CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials warned its athletic department about having student athletes outside too long Tuesday because of the poor air quality caused by wildfires in the mountains.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg high school practices were limited to 45 minutes outside and athletic trainers were required to be on site. They are treating this event with the same seriousness as they would during summer workouts, when heat and humidity are a concern.
The Carolina Panthers noticed the smell in the air Tuesday at practice, and tight end Greg Olsen said it felt like they were at a barbeque.
The odor was more of a nuisance and didn't have any effect on the teams conditioning or breathing.
However, it was a reminder of a very serious situation nearby.
“Just a reality check that there’s something going on, and that they're working and doing their best to try to get it under control, but it’s just something that’s affecting everybody in this area right now,” linebacker Thomas Davis said.
A team spokesman said there’s no conversation about changes or added precautions for game day on Thursday when they play the New Orleans Saints, and for now, all Friday night high school games are still scheduled.
Cox Media Group
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