NFL training camps are underway, with the preseason games approaching quickly. Football fans have a lot to look forward to as the NFL returns to normal following COVID-19. However, there is also a lot still to figure out, some of which will impact betting guides.
There’s never a dull moment in the NFL, even in the offseason. With only weeks to go, teams still have much work to do to hit the turf running.
Gronkowski Retires from the NFL Once Again
Rob Gronkowski, a future Hall of Fame tight end, has retired from the NFL for the second consecutive time. He was quiet about his future until he made his announcement via Instagram. After 11 seasons, he leaves the game with four Super Bowl championships, all with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After retiring before the 2019 season, he rejoined the Buccaneers with Tom Brady in Tampa. He had 45 receptions for 623 yards and seven touchdowns.
Grok caught two touchdown passes in their Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Two tight ends were selected by the Buccaneers in the recent draft to protect him if he doesn’t return for 2022.
Many are wondering if Gronkowski is really gone or if he will be re-elected. Drew Rosenau’s, Gronkowski’s agent, said that he would not be surprised to get a call from Brady after the announcement. Many fans hope for the same.
Watson Settles Sexual Misconduct Accusations
Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Deshaun Watson has agreed to settle with 20 of the 24 women who had filed civil lawsuits against him, alleging that he committed sexual misconduct during massage sessions. Tony Bugbee, lawyer of the women trying to take down Watson, announced Tuesday that all civil cases except four had been resolved. The terms of any settlement have not been made public.
Watson, one of the NFL’s most skilled quarterbacks, joined the Cleveland Browns this off season after he was accused of sexual improprieties. Roger Goodell, the NFL’s commissioner, announced last month that the investigation into these allegations was nearly complete.
Watson will be subject to disciplinary action, the league said. Insiders believe that Watson could face a lengthy suspension. This will make the Browns’ decision not to buy him more expensive.
Commanders’ Snyder Faces Subpoena
Daniel Snyder, the owner of Washington Commanders, didn’t testify before the US House of Representatives Oversight Committee, despite being asked. The committee chairwoman, Representative Carolyn B. Maloney, will legally compel him. Maloney announced Wednesday that she would issue a subpoena for Snyder to testify at the second deposition next Tuesday.
Maloney said that Snyder’s refusal to testify clearly indicated that he was more concerned about protecting himself than telling the truth to the American people. “If the NFL refuses to hold Snyder accountable, then I’m prepared to do so,” stated Maloney. She added that the committee would not be stopped in its investigation into workplace misconduct inside the Washington Commanders organization.
Goodell repeatedly denied Maloney’s claim that Snyder was not responsible for Washington’s work environment. He claimed that the NFL had imposed “unprecedented discipline” on the Commanders because of the behavior.
Since the NFL closed its investigation into misconduct within the NFL, Snyder has not been to league meetings. Snyder also said he was not involved with the team’s day-to-day operations.
Ravens’ Fergusson Dies at 26
On June 22, the Baltimore Ravens announced that Jaylen Ferguson, a fourth-year linebacker, had died. Ferguson, a third-round draft selection from Louisiana Tech in 2019, was the NCAA’s top sacks leader with 17.5. The Ravens expected the 26-year-old to have a great season and play a significant role in their defense.
In a statement, the team stated that Jaylon Ferguson’s passing deeply saddened it. It added that he was a “kind and respectful young man” with a big smile.
Baltimore Police responded around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday night to a call about a possible death. They later confirmed that Ferguson was the victim. The incident remains under investigation until the Medical Examiner’s Office determines the cause of Ferguson’s death.