NBA proposes strict COVID-19 protocols
Fully vaccinated NBA players and coaches are not expected to be subject to regular coronavirus testing this season, the league told its teams Thursday.
Exceptions to that policy will include situations such as a player or coach showing symptoms generally associated with the coronavirus or being exposed to an unvaccinated player who tests positive for COVID-19.
Those who are not fully vaccinated will need to be tested on all days involving practice or travel and likely will be tested twice on game days. They’ll also have to wear masks at team facilities and during travel.
And everyone, regardless of vaccination status, will be expected to submit to an antibody test before the season “to better identify individuals with a limited or waning immune response to vaccination,” the league said.
Players, vaccinated or not, who return a positive or inconclusive test result again will be required to isolate immediately. It would likely be for 10 days if those test results are eventually confirmed as positive.
† Paul Millsap agreed to a deal with the Nets, his agent told ESPN.
WNBA
Parker has big game, but Sky fall
Candace Parker had 30 points on 12for-20 shooting with 14 rebounds to lead four players in double figures, but the Sky suffered a 90-83 loss to the host Las
Vegas Aces. The Aces used an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter to take a commanding 87-79 lead.
NHL
Restrictions ramp up for unvaxxed players
The NHL health and safety protocols for the 2021-22 season feature significant restrictions for unvaccinated players. Unvaccinated players on the road will not be able to go anywhere except for the team hotel, practice facility or arena, according a document obtained by ESPN.
Unvaccinated players will surrender one day’s pay for each day they miss, although the league will make exceptions for players with valid religious reasons or medical excuses.
MISCELLANEOUS
Cantlay leads by two shots at East Lake
Patrick Cantlay, the top seed in the FedEx Cup, shot a 3-under 67 to take a two-shot lead over Jon Rahm after the first round of the Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta.
† Novak Djokovic easily reached the third round of the U.S. Open with a 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 victory over Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands.
† The United States played to a scoreless draw against El Salvador in its first match of the Octagonal round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying in San Salvador.