Seth Udinski, FISM News
In the NFL, several headlines have developed within the last several days, involving a disgraced head coach and continually rising numbers of positive COVID-19 cases among players.
On Thursday, the Jacksonville Jaguars released a statement that first-year head coach Urban Meyer has been fired, only 13 games into his rookie season. Meyer was a successful college coach, and there was a buzz around the league that he, along with rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence, could turn the struggling Jaguars into a winner.
But the 2021 season was full of controversy and empty on success. Meyer led the team to a dismal 2-11 record, and on numerous occasions he drew negative attention off the field. The most troubling incident was a shameful display in a bar in Columbus early in the season, where Meyer, a married man and professing Christian, was caught on video dancing provocatively with a 19-year-old woman. There were also allegations of discord between Meyer and his players, as well as dysfunction within the coaching staff.
Team owner Shad Khan said:
After deliberation over many weeks and a thorough analysis of the entirety of Urban’s tenure with our team, I am bitterly disappointed to arrive at the conclusion that an immediate change is imperative for everyone. I informed Urban of the change this evening. As I stated in October, regaining our trust and respect was essential. Regrettably, it did not happen.
And in other NFL news, the number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to rise, despite the fact that nearly everyone in the league has received at least one dose of the vaccine.
The Washington Football Team, only days away from a vital contest with division rival Philadelphia, has a whopping 21 players on the COVID-19 reserve list. Additionally, the Cleveland Browns, also in a fight for the playoffs, are in danger of losing their starting quarterback Baker Mayfield, backup quarterback Case Keenum, and head coach Kevin Stefanski, each of whom tested positive for the virus, in their upcoming matchup against Las Vegas Raiders.