The United States government and its priorities are things that we may never truly understand. As social distancing protocols continue to lax around the country despite the ongoing threat of COVID-19, the United States has taken a drastic move to ensure pro athletes are able to return to work.
The current acting Director of Homeland Security has signed an order making professional athletes essential workers. On Tuesday, Bill Daly, the deputy commissioner of the National Hockey League, told reporters in a conference call the order had been passed as the NHL moves to finish its season with a tournament slated to start in July.
In addition to declaring pro athletes essential workers, the US government previously lifted travel restrictions in place to prevent spreading COVID-19 for athletes abroad to be able to return home.
Clearly, the Trump administration is eager to see sports make a comeback despite the inevitable risks associated with violating social distancing guidelines while coronavirus continues to spread with no known cure or vaccine. Many professional athletes dedicated videos and posts honoring essential workers during this time-- and now they too are being deemed essential.
Earlier this week, Trump pettily used T.I.’s hit song “Whatever You Like” in an anti-Biden ad on Snapchat and released “#YouAintBlack” merch last week following the Biden controversy. Trump also shared his plans to keep the country open during the potential second wave of coronavirus that could occur later this year.
Would you consider pro athletes “essential”? Let us know what you think.