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New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung officially has backed out of the 2020 NFL season due to health concerns about his family and COVID-19.
Chung told CBS This Morning that his decision was the best for his family’s safety and it wouldn’t be fair to them if he continued to play.
“I wanted to play football, but when it comes down to it I feel just money is not that important,” Chung told CBS. “I have a girlfriend that’s pregnant, a baby girl coming soon, my son has a little bit of asthma, my dad is 75 years old.”
Chung said Patriots head coach Bill Belichick supported and understood his decision.
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Earlier in the month, Chung and Hightower tweeted their concern of the NFL’s decision to create new rules to resume play but abide by COVID-19 guidelines. Other NFL players also voiced their concern about the new protocols.
The NFL told CBS the league is currently not issuing a statement regarding players who are opting out of the upcoming season.
He noted that players have different demographics in their household that indicate high-risk or low-risk of contracting the virus. He said his decision has nothing to do with the league, but the high-risk in his household.
As a Chinese and Jamaican, Chung also talked about his experience in America with social justice during his interview with CBS.
He said in Jamaica the idea of race does not align with America’s. Chung said it is disheartening to see that people get judged for their skin color.
“I’ve never really truly experienced something like this. It’s very new to me. I started hearing the ‘N’ word when I came here. I never heard that,” said Chung. “Growing up… it’s all about how you act and how you carry yourself. That’s what really defines a person.”
So far, five other Patriots opted out of the season before training camp began. The players who also opted out are running back Brandon Bolden, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, linebacker Dont’a Hightower, guard Najee Toran, and fullback Dan Vitale, reported Yahoo Sports.
There are currently 30 players who have opted out of the 2020 NFL season.
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