NBA issues virus rules in advance of camps
NBA players who test positive for the coronavirus this season might have to miss nearly two weeks in some instances before being allowed to return to the court, the league told its teams Saturday.
That revelation was one of many in a 63,000- word document that explained some of the health and safety protocols for the looming season. Preseason games begin Dec. 11 and regular- season games Dec. 22.
The document still needs to be ratified by the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, but at least it provides some sort of blueprint for the start of training camps in the coming days. All players who will be part of camp need to begin a testing program by Monday, and teams can begin holding mandated group workouts sometime between Friday and next Sunday.
In most cases, players, coaches and other key staff are expected to be tested daily.
There are two methods by which a player can return to play after a positive coronavirus test. One is a test- based resolution, in which an infected individual has at least two consecutive negative test results. The other is a time- based resolution, in which a player would have to isolate, rest and avoid workouts for at least 10 days and then spend at least two more days training in isolation. He also would have to undergo cardiac screening before being cleared to return.
† The NBA announced the late Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and five others elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in April finally will be inducted in May 2021. The ceremony was to have taken place in August, but it was wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
UIC fends off Central Michigan
RayQuawndis Mitchell scored 23 points, Braelen Bridges added 17 points and 13 rebounds and UIC ( 2- 0) held Central Michigan ( 0- 1) to 39% shooting en route to a 74- 72 victory at Credit Union 1 Arena.
† No. 13 Michigan State ( 2- 0) used a 26- 0 run bridging halftime to take command and coasted to an 80- 70 victory against Notre Dame ( 0- 1) in East Lansing, Michigan. Prentiss Hubb led the Irish with 23 points.
MLB Phils lost $ 145M in abbreviated season
A person familiar with the Phillies’ finances said the team lost $ 145 million during the pandemic- shortened 2020 season played without fans. Managing partner John Middleton said last month the Phillies’ economic climate would affect their ability to re- sign free- agent catcher J. T. Realmuto and freeagent infielder Didi Gregorius this offseason