The Spring League, which already was reportedly facing a boycott from its coaches over a salary dispute, now has axed what remained of its fall slate.
The young start-up league, envisioned as a developmental league for players still looking to attain a professional football career, had six teams set for a five-week slate, but executives cited COVID-19 issues as reason for both eliminating this week's games and the remainder of scheduled contests.
In its statement, The Spring League said, “Upon the return of the COVID-19 results from (Monday's) testing, The Spring League has concluded that it will not be possible to continue with either of our scheduled Week 4 games. As the cases of Coronavirus continue to surge nationally, we believe it is in the best interest and health and safety of our players, coaches and staff to conclude the regular season at TSL2020.”
The four-year-old league has conducted its games in Las Vegas, Austin, Texas, and West Virginia's renowned Greenbrier Resort, which also in the past has hosted the New Orleans Saints' training camp.
Per TSL's Web site, its players are not paid for their play in the league but are provided meals and housing.
However, with former NFL and college head coaches among its leaders, TSL was paying its coaches unspecified salaries until that reportedly stopped and prompted the coaches to unify last week in a potential decision to halt their work.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest coaching news.