Maryland-Michigan State game gets canceled
The Big Ten game Saturday between Maryland and Michigan State was canceled Thursday after a COVID-19 outbreak on the Terrapins resulted in a positive test for coach Michael Locksley.
It’s the second straight cancellation for the Terrapins, who were scheduled to face Ohio State last week before several players on the team contracted the coronavirus. Maryland (2-1) hasn’t played since beating Penn State on Nov. 7.
Locksley tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and is isolating at home and says he has only minor symptoms.
Over the last seven days, 15 Maryland players have tested positive. There were seven positive cases among staff over that same time period.
Overall, 16 out of 62 games involving Bowl Subdivision teams scheduled for this week have been called off. Last week, 15 of the 59 games scheduled weren’t played.
■ The College Football Playoff management committee agreed to keep the playoff on its current timeline and name a national champion as planned on Jan. 11 in Miami Gardens, Florida, unless the coronavirus pandemic forces a schedule change. The committee also determined that if a semifinalist is unable to play because of a COVID-19 disruption after Selection Day on Dec. 20, the selection committee wouldn’t choose a replacement team.
Golf: Women’s British Open champion Sophia Popov shot an opening-round 6-under 64 in windy conditions to take a two-stroke lead over Ashleigh Buhai at the the LPGA’s Pelican Women’s Championship in Belleair,
Florida.
Hockey: The ECHL’s entire North Division elected to voluntarily suspend operations for next season due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ESPN reported. The six teams impacted are the Adirondack Thunder, an affiliate of the NHL’s Devils; the Brampton Beast (Senators); the Maine Mariners (Rangers); the Newfoundland Growlers, (Maple Leafs); the Reading Royals (Flyers); and the Worcester Railers (Islanders). The opt-outs leave the ECHLwith 18 teams scheduled to play in 2020-21. The Atlanta Gladiators, an affiliate of the Bruins, and the independent Norfolk Admirals previously opted out.
NBA: Gordon Hayward opted out of his $34.2 million contract with the Celtics for next season, making him an unrestricted free agent. Hayward, 30, averaged 17.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 52 games last season. ... The Knicks created over $40 million in salary-cap space after parting ways with six veteran players. The Knicks waived Fs Taj Gibson and Kenny Wooten and Gs Elfrid Payton and Wayne Ellington and declined the $15.75 million team option on F Bobby Portis’ contract and their $1.7 million option on F Theo Pinson’s deal. In addition, the Knicks acquired C Ed Davis, 31, and two 2023 second-round picks from the Jazz, ESPN reported.
NFL: Lions rookie RB D’Andre Swift didn’t practice due to a concussion, leaving his status for Sunday’s game against the Panthers. Swift, who made his first career start in last week’s win over Washington, has 331 yards rushing and 275 yards receiving and six total TDs this season.