Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. made some pointed comments about NFL owners and the upcoming season, saying in an interview that “the season shouldn’t happen.”
Beckham, who reportedly is not planning to opt out of the season, also said owners “don’t see us as human.”
Beckham made the comments in an interview with the Wall Street Journal two weeks ago, prior to the July 24 agreement between the NFL and NFL Players Association regarding safety protocols and COVID-19 precautions.
“We’re not ready for football season. So why are we trying to push forward?” Beckham said in a feature story with WSJ Magazine. “It’s obviously for their money. And that bothers me because there’s always been this — and I hate saying it like that — but the owners’ [attitude is], ‘Oh we own you guys,’ and just kind of that unfairness going on that they don’t see us as human.
“I just feel like the season shouldn’t happen and I’m prepared for it to not happen and I wouldn’t mind not having it.”
Cleveland.com reported that Beckham is not expected to opt out of the upcoming season despite his concerns. Beckham has been a full participant in the COVID-19 testing program ahead of training camp.
The deadline to opt out is Tuesday.
