Earlier this week, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, citing league sources, that the NFLPA had been urging 2011 NFL Draft prospects to avoid Radio City Music Hall for the April 28 festivities in a draft boycott. The NFLPA has since "set the record straight" on the report.
"Let me also correct the record: the NFLPA is not asking anyone to 'boycott' anything. NFL Draft in particular," tweeted George Atallah, the Assistant Executive Director of External Affairs of the NFLPA, on Tuesday. "The NFL Draft is special. Players and their families will be in NYC. It just maybe different. We will provide details when we can."
On Tuesday night, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sat down with Schefter (and also appeared on NFL Network) to address the rumors of the draft boycott.
"It's a special moment for them," Goodell told Schefter. "It's a chance for them to realize their hopes and dreams and become an NFL player. ... I hope they'll be able to continue to do that because it's not only enjoyed by the players, it's also enjoyed by the fans."
And thus, the drama continues.