The NBA’s Return Amid COVID-19
In preparation for the NBA to get back on the court, coronavirus testing has begun. 302 players were tested and 16 of those players tested positive for the virus. Those 16 players will self-isolate until they are cleared.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged today that a “significant spread” of COVID-19 once the season gets going could result in a stoppage of play.
Meanwhile, the league and the National Basketball Players Association finalized the deal that will get the season started on July 30 in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. All 22 games will play eight “seeding games” and everyone will be living and working in the bubble. 16 teams will go to the playoffs.
Let the countdown to basketball begin.
Baseball is Back
Cody Bellinger is back! Well, all of Major League Baseball is back, but the author of the Friday 5 is particularly excited about Cody.
After what seemed like the world’s longest negotiation, players and owners found a way to get back on the field. Hallelujah!
Teams will report to training camps on July 1, with the season set to start July 23 or 24. It will be a 60-game regular season that will end Sept. 27. Teams will play in their regions, playing teams in their division, as well as playing teams in other league but same region. Sound confusing? Yes, but this may help: the NL West will play the AL West, the NL East will play the AL East, etc. etc.
Amid coronavirus concerns, the league released this graphic to explain health and safety protocols. Also, spitting is prohibited, which for baseball players is going to be an adjustment.
And What About the NFL?
As of now, the NFL is planning for training camp to start on time, meaning in just about a month. However, the Pro Football Hall of Fame canceled the August 8 Hall of Fame game. It is also possible that we see the four-week preseason shortened.
With players from various teams testing positive for COVID-19, the NFLPA recommended that players stop doing group workouts, to which Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady said, “Cool story, but we’re going to keep doing them in Tampa.” Granted he didn’t actually say that, but the Brady bunch is continuing the workouts, so it’s my best guess.
Though there has not been a final decision on whether or not there will be fans at games, all teams will put tarp over the seats closest to the field, and they will be allowed to sell sponsorships for those tarps.
The NFL has also said that all teams will be given anti-racism training next month.
Vince Carter is Calling it a Career
After 22 seasons in the NBA, Vince Carter announced he is retiring. The 43 year-old, eight time All-Star made the announcement on his podcast, “Winging It With Vince Carter.”
Carter played for eight different teams, was the 1999 Rookie of the Year, and is 19th all-time in scoring. Congratulations on a great career!
Jamal Adams Would Like a New Home
New York Jets safety Jamal Adams wanted a new deal. Now he wants a new home.
Signed through 2021, Adams had wanted a new deal in place before the start of the 2020 season, but that plan does not seem to be going well, so he requested a trade last week. The two-time Pro Bowler would be an upgrade to almost any team’s secondary, but the Jets are not eager to let him go.
They have not given him permission to seek a trade and head coach Adam Gase said he wants Adam on his team. Stay tuned…
