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Ohio State Coach Ryan Day Hopes Big Ten Football Can Resume in January
College football is still reeling from Tuesday’s announcement from the Big Ten, the first Power Five conference to pull the plug on its fall sports season amid the coronavirus (the Pac-12 followed suit hours later). Several coaches including Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh and Penn State’s James Franklin were critical of the conference scrapping its fall football schedule, though Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren argued that the decision, while difficult, was done to preserve the health and safety of both coaches and student athletes.
So where does the Big Ten go from here? Momentum seems to be building toward a spring football campaign, though that would pose logistical challenges for players eyeing lucrative NFL careers. In the event of a spring football season, the NFL would undoubtedly be forced to alter its league calendar to accommodate the class of 2021. Unfortunately, the league doesn’t offer a ton of leeway in that respect. Per the collective bargaining agreement (which has already been amended once to address COVID concerns), the NFL can stage its draft no later than June 2. That would obviously be much later than usual (the 2020 Draft took place April 23-25), but maybe not late enough for incoming rookies, depending on when the Big Ten decides to hold its season.
As you might expect, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day had plenty to say on the matter, sharing his thoughts in Wednesday’s media availability. Day, who fell to 16-1 as head coach following the Buckeyes’ loss to Clemson in January’s College Football semifinals, wants football to return as soon as possible. In fact, the 41-year-old is advocating for an unprecedented winter football season.
Clear from Ryan Day's comments that he wants to put the focus on the spring. "We need to start it as soon as we can." He wants an 8-week season the first week of January. Says it will give separation with the fall and that early entry recruits can get two (seasons) this year.— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 12, 2020While Day’s proposal would offer certain benefits—outgoing players should have enough time to prepare for the draft, or whatever else awaits them after college football, with a January start date—it ignores other factors like weather (Ann Arbor and Madison don’t offer the most inviting winter climates) and the continued uncertainty surrounding COVID (who knows if we’ll have a vaccine by then). Day is understandably wary of losing Heisman candidate Justin Fields to the NFL Draft. Many draft-eligible talents have opted out of bowl games in recent years to avoid injury and though Fields fits the profile of a player who’d pursue that path, an accelerated start date could improve Day’s chances of keeping the 21-year-old in Columbus, at least for another few months.
Ryan Day on the future of Justin Fields: "I think Justin wants to see what the schedule is." Day said its "our job" so "someone like Justin can plan...his next few months." Day mentions report that the NFL could push the draft back. Day wants to start the spring in early Jan.— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 12, 2020Tuesday’s announcement by the Big Ten seemed pretty definitive, though Day is still holding out hope for a fall football slate, as small a possibility as that may be.
Ryan Day on trying to play this fall: "It's a fluid situation. We're looking at everything. I can promise you that."— billlandis25 (@BillLandis25) August 12, 2020Like all of us, Day sounds like a man who desperately misses college football. Unfortunately, as the NCAA and other governing bodies have discovered, there are no easy solutions when it comes to navigating a colossal, unrelenting global health crisis.
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August 12, 2020
Big 12 Will Proceed With Fall Sports, Releases 2020 Football Schedule
Despite decisions made in recent days by the Big Ten and the Pac-12 to cancel their fall sports seasons, the Big 12 announced on Wednesday that they plan to proceed with theirs.
According to a statement from the official website of the Big 12, the conference's board of directors came to an agreement Tuesday night and came up with a plan on how to go about holding various sports. September 1 marks the start date for these contests.
The official schedule for Big 12 football was released on Twitter following the announcement.
A 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 delivery for #Big12FB fans‼️Your first look at the 2⃣0⃣2⃣0⃣ Conference schedule ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/1W00A3EYuM— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) August 12, 2020Members of Big 12 schools will undergo "enhanced" coronavirus testing by taking three tests per week if they play sports like football and soccer, where contact is more likely. As part of the enhanced testing process, anyone who tests positive will undergo thorough testing using blood tests, MRIs and more. If an out-of-conference school is set to play against a Big 12 school, they too must abide by conference rules for a week leading up to the game.
Big 12 Board of Directors Chairman Victor Boschini commented that the health of student-athletes remains the top priority and will guide all decision-making, and it is the "Board's collective opinion" that the conference can follow through on athletes' desires to play by creating a safe way to do so in concordance with health professionals.
"If at any point our scientists and doctors conclude that our institutions cannot provide a safe and appropriate environment for our participants, we will change course," Boschini added.
Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby also spoke on the matter.
🚨 Fall sports update from @Big12Conference Commissioner Bob Bowlsby.➡️ https://t.co/1guHAHmzzW pic.twitter.com/rMR4XFgRQG— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) August 12, 2020Related:- Louisville Head Coach Says ACC Will Move Forward With Football Season Despite Big Ten, Pac-12 Decisions- NFL Agent Drew Rosenhaus: College Football Will Be a 'Week-to-Week Deal'- Trevor Lawrence Leads College Football Players Rejecting Rumored Shutdown: #WeWantToPlay
August 12, 2020
Washington Football Team Announces No Fans at FedExField to Begin 2020 Season
The majority of NFL teams have announced that there will be a significantly reduced capacity at their fields and stadiums throughout the 2020 season, but there are some who are pulling the plug on that idea altogether.
The Raiders announced that they would not allow any fans at their home games in 2020, which, coincidentally, is the same year in which they were set to move into the brand-new Allegiant Stadium. Other teams, such as the Eagles and the Jets/Giants, play in cities where executive orders have prevented sizable outdoor gatherings to this point.
Now, the Washington Football Team has made their decision regarding fans official, as well.
Washington Football Team To Kick Off 2020 Season Without Fans At FedExFieldhttps://t.co/UjDoaabopE— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 12, 2020Owner Dan Snyder announced his reasoning for such a move in a statement released on Wednesday morning (via Washington Football Team official website).
"We are fortunate to host the best fans in the NFL year after year, but the well-being of those supporters, along with that of our players, coaches and each and every member of our gameday staff is simply too important, and the current knowledge of COVID-19 too unpredictable, to welcome our fan base to FedExField to start the season. We were the first team in the league to recall our scouts and other personnel from the field back in mid-March and have been monitoring this evolving situation ever since. This decision was not an easy one, but after several discussions with federal, state and local officials – along with input from some of the nation's foremost medical experts, based right here in the nation's capital – we are confident that it is the right one. We are working to find ways to make our fans' presence felt in new and innovative ways for 2020 and can't wait to welcome the community through the gates as soon as it's safe."
However, the team also mentioned that the decision will be re-evaluated by team executives, health officials, and other parties to determine whether or not fans can come to games if conditions improve. There have been 12,896 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Washington, D.C. to this point, with 89 new cases on August 10. There have been 593 deaths.
Though the decision is undoubtedly a smart and prudent one, it still had its fair share of Twitter users poking fun at the lack of attendance.
Talk about a set up line... https://t.co/yoxxqFeVwG— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) August 12, 2020Too... many... jokes... Must... resist 😬 https://t.co/M5SlgDhT7J— Neil Reynolds (@neilreynoldsnfl) August 12, 2020When sorting 2019 team attendance by the percentage of stadium capacity that was filled on average, Washington was the third-lowest (79.9%), trailed only by Tampa Bay and Cincinnati (via ESPN).
The Eagles, set to play against Washington in Week 1, will now play at least their first three games without fans, with the outlook in San Francisco for Week 4 looking bleak due to how hard the Bay Area was hit by coronavirus.
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August 12, 2020
Boise State Head Coach: A Spring Season Is “Absolutely Doable”
The Mountain West postponed fall sports Monday, one day before the Big Ten and Pac-12 did the same. Many fans hope to get their college football fix in the spring, but from player safety to the NFL Draft, there are concerns about the viability of a spring season.
Ultimately, is spring football feasible?
“I think it’s feasible to play in the spring, I do,” Boise State coach Bryan Harsin said on The Zach Gelb Show. “Obviously it’s not ideal, but under the circumstances, it’s absolutely doable. And I do think there will be [a spring season]. I really do. I have a lot of faith. I’m optimistic. That’s how I approach things, just being optimistic about people finding things out that they need in order for us to be able to play – not just for college football, but for society, and that things get better and we’re able to get back to some normalcy. I think we will be able to do that.
“It’s going to be different if we do, obviously, and we’ll attack that challenge when it comes our way and we’ll make the most out of it,” Harsin continued. “I anticipate the other programs will do the same, and then we’ll figure out how that looks leading into the next season. There’s obviously going to be adjustments there as well. But let’s deal with hopefully what’s going to be in front of us; that’s going to be this postponed season or this possible spring season. I think if we do that, we can still have a great experience in college football, and our players can go out there and enjoy the opportunity that they get to play this game. That’s what we’re looking forward to.
Harsin, 43, is 64-17 at Boise State. He’s won at least 10 games in five of his six seasons with the Broncos, who finished 12-2 last season.
Harsin does not know all of the spring specifics right now – no one does – but plans and protocols will likely be developed in the coming weeks and months.
“Those answers aren’t out there right now, but those are going to be the questions that are going to be asked and those are the answers that we’re going to need to really start to model the plan that we all need to be using,” Harsin said. “I’m hoping that it’s uniform: Hey, this is what we’re all doing, this is when we all start, here’s your 29 days, here’s your 25 practices, and you get yourself prepared. But for the time being, it’s going to be left up to the universities. We’re going to train and we’re going to do things in our program. We’re going to maximize this opportunity for our players to develop themselves, be better athletes, to continue to keep developing things in our program that are important to us, and then doing it in a way that gets us prepared so when it is time to go out there and play that we’re ready.”
Boise State has been ranked in the top 20 in four of Harsin’s six seasons. Last year, the Broncos were ranked as high as No. 14. It was their best ranking since topping out at No. 13 in 2016. They have won the Mountain West in two of the last three seasons.
“We still want to play at a high level, and we still want to compete at a high level,” Harsin said. “I know these players want to go out there and be successful – the seniors, especially. They want to finish what they started. So that’s the thought process right now and that’s the vision and the direction. But at this point, we’re going to wait for some more answers and we’re going to have a little bit of time to do that. We got some other things to focus on right now while we wait.”
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August 12, 2020
Coronavirus-Linked Heart Condition a Factor in Big Ten Suspension: Report
A health complication seen in some people who have contracted coronavirus reportedly played a key role in the pending suspension of the Big Ten football season.
Myocarditis, a condition defined as inflammation of the heart muscles, was observed in at least five Big Ten student-athletes who tested positive for COVID-19, as well as several other athletes from other conferences, ESPN reported.
The condition previously sidelined Red Sox pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez for the entirety of the shortened 2020 MLB season after he tested positive for the virus during summer camp.
The relatively rare ailment can sometimes occur in cases of the common cold, flu, or mononucleosis, the report said, but has been found with greater frequency in patients diagnosed with coronavirus.
If left untreated, myocarditis can cause heart damage and could lead to potentially fatal cardiac arrest.
Several doctors specializing in sports medicine and affiliated either with top athletic programs or professional leagues registered their concern about the heart condition, the article said.
Dr. Matthew Martinez, the league cardiologist for MLS, the New York Jets' team cardiologist, and a consultant for the NBA players' association, said he has heard from physicians from at least a dozen schools who identified at least 12 cases of myocarditis among student-athletes.
While myocarditis was initially considered to be not serious as long as symptoms weren't severe, Martinez said the thinking on that is changing.
"Initially we thought if you didn't have significant symptoms that you are probably at less risk," Martinez said. "We are now finding that that may not be true."
Several cases of myocarditis were detected among players in college football's Mid-American Conference, which abruptly cancelled its season over the weekend. Those cases were among many factors in the suspension, ESPN reported.
"What we don't know was really haunting us, and that's why we came to our final decision," Northern Illinois athletic director Sean Frazier said on Saturday. "That's part of the data that our presidents used. ... That stuff is extremely scary."
August 11, 2020
Report: MLB Revisiting Postseason Bubble Amid Recent COVID Outbreaks
MLB’s corona-abbreviated 2020 season has gotten off to a rocky start with two teams—the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals—playing catch-up in the wake of recent coronavirus outbreaks. Both clubs were admittedly lax in following league protocols but even if Miami and St. Louis are more attentive going forward, the possibility of further COVID complications across MLB still exists. Just this past weekend, the Indians were forced to reprimand—and subsequently quarantine—two of their starting pitchers for going off premises during their trip to Chicago.
With those concerns in mind, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times reports that MLB is considering a playoff format similar to the “bubble” models successfully adopted by both the NBA and NHL. MLB workshopped constructing its own bubble environment as early as April (Phoenix was considered the favorite to host games) but the idea was ultimately back-burnered after the league faced significant resistance from players, many of whom had no interest in being away from their family for the better part of four months. But with over a billion in TV revenue at stake, baseball can’t afford any more setbacks. MLB needs the postseason to go off without a hitch and restricting cross-country travel by playing all of its games in the same general vicinity would seem to accomplish that.
A neutral-site World Series would be unprecedented but with home-field advantage already essentially meaningless in a year without fans, now seems as good a time as any to break with tradition. If MLB does opt for a postseason bubble, the league would likely follow the NHL’s lead in establishing two or more “hub” cities where games would be held. New York and Chicago each have two venues at their disposal, though Los Angeles is probably the more likely host site given the comparatively warmer climate of Southern California.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, one proposal being considered would be for the National League to stage games at Dodger Stadium with the American League playing its October slate at Angel Stadium in nearby Anaheim. With MLB debuting an expanded 16-team postseason in 2020, Dodger and Angel Stadiums may not have the bandwidth to hold all those games, which is why Petco Park in San Diego (roughly two hours south of Los Angeles) could serve as a third site, at least for the best-of-three Wild Card round. Bay Area parks in Oakland and San Francisco could also be called upon if the league requires additional stadium space to accommodate its 16 playoff teams.
Though MLB seems to be leaning toward Southern California for hosting duties, East Coast and Midwest hubs have also been discussed. In that scenario, Citi Field (Mets), Yankee Stadium, Citizen’s Bank Park (Phillies), Nationals Park and Camden Yards (Orioles) would comprise MLB’s proposed East Coast hub with Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox), Wrigley Field (Cubs) and Miller Park (Brewers) the favorites to host the league’s Midwest slate.
Passan acknowledged logistical challenges in adopting a postseason bubble. Among other issues, the league would have to navigate earlier-than-usual start times (before noon local time in some cases), limited practice availability and enough time between games to thoroughly disinfect clubhouses. But in the absence of a better idea amid the most harrowing year of our collective lives, October baseball in Southern California could be where the 2020 season is headed.
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August 11, 2020
Penn State Coach Signals Support for Playing Season
The Detroit Free Press is reporting the Big Ten is expected to cancel all 2020 fall sports, including the entire college football season over concerns during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Radio host Dan Patrick was the first to report that school presidents voted 12-2 to cancel fall sports, but other sources are saying an agreement has been reached, but that an official vote will not take place until Monday night at 6pm.
It’s possible that Patrick’s report should have stated there was “an agreement” instead of a vote, but other sources are confirming the details he reported on his syndicated radio show will eventually prove to be correct.
If the early reporting does pan out, Penn State, Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State, will be among the majority of schools voting to cancel the season, while the two votes in favor of playing, will come from Iowa and Nebraska.
For fans holding out hope, The Chicago Tribune is reporting that “no final decisions have been made.”
Penn State Head Coach James Franklin appeared to tweet his support for playing the 2020 football season.
I love our players & believe it is my responsibility to help them chase their dreams, both collectively & individually. I am willing to fight WITH them & for our program!#WeAre— James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) August 10, 2020WILK News Radio will update this story as new information becomes available.
August 10, 2020
Will Healy Joins Kyle Bailey to Discuss the Hectic Last 48 Hours in College Football
The Head Coach of the Charlotte 49ers Football program joined Kyle Bailey this afternoon on the clubhouse as he expressed his uncertainty of a college football season happening in 2020 after a crazy weekend of news flowing out.
"I told our guys at the end of practice today that this probably is the first time where I know what they know and I don't know how much insight I can give them. All I know right now is that we scheduled North Carolina over the weekend and are playing 11 games. I'm reading the same things they're reading about the season possibly being cancelled and the reality of this is that we are practicing right now because they want to, and if somebody wants to stop us and tell us we're not playing we'll stop, but it's a tough position to be in because you don't have an answer for them."
Will also told Kyle that a lot of these players are safer in the confines at the university than to go back home because the structure is safer at the school than it would be if they were on their own at home.
Kyle asked Will about the #WeWantToPlay movement that has gained steam over the past 48 hours that is in the same veins of the #WeAreUnitedMovement as he was once a former player himself, and Will stated:
"I think it's the best thing that could happen to the players. Players having a voice, what's wrong with that?!? That's why we have a leadership council and open conversations so they can have a voice and then make sure to do research for when they have a voice. I've been in so many of these opportunities over the last 4 months as a head coach to be in conversations to learn so much when it comes to race and social injustice issues that I was not even aware of, and the only reason I've been able to learn and grow is that I was humbled and exposed to my lack of knowledge of certain topics because I haven't lived it. It's important that these players need to be heard, and I'm excited that they are being heard, and they can make a difference."
August 10, 2020
NHL Announces Zero New Positive COVID-19 Test Results Inside League Bubbles
Since the National Hockey League entered its two bubble cities in the Return To Play plan on July 26, there have been zero positive COVID-19 cases to emerge with its players.
The league gave its weekly COVID-19 testing update on Monday and said that out of 7,245 tests administered in the second week of Phase 4, there have been zero positive test results in either Edmonton, Alberta or Toronto, Ontario. This testing period went from Sunday, Aug. 2 to Saturday, Aug. 8.
NHL statement on COVID-19 testing results: pic.twitter.com/6sTU3SIGdf— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) August 10, 2020The last time the NHL announced it had any positive COVID-19 cases among its players and staff was back for the week of July 13 through July 17 when the league had just two positive cases in the opening week of Phase 3 of the league's Return To Play plan. Since then, the league has not had a positive test result come up.
The NHL just completed its Qualification Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday and will begin Quarterfinal Round action on Tuesday. Here is a look at the upcoming matchups in both conferences:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
1 - Philadelphia Flyers vs. 8 - Montreal Canadiens
2 - Tampa Bay Lightning vs. 7 - Columbus Blue Jackets
3 - Washington Capitals vs. 6 - New York Islanders
4 - Boston Bruins vs. 5 - Carolina Hurricanes
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
1 - Vegas Golden Knights vs. 8 - Chicago Blackhawks
2 - Colorado Avalanche vs. 7 - Arizona Coyotes
3 - Dallas Stars vs. 6 - Calgary Flames
4 - St. Louis Blues vs. 5 - Vancouver Canucks
Following first round action in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the conferences will re-seed again for the second round with the first-seeded team matching up against the lowest-seeded team and the second-highest seed facing the second lowest-seeded team.
Stay tuned for the latest on this developing story...
August 10, 2020
Pirates Series In St. Louis Canceled As Cardinals Deal With Virus
ST. LOUIS (93.7 The Fan/AP) - With COVID-19 affecting the Cardinals, the Pirates series in St. Louis has been postponed.
Major League Baseball made the decision official on Sunday evening.
10 players and seven staff members tested positive for coronavirus back in late July and recently two other players and one more staff member tested positive.
There have now been 27 games postponed by Major League Baseball because of coronavirus concerns. The Cardinals have not played since July 30 and have had 13 games scrapped and will need to play 55 games in 46 days, meaning a lot of doubleheaders.
MLB said Sunday night that the league and the Cardinals “believe it is prudent to conduct additional testing while players and staff are quarantined before the team returns to play.”
The Pirates canceled their flight to St. Louis on Saturday night, the first indication the series was in jeopardy.
“Obviously we don’t want the whole series to get canceled,” Pittsburgh catcher Jacob Stallings said before a home game against Detroit. “I think we’re grateful that we get a day off. It’s been obviously a tough stretch. Our pitching could use it. And you know, we’ve had a tough schedule to start the year, so grateful for the day off, but then also everybody doesn’t want three games canceled; we want to get those games in.”
While the situation with COVID-19 continues in St. Louis, the break gives the Pirates an opportunity to rest a much strained pitching staff.
The team will likely get Monday off and hold workouts at PNC Park Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Pirates are off to one of the worst starts in team history, going 3-13 and are currently 8.5 games out of first place.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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August 10, 2020
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