Report: NFL Combine facing boycott due to bubble restrictions

The NFL Combine is facing a backlash from agents over restrictions placed upon players and trainers at next month’s event.

A number of agents are reportedly organizing a boycott of testing and on-field workouts at the combine over event restrictions, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The agents will drop the boycott if restrictions are eased.

Agents representing more than 150 draft prospects are organizing a boycott of all testing, on-field workouts and interviews at next month’s NFL scouting combine if heavy “bubble” restrictions aren’t changed, sources tell me and @TomPelissero

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 21, 2022

The NFL sent out a memo outlining combine guidelines on Saturday. Draft prospects are expected to be restricted to combine venues during their entire time in Indianapolis, and are restricted to one guest who will provide medical support. That individual, as well as anyone else who comes in contact with players, must be fully vaccinated. Anyone who violates the established protocols risks being sent home from the combine.

The NFL Combine is typically a major event on the offseason calendar. Those who participate in on-field workouts can sometimes do wonders for their draft stock or create significant buzz around themselves. The combine had become such a big event that TV coverage was actually starting to interfere with the workouts, at least in the minds of some.

As it stands, most top prospects would show up to the combine for a medical evaluation and nothing else. They would still have the opportunity to do drills and workouts, but they would likely do it at their school’s pro day instead.

Photo: Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the final pick of the 2021 NFL Draft for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports