Spread of Coronavirus causes cancellation of sports worldwide
By Ruben Nieves | Published March 24, 2020
As the Coronavirus continues to spread through the United States and the world, sports had to cancel or delay their seasons. The major sports throughout the world have announced what they are doing to help avoid the spread of the virus throughout their leagues.
The NBA was the first to announce they were suspending the season until possibly mid to late June after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the Coronavirus. Commissioner Adam Silver is hoping to resume the season in 30 days.
“We made this decision to safeguard the health and well-being of fans, players, everyone connected to our game and the general public. The hiatus will last at least 30 days and we intend to resume the season, if and when it becomes safe for all concerned,” Silver said in a letter sent out Thursday night to fans.
NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski announced the news Wednesday afternoon that Gobert’s teammate in Utah, Donovan Mitchell also tested positive for the Coronavirus after the entire team and staff had to be tested following the news of Gobert. Gobert and Mitchell are the only players who had been tested positive for the Coronavirus in the NBA as of Monday, March 16. It was announced that as of Sunday afternoon, Detroit Pistons Center Christian Wood has also tested positive of the virus. Also, a provision was made that could possibly free NBA owners from paying their players while the season is suspended.
There has been one confirmed case of the Coronavirus in the MLB, an unnamed minor league player from the New York Yankees organization. The league is taking action for the well-being of not only the players but also the fans. The Seattle Mariners have announced they won’t play their home games due to the spread of the virus around the state of Washington.
“MLB announced the delay of Opening Day.” Photo courtesy of USA Today
“Nothing is more important to us than the health and the safety of our players, employees, and fans. MLB will continue to undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health events,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
The NHL has also announced that it has also suspended the current season until further notice. Their goal is to resume play as soon as it is appropriate.
“We will continue to monitor all the appropriate medical advice, and we will encourage our players and other members of the NHL community to take all reasonable precautions,” said Commissioner Gary Bettman in a statement to all of the teams and fans.
As of Monday, March 16 there are no cases of the Coronavirus amongst the NHL.
Soccer leagues around the world such as the MLS, the Premier League, La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and others have announced they have all postponed or suspended their season. MLS Commissioner Don Garber released a statement Thursday afternoon regarding the league’s plan going forward.
“Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell tested positive for Coronavirus.” Photo courtesy of NBA.com
“Our clubs were united today in the decision to temporarily suspend our season based on the advice and guidance of the CDC, PHAC and other public health authorities,” he said.
In the UEFA, it was announced that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the coronavirus. Juventus star Paulo Dybala also tested positive for the virus and was one of the first athletes to come in contact with the virus. There have been no new confirmed cases of the Coronavirus as of Monday, March 16 around any of the major soccer leagues.
The NCAA announced that they have canceled both the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. Also, all remaining Winter and Spring NCAA championships have been canceled. They were willing to continue the games without any fans in attendance, however, they came with the conclusion to just cancel the tournaments for the safety of all the teams involved.
“NCAA cancels both Men’s and Women’s basketball tournaments.” Photo courtesy of NCAA.org
“Division I Men’s and Women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining Winter and Spring activities have been canceled. Our ability is to ensure the events do not continue to spread the pandemic,” said NCAA president Mark Emmert.
The NCAA also announced that they have suspended recruiting until April 15th because of the Coronavirus. It will prevent coaches from meeting any potential recruiters for the next four weeks.
The spread of the Coronavirus has put a pause on all sports, not only in the United States but worldwide. Within 48 hours, every professional sports league has done the necessary actions for the well-being of both athletes and fans.
“Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing,” the CDC said in a statement providing recommendations to all of the professional leagues in the United States.
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