Fauci: Sports might have to sit out 2020 seasons
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leading public health expert on President Trump’s coronavirus task force, said this week that it might be very difficult for major sports in the United States to return to action this year, with or without fans in the seats.
Various leagues, including the NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball, have considered a number of options for restarting play that came to a halt in midMarch as the extent of the coronavirus outbreak became increasingly apparent.
“Safety, for the players and for the fans, trumps everything,” Fauci said. “If you can’t guarantee safety, then unfortunately you’re going to have to bite the bullet and say, ‘We may have to go without this sport for this season.’ ” ELSEWHERE
Ionescu claims another honor
Sabrina Ionescu, a MiramonteOrinda alum who was the WNBA’s No. 1 overall pick this month after a stellar career at guard with Oregon, was named cowinner of the Sullivan Award. Iowa wrestler Spencer Lee, a twotime NCAA champion who was undefeated this season, shared the honor — which is presented by the Amateur Athletic Union to the country’s top amateur athlete. College basketball: USC guard Elijah Weaver has entered the NCAA transfer portal, seeking to leave the Trojans after two seasons . ... Utah guard Timmy Allen, Arizona State guard Alonzo Verge Jr. and Creighton junior forward Damien Jefferson declared for the NBA draft. Baseball: Derek Jeter, Larry Walker and the rest of this year’s Baseball Hall of Fame class will have to wait another year for their big moment at Cooperstown, N.Y. The Hall of Fame announced that it has canceled the July 26 induction ceremony because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Instead, the class will be included at next year’s induction festivities July 25, 2021. Jeter and Walker were to be inducted with catcher Ted Simmons and the late Marvin Miller, the pioneering players’ union head.
NFL: Commissioner Roger Goodell has reduced his salary to $0 and other NFL employees will be taking pay cuts or furloughs because of the coronavirus pandemic. Goodell, who makes upward of $30 million a year from salaries and bonuses, voluntarily had his salary reduced this month, a person familiar with the move told the Associated Press.
Buffalo has signed defensive end Bryan Cox Jr., whose father never hid his dislike for the Bills during his days playing for the Miami Dolphins in the 1990s.
The Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms with cornerback Daryl Worley on a freeagent deal. Worley spent the past two seasons with the Raiders.
Former Cal receiver Trevor Davis signed with the Bears. He played with the Packers, Dolphins and Raiders last season.
Legal matters: Former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith, a 2017 Pro Bowler who announced last April that he was stepping away from football to “get my world in order,” was arrested in Florida on a charge of having sexual activity with a minor.