawrence, who has a baby on the way, wants to know more about the league’s plans and safety procedures before stepping on the field this fall. 
“Shoot, I love to ride with my brothers and play the game of football. When I have to take that away from myself, it’s hard and I don’t want to make a decision like that,” Lawrence said. “But I also have to make sure I’m taking care of my family. Family is No. 1. After the game of football is done, that’s the only thing I have to depend on, so I’ve got to take care of them.”
Lawrence won’t have long to get those answers – training camp opens in less than ten days, on July 28. A few days later, August 1, marks the proposed cut off date for players to make the call. Lawrence wants to know more about the living situation for players and the frequency of testing. So far, that’s all up in the air.
“It’s those type of thing that make you think, ‘Man, are we some pawns? Is my life just a game,'” Lawrence said. “I know I ain’t got forever to play, but at the end of the day, come on, you’re just going to toss me around because you’ve got dollar signs in your face?”
In Lawrence’s case, it’s a matter of many dollar signs. The 28-year-old is set to enter the second year of his five-year, $105MM mega-deal. If Lawrence doesn’t report for camp, he may have to forfeit a chunk of his signing bonus ($25MM in total). And, if the league’s latest proposal is finalized, Lawrence’s contract will toll. That means he’ll delay his next free agency turn for another year – a move that could cost him a fortune.
Despite offseason labrum surgery, Lawrence suited up for all 16 of the Cowboys’ regular season games last year. He posted only five sacks, but he registered a combined 25 sacks between the 2017 and 2018 seasons. This year, if he decides to play, he’ll look to get back to his Pro Bowl form.
making the opt out date so early was a clear attempt to force the players to play. they should all hold out of coming to camp.
Ever hear of bills? Players have them as well.
Why are players any more pawns then the rest of us. I have to go to work everyday. I don’t have the luxury of sitting out a year and having enough money to live easily while not working. I also wouldn’t keep my job if I opted out. Oh and I have 3 kids 3 and under.
I get it, it’s scary, be as safe as you can but go to work or don’t, just stop with the crap that your a victim because your expected to actually go to work to earn your millions a year.
Well, if you had access to millions of dollars to sit out a year, you most likely would to keep your family safe. None of these players are claiming to be the worst off in the world, they’re just saying that they are worried for the safety of their families and that they might not play because of that fear.
As I said above. My issue is not with sitting out it’s with saying your a pawn or that your being put in a situation that is any different the most of the population.
Jellbuc, does your work entail wrestling face to face with 300 pound men? Kind of hard to socially distance. If the NFL proceeds with the season it will be an unmitigated disaster.
Jellbuc hit the nail on the head. Teams should also be able to void a contract if the player opts out of this season without incurring a cap hit… my job won’t retain me if I say I’m scared and refuse to come in.. players should have the same fate. @earmbrister stop being a fear mongerer.
Why is the cutoff date so darn early? The league hasn’t made it clear how exactly this season’s going to work and probably won’t by August 1st. Thus, players won’t be able to properly assess the safety of the situation and make a confident decision
Aug 1st has been the opening of camps since I can remember.
I’m talking about the opt-out date, not when training camp starts. MLB players can decide anytime before the season starts, so why can’t NFL players?
The players have known about Corona since March. They saw the NHL, NBA, MLB, Pro tennis and PGA seasons canceled. I think they should be able to decide by now.
Not my point. The NFL hasn’t disclosed their protocol and measures designed for player protection. If athletes feel the NFL isn’t doing enough to keep them safe, they should have the right to opt out. I didn’t say they needed to get paid, but they shouldn’t have to make such a rushed decision. Besides, what difference does it really make if someone opts out on August 1st or 16th?
They can opt out and give up their annual salaries. They’ll lose this season towards FA as well. It’s been clear as day to me.
As for your second point, it called deadlines. There’s a 2 week difference from the 1st to the 16th. Either your playing or not. Not that hard to understand. Make a choice and live with those consequences.
Explain why a deadline prior to the start of the season is necessary
Do you have a job? Its called budgets. If say 15 players on (name any team) sit out, then they have too figure that into their equations.
The players know full well of what’s going on and what’s to be expected. If they choose to sit out, fine. That’s their choice. But the teams also have to make decisions & maybe re-stock their rosters.
Considering the previous post detailed the ongoing confusion between players and the league office, I think it’s safe to say nobody knows exactly what’s going on. I understand revenue and roster spots must be taken into consideration, but August 1st is awfully early. For God sakes, we don’t even know how opting out will impact players financially yet
But they have to make it early. If players are going to opt out than they need to find replacements and make adjustments. If they wait any longer in the month of August, it could result in to many problems for the team if multiple people opt out. It makes perfect since to make it August 1st.
I remember when Lawrence threatened to hold out after getting franchise tagged because he had dollar signs in his face. Then he racked up a whopping 5 sacks when they caved and paid him.
Valid point. He still ranks high because of the pressures and intangibles.
Nobody cares DeMarcus.
Didn’t he opt out last season?
Good one
The idea is to make money to raise quality of life, not to sacrifice quality of life to make money.
Not everyone has to think/act like a coal miner from 1890.
I can see enough pressure being put on by the union for the league to push back the opt out date to August 15th. Since the league has not announced any of their health and safety protocols, how can the players make any sort of informed decision about whether or not it’s worth the risk to play? I usually don’t side with the players union but in this case, I fully agree with their stance.
Is he implying that if he didn’t complete his 5 yr, $105 million dollar deal that $105 million is not sufficient to take care of his family?
I think he meant more in terms of health than financials in this case.