2020 NFL draft to proceed without public events in consideration of COVID-19 outbreak

LAS VEGAS - One of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year will go on as scheduled, but without public events in Las Vegas, it announced Monday. 

The NFL released the following statement:

“In consideration of current information related to COVID-19 and guidance from medical experts such as the CDC, and in coordination with public authorities in Nevada and the City of Las Vegas, the NFL will modify its plans for the 2020 NFL Draft, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Monday.

The clubs' selection of players will proceed as scheduled April 23-25. The NFL is exploring innovative options for how the process will be conducted and will provide that information as it becomes available. The selection process will be televised.

Public NFL Draft events in Las Vegas next month will not take place.

"This decision reflects our foremost priority -- the health and safety of all fans and citizens," NFL Commissioner Rorger Goodell said in a statement. "While this outcome is disappointing both to the NFL and to the Las Vegas community, we look forward to partnering with the Raiders, the City of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for a future NFL Draft as well as evaluating opportunities for other major NFL events in Las Vegas in the future, including the Super Bowl."

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Some of the players in this year’s draft class include Joe Burrow, Chase Young, Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa and Isiah Simmons. 

The NFL has not announced plans to postpone its 2020-21 season. 

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This story was reported from Los Angeles.