The Texans attempted to end open training camp practices to reduce media access. The NFL told them they couldn’t do that.
According to a report from the Houston Chronicle, the Texans told reporters that Wednesday would be the last day before the team enters regular season mode on Thursday. According to NFL policy, however, “all daily practices must be open in their entirety to local media through Aug. 26,” putting a damper on Houston’s attempts to keep reporters away.
The Chronicle reported that the press will continue to attend practice until two days before the Texans’ final preseason game, which is scheduled for Aug. 28 against the Buccaneers.
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Once the regular season begins, the Texans can limit media access to practice – to some degree. Under NFL rules, teams can decide how much media time they can devote to practice, but according to Brian T. Smith of the Chronicle, teams must always grant journalists at least 20 minutes of access to daily practices, or access until the start of team exercises, during the season.
The Chronicle reported that under former coaches Dom Capers and Gary Kubiak, the Texans allowed reporters to attend all practices. Bill O’Brien, who was hired in 2014, was the first Houston coach to keep media access to a minimum.
The Texans have been embroiled in drama throughout the offseason. Quarterback Deshaun Watson faces more than 20 lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault. Watson, who wants to be traded, showed up at training camp to avoid a fine. Smith noted in a column that Watson could have taken pictures unsupervised had the team managed to end open practice by August 26.
