COVID hitting sports world
The latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:
The National Collegiate Hockey Conference has made changes to its 2020-21 schedule because of a positive COVID-19 test and quarantine requirements for the entire Colorado College team.
The coronavirus infection has forced the Tigers to delay the start of their season.
The conference will still begin its pod season on Tuesday at the University of Nebraka Omah’s Baxter Arena. But Colorado College’s first four games have been moved, two of them to later in December and two to the second half of the season.
The COVID-19 case on the Colorado College team resulted in seven games being changed.
The Arizona Cardinals say the general public won’t be permitted to attend the team’s home game against the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 6.
The Cardinals had slowly increased capacity during the season and 4,200 fans were allowed at the team’s last two home games.
But with coronavirus cases rising in Arizona and elsewhere, the team reversed course on Friday “based on the latest COVID-19 information and guidance from the Arizona Department of Health Services.”
The team said a small number of spectators will be allowed for the game against the Rams, including family members of Cardinals players and staff.
The team said it will consult with state health officials before deciding if fans will be allowed at the final two home games of the season on Dec. 20 and Dec. 27.
The Los Angeles Rams cancelled practice Friday after two members of the organization received COVID19 test results that require further testing.
Coach Sean McVay said an unidentified player and a staff member tested positive Thursday night, but two follow-up tests conducted Thursday and Friday came back negative.
McVay decided to hold virtual meetings Friday as a precaution. Strong Santa Ana winds in the area and the fact that the Rams are playing on a short week after defeating Tampa Bay 27-24 on Monday night also factored into his decision.
The Rams announced two weeks ago that an unidentified player had tested positive for COVID-19. Three practice squad players — tight end Kendall Blanton, defensive back Jake Gervase and receiver J.J. Koski — went on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
The NFC West-leading Rams (7-3) host the San Francisco 49ers (4-6) on Sunday.
The NFL’s last unbeaten team is facing its second COVID-19 scare this month.
The Pittsburgh Steelers placed defensive end Stephon Tuitt, reserve defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs and backup offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins on the COVID-19 reserve/injured list on Friday.
The team made the announcement shortly after the NFL moved Pittsburgh’s game against Baltimore from Sunday to Tuesday because of a COVID-19 issue with the Ravens.
Pittsburgh tight end Vance McDonald tested positive following a win over Dallas this month and returned to practice this week. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and starting inside linebacker Vince Williams were among a handful of players forced to self-quarantine that week because of contact tracing.