Major sports teams took an unprecedented measure Wednesday night and Thursday morning that has significantly added to the panic in this country over the coronavirus.
The NBA started the ball rolling by suspending its season when a player for the Utah Jazz tested positive for the coronavirus.
By Thursday afternoon, the NHL had suspended its season, the MLB has suspended its season, and the NCAA canceled all conference tournaments as well as canceling the NCAAB National Championship, otherwise known as March Madness.
End of Season
Whether or not the professional seasons will be resumed remains up in the air, but the college seasons have been terminated.
In a prepared statement, the NCAA stated, “This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.”
ACC Commissioner John Swofford stated, “This is uncharted territory and the health and safety of our student-athletes and institutions remains our top priority. This decision is aimed to protect from the further spread of COVID-19.”
The MLB also released a statement:
“Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players, employees and fans. MLB will continue to undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts.”
The NFL has canceled its annual meeting, and stated, “There will be full consideration and votes on any open football issues, including playing rules, bylaws, and resolutions, as well as other business matters, that were on the agenda for the Annual Meeting, at the Spring meeting scheduled for May 19-20.”
The league’s draft is supposed to be held in Las Vegas this year, but the league has yet to make an announcement about that.
As far as the NBA player is concerned, Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was diagnosed just before game time.
Gobert had mocked the outbreak on Monday after the NBA put media coverage restrictions in place.
During his press conference, he walked around and touched all the microphones.
He apologized for his actions, stating, “At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9pXSG8l_J6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
While we have never downplayed the seriousness of the virus, we have always maintained the bulk of the responsibility lies with us, as individuals, to exercise caution, which Gobert did not do.
It just goes to show that carelessness plays a large part in spreading this disease and there is nothing the government or its agencies can do to change that.
If you are sick, stay home and make an appointment with the doctor. Carry tissues with you and cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Keep your surfaces clean and wash your hands regularly. And, by all means, if you are around anyone that does sneeze or cough, do NOT touch your face until you have thoroughly washed your hands. If you have been around someone that has the virus, self-quarantine and make an appointment for testing.
Source: ABC News
We depend on our readers to help us get the word out. So, if you agree with this article, please like and share the article on your favorite social media outlet. You are also encouraged to sign up for our newsletter to ensure you can stay informed. To sign up for our newsletter, click here.