Richard Sherman rips NFL for banning postgame jersey exchanges

49ers star cornerback calls out NFL for banning postgame jersey exchanges but allowing players to play in full-contact games.

49ers cornerback Richard Sherman charged the NFL with hyprocisy for its new game-day protocols that prohibit players from exchanging jersey or interacting within six feet of each other after games.

“This is a perfect example of NFL thinking in a nutshell,” Sherman said in a Twitter post. “Players can go engage in a full contact game and do it safely. However, it is deemed unsafe for them to exchange jerseys after said game.”

This is a perfect example of NFL thinking in a nutshell. Players can go engage in a full contact game and do it safely. However, it is deemed unsafe for them to exchange jerseys after said game. https://t.co/fWefsUSVDc

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) July 9, 2020

The league sent a memo to all 32 teams Wednesday night outlining ways it hopes to prevent spreading of the coronavirus when it tries to launch the 2020 season this fall. The changes include requiring everyone but players and coaches to wear masks on the sideline.

Although the NFL Players Association signed off on the protocols, including the banning of the traditional postgame on-field jersey exchange, Sherman isn’t alone in decrying the ban.

Raiders safety Erik Harris is among those wondering why briefly greeting an opponent after the game is more dangerous than spending three hours hitting each other.

“(The) 2020 season sounding like a rain check. Safe enough to tackle people for 65 percent of my salary for a full season, but not safe enough for jersey swaps? What are we doing!!!,” Harris tweeted.

2020 season sounding like a rain check. Safe enough to tackle people for 65% of my salary for a full season, but not safe enough for jersey swaps? What are we doing!!!

— Erik Harris (@e_harris_31) July 9, 2020

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson’s response to the restriction was succinct, tweeting, “That’s DAMN SILLY bro …”

Here are some other restrictions included in the NFL’s agreement with the Players Association that were included in the 11-page document sent to each team:

• Everyone who has access to the field or bench area will have their temperature taken before entering the stadium. Anyone who has a temperature at or above 100.4 degrees won’t be allowed to enter the stadium.
• Anyone near the bench area is prohibited from sharing any personal items, including cups, food, towels and clothing.
• All inactive players must either be in the designated bench area or remain in the locker room, an empty suite or some other designated isolated location in the stadium during pregame and throughout the game to avoid interactions with any non-team personnel.
• No on-field fan seating will be allowed.
• Cheerleaders, mascots, flag runners and other entertainers must be approved by the NFL in advance and, if approved, must meet physical distancing and screening and testing requirements.
• All media will be banned from the locker room.

Associated Press contributed to this report.