NFL delays call on 17-game season
NFL owners delayed a decision on implementing a 17-game regular season for 2021.
During a teleconference call Wednesday that replaced the usual December gathering of owners in Dallas, they opted to push back any move on the expanded season until early in 2021. The NFL and the players’ union agreed during collective bargaining talks earlier this year to adding one regular-season game to the schedule, but not before next season.
A scheduling formula for a 17th game was approved unanimously: an interconference matchup, based on divisional standings from the preceding season, and on a rotating divisional basis. The idea is to maintain facilitating competitive fairness; creating additional value through quality matchups; and preserving the objectivity of the scheduling process, the league said.
The length of the preseason would be reduced, as well, if a 17th match is added.
Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league plans to invite vaccinated health care workers to the Super Bowl as guests. No set number of invitees has been determined for the Feb. 7 game in Tampa, Florida.
Saints coach Sean Payton said QB Drew Brees has been designated to return to practice, but that he still has “a ways to go” in his recovery from 11 broken ribs and a punctured lung. Brees, 41, has missed four games.
College basketball: Due to varying COVID-19 protocols among the four schools and their respective conferences, the matchups for Saturday’s CBS Sports Classic in Cleveland featuring UNC, Kentucky, UCLA and Ohio State were changed. The 22nd-ranked Tar Heels will face the Wildcats, and the 20th-ranked Buckeyes will face the Bruins at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Organizers said the change was to “more closely align COVID-19 testing protocols between the competing programs and their respective conferences.” Originally, Kentucky was playing UCLA and UNC against Ohio State.
Collegefootball: Coastal Carolina coach Jamey Chadwell signed a contract extension through the 2027 season. Chadwell, who was considered a candidate for open Power 5 jobs, has led the Chantic leers to an 11-0 record and a No.12 CFP ranking entering Saturday’s Sun Belt title game against No. 19 Louisiana. ... Temple QB Anthony Russo will transfer to Michigan State. Russo set an Owls record for completions last season. He started three games this season before injuries and COVID-19 protocols. Russo will use the NCAA’s COVID-19 waiver for 2020 that grants an extra year of eligibility to all fall-sport athletes.
NBA: Hornets F Gordon Hayward fractured a finger on his right hand during a preseason game Monday. His return will be based on pain tolerance and comfort level.
Soccer: Roberto Firmino scored with a 90th-minute header to lift Liverpool over Tottenham 2-1 and above the visitor on the top of the Premier League table. Liverpool holds a three-point lead.