The Sports World Falls to Coronavirus!
As you all may know, the sports world was hit like a truck by the novel coronavirus. Professional sports organizations, such as the NBA, NHL, MLB, and many major league soccer clubs, are either suspended for the season or postponed for several months until safety from the virus is ensured. This means no more breathtaking LeBron dunks, no more stunning homers by Trout, and no more glorious goals by Messi. But wait, there's more! The 2020 olympics and paralympics have also been cancelled until it is safe. Yeah...sounds like a nightmare. Although it feels like the world has come to an end, the safety of society is number one priority and we should understand that entertainment can wait as long as the virus is still out there. Let's take a look at what some of the major sports leagues have done to protect their players, but entertain their fans at the same time.
National Basketball Association (NBA)
After Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver suspended the season on March 11 until further notice. To keep the players, staff, and fans safe this was the logical thing to do. So what are they doing to keep the NBA universe content from their homes? Well, an NBA 2k20 (Basketball video game) player tournament began today where NBA players play against other players in the league to win it all and become the NBA 2k20 tournament champion. Additionally, there may be a charity games between a few players later on if the the suspension several more months. There are murmurs that the season may resume by late June with no live audience, but it is indefinite that the season will be suspended for at least a few more months.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
The novel coronavirus prematurely ended the season for many college sports, such as baseball, tennis, and swimming. However, nobody is more disappointed than the college basketball community. Many fans were looking forward to the NCAA's March Madness basketball tournament this season. With exciting players like Cole Anthony, Cassius Winston, and James Wiseman sure to light up the court with their marvelous talents, it was a tournament that would have had everyone on their feet. Unfortunately, the coronavirus outbreak cut the season short and left countless fans and players in disappointment. For many potential prospects, this ceased their chance to display their full capabilities as an athlete which may lower their likelihood of drafting into a major sports association like the NBA or MLB. Hopefully, there will be a way for collegiate athletes to further exhibit their skills. Major League Baseball (MLB)
Just like most other professional sports organizations, the MLB has been suspended until further notice. The season was supposed to begin March 26th with the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians going head to head in Progressive Field. Fortunately, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred made optimistic comments on the season vowing that "baseball will be back". In good character, the MLB has also agreed to make a $1 million donation to emergency food services for people who are unable to buy food in local groceries due to the coronavirus. Major players are also making donations to stadium owners as they will not be making revenue with the absence of games and an audience. The hope right now is at least for the MLB draft to take place during July, but there are no certainties.
Soccer/Futbol
Major soccer leagues, such as La Liga, Bundesliga, and the English Premier League have all put a pause on their seasons. The pandemic has effected this sport all over the world and it to a great extent. With various championship tournaments being put to an end, fans of soccer all over the world are devastated. It really shows how big of a toll COVID-19 has on the whole world and the huge upset of fans and players that love their sports. With different leagues being in different countries, the season resuming depends on each countries specific situations regarding the virus. Some have said they will possibly start as early as May, but some have also said that they may resume as late as next year. Like all the other major sports, we will just have to wish for the best.
Shocked, disappointed, and upset. Sports players and fans all over the world feel the same emotions knowing that they won't see their favorite team play in several months. But we must stick together as a sports community and uplift each other. Watching highlights posted by ESPN, stalking your favorite player's instagram (Not the usual method, but you do you), or even chatting with friends online about predictions for the season are all ways that sports fans can still feel like an active member in the sports community. Post your way of dealing with this "Sportsacolypse" in the comment section below and make sure to enter your email information the left to get updates on whenever we post! As always corona slayers...STAY SAFE, STAY HEALTHY, and STAY INDOORS!
Total Confirmed Cases *As of April 3rd, 2020* :
Global: 1,099,389 (Increased by appx. 250,000)
United States: 271,915 (Increased by appx. 80,000)
New Jersey: 29,895 (Increased by appx. 10,000)
*Increases from March 31st, 2020*
NOTE: Increases are getting worse. Please stay indoors for everyone’s safety!
Data Sources:
Sources for Info:
https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/28871525/coronavirus-cancellations-reactions-sports
Image Sources:
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/why-the-lakers-imploded/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8101887/Ohio-order-force-NCAA-Tournament-games-without-fans.html
https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/01/mike-trout-stats-good
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/coronavirus-outbreak-italy-sporting-empty-stadiums
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