NFLPA doctor against workouts

The medical director of the NFL players’ union has recommended that players stop private workouts together as positive coronavirus cases continue to mount while U.S. sports leagues ramp up to restart play after a long layoff due to the pandemic. Dr. Thom Mayer told members of the NFLPA in a message Saturday that the risk of being stricken by the coronavirus is too great to be staging those workouts.

Mayer said staff was working on the best mitigation procedures at team facilities for both training camps and the upcoming season and advised “against any voluntary joint practices before training camp commences.”

In recent days, members of the 49ers, Buccaneers, Cowboys and Texans organizations tested positive for the coronavirus.

Training camps are scheduled to open in late July, with the first preseason contest the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 6 between Dallas and Pittsburgh.

In MLS, Atlanta United confirmed a second player testing positive. The NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs would not comment on reports that AllStar center Auston Matthews tested positive for the coronavirus.

Obituary: Jim Kiick, the versatile running back who helped the Miami Dolphins achieve the NFL’s only perfect season in 1972, has died. He was 73.

The former Wyoming star was part of a formidable backfield that included his best friend, Pro Football Hall of Fame fullback Larry Csonka. Kiick had his best season statistically for Miami’s 1971 Super Bowl team, when he rushed for 738 yards and averaged 4.6 yards per carry.

A solid blocker, Kiick also had 233 career receptions for 2,302 yards. NBA: The association firmed up the fall schedule, deciding on Oct. 16 as the date for this year’s draft and saying clubs can begin talking to free agents two days later. Baseball: Former Cubs AllStar shortstop Addison Russell signed a oneyear, $530,000 contract with the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korea Baseball Organization.