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NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith took issue with NFL players working out together despite a recent recommendation from the union stating that they should refrain from doing so.



During an interview with USA Today, Smith was asked about social media posts following workouts by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.

“Those practices are not in the best interest of player safety,” Smith told USA Today Sports in an editorial published Saturday. “They’re not in the best interest of protecting our players heading into training camp. And I don’t think they are in the best interest of us getting through an entire season.”

Dr. Thom Mayer, the NFLPA’s medical director, issued a statement on June 20 advising players to avoid working out with teammates to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

More than a dozen Bucs players — including new tight end Rob Gronkowski, wide receiver Chris Godwin and center Ryan Jensen — met at a Tampa prep school Tuesday morning for a two-hour workout, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Also present, per the Times, were backup quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Ryan Griffin, wideout Scotty Miller and defensive backs Mike Edwards, Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean.

Another quote on Instagram from Tom Brady, again practicing with Bucs teammates in Tampa today after NFLPA medical director recommended players not to practice in groups: pic.twitter.com/2wqVT7hN8c

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) June 25, 2020

Brady, 42, and teammates have been working out regularly at Berkeley Preparatory School since mid-May.

Wilson posted a video of a workout with Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf earlier this week.



–Field Level Media (@FieldLevelMedia)