In the world's worst Michael Scott impression, Raiders assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia recently tried to convince players over Zoom that Jon Gruden has the coronavirus, in an attempt to show how serious this pandemic is.
"Bisaccia told them, 'Guys, coach Gruden has COVID, and he's at the hospital now and he's being taken care of,' " NFL Media's Mike Garafolo reported Wednesday. "... It wasn't a joke. What it was was the team illustrating to the players that this could happen at any moment, to anybody."
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Well, that's one strategy to have right now. This apparent motivational move came just days before Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson actually did test positive for the coronavirus.
"The point to the players was you've got to stay ready, you've got to stay ready," Garafolo said. "... The players really took it to heart from what I've been told, and know going forward that everybody's got to be on the ready because of the world that we are living in right now."
There have been 62 players around the league who officially have opted out this season over concerns about the spread of COVID-19. Three Raiders -- D.J. Killings, Jeremiah Valoaga and Ukeme Eligwe -- have decided to opt out. There's no doubt others had a tough time with their choice as well.
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Bisaccia, 60, is entering his 18th season as an NFL coach. This is his third with the Raiders after spending the previous five as a member of the Dallas Cowboys' staff. These are unprecedented times, but the longtime coach missed the mark on this one. Big time.
The intentions clearly weren't malicious, but that doesn't excuse Bisaccia. Put down the "World's Best Boss" mug and try again.
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