2020 The Spring League Fall season

Before the week 3 games, rumors started to arise that the coaches discussed boycotting after not getting paid for their work, and agents of players had also come forward with allegations that in the past the Spring League failed to cover lodging costs as promised.^[78] The league's CEO Brian Woods would later argue that "the payroll system had to verify checking accounts before issuing the direct deposits, which delayed the payments".^[4]

After week 3, Bresnahan stepped down as head coach of the Jousters because of a miscommunication with the league resulting from an outbreak of COVID-19 in the team. The Jousters had several unspecified players test positive, resulting in a forfeited game against the Alphas,^[79] and cancellation of the scheduled broadcast. Offensive assistant Robert Ford was supposed to take over the head-coach duties, but as some of the other coaches had to leave as they were considered at high-risk, the Jousters final game was cancelled,^[80] making them the only team whose games were not broadcast.^[4]

Before week 4, Jousters player Cory Johnson released a YouTube video accusing Woods (referred to as "the league owner") of mistreating Johnson's teammates (no insurance for players, no trainers on staff, and no guarantee that players who had paid to be there get a fair look),^[81] disregarding COVID-19 protocols and threatening to prevent them from getting use of or access to personal game film.^[82] Other players complained of poor meals and having to pay for treatment, parking and hotel rooms.^[83] Furthermore, according to several players accounts, they paid to play in the league but instead just participate in three-day "showcase" and were sent home.^[84] Following these reports, the league announced that the remaining scheduled games were to be cancelled due to new positive COVID-19 test results and all players were sent home immediately.^[85][86]

Brian Woods later rejected most complaints and said that the players did not stay at the hotel and are responsible for the COVID-19 outbreak. He stated that the sick players had an option to stay at the hotel if they wanted to. Woods stated he planned to go ahead with the Championship Game on a later date.^[87][88]

After the TSL season some of the players signed or received opportunities with National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL) teams. Additionally, all participating players were invited to Fan Controlled Football tryouts for free.^[89]

^* Workout.