No games until there’s COVID test for every U.S. fan

The waiting is the hardest part.

There won’t be another game played all year. Mark my words. This coronavirus storm has just started in the United States. Peace and safety to all. T.D., bleeds orange-n-blue

Kiz: We never thought it could happen here, which is one reason the harsh reality of this pandemic stings so badly. Take me out to the ballpark? Right now, we need tests and masks way more than balls and strikes. Until there are COVID-19 tests for everybody in America, I’m afraid there will be sports for nobody in America.

American dream plan B.

My best-case scenario for sports return: Major-league baseball starts in mid-july. College football and the NFL start on time. The NBA and NHL seasons are canceled, because I just don’t see how pro basketball and hockey can make it work this year. D.D., Twitter songbird

Kiz: Can the NBA or NHL possibly salvage any semblance of a season? Well, after consulting the Magic 8-ball we consult at Kickin’ It Headquarters, my answer is: Outlook not so good. But they don’t call me Mr. Sunshine for nothing. So here’s one pie-in-thesky idea for abbreviated NBA or NHL playoffs at a neutral site: Divide 16 teams into four brackets. Four winners of round-robin pool play advance. Semifinals are single-elimination. Championship round is a three-game series. Whole tournament is made-forTV and completed within three weeks. Could this format prove safe or practical? Well, you may say I’m a dreamer … or maybe I’m just a knucklehead.

You got lucky.

Sunday at the Masters is my favorite day on the sports calendar. Y.A., rec league free agent

Kiz: I’m kinda blue this weekend, because for me nothing beats Saturday at the Final Four. I’ve been blessed to attend more than 20 in person, as journalist or fan. The best one of all was 1987 in New Orleans, the Final Four forever remembered for Keith Smart’s shot. But the Hoosiers’ semifinal victory against Armen Gilliam and UNLV is the game I will never forget, because LSU coach Dale Brown plopped down next to me on press row shortly after tipoff and offered nonstop commentary, primarily so Crazy Dale could trash everything from Bob Knight’s temperament to the Indiana coach’s taste in clothing.

Learning to fly.

I think Cincinnati will sign quarterback Cam Newton, although the Bengals could instead go with Jameis Winston. But my bold prediction is they sign one of them and then trade the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft. Denis, globetrotter

Kiz: While money is always a factor in the NFL, Blaine Gabbert landed one of the cushiest jobs in sports, holding a clipboard for Tom Brady in Tampa, while Newton can’t find work? Is this a great country? Or what?

The best of everything.

And today’s parting shot is appreciation for the $100,000 donated by Rockies first baseman Daniel Murphy to minor-leaguers in financial distress.

Your column exposing the soft underbelly of a sport that average citizens probably think is always played by well-paid athletes left me in tears, Kiz. Especially the final quote: “All he wanted to do is make his wife a nice dinner.” Keep up the good work. Steven, kindhearted