Saban, Alabama AD Byrne test positive for COVID-19
Crimson Tide coach has no symptoms
The Southeastern Conference had to postpone two games in the last three days because of positive COVID-19 tests, and now Alabama coach Nick Saban and his athletic director have tested positive for the virus ahead of the league’s biggest regularseason showdown.
Saban said in a statement Wednesday that he’ll be working from home with offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian overseeing the second-ranked Crimson Tide’s preparations to play No. 3 Georgia on Saturday night.
No. 10 Florida’s game against defending national champion LSU was postponed Wednesday to tentatively Dec. 12 after the SEC postponed MissouriVanderbilt on Monday. More positive tests could derail other games after the league waited until the end of September to kick off the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
College basketball
VEGASTOHOSTNCAATOURNAMENT MEN’S REGIONAL FORFIRSTTIME » Las Vegas will host an NCAA Tournament men’s regional for the
first time after the NCAA changed a policy that prevented states with sports wagering from hosting championships.
The Bay Area landed regional March Madness games in 2025 (men) at San Francisco’s Chase Center and 2026 (men) at San Jose’s SAP Center.
Pro football
NFL CANCELS PRO BOWL IN LAS VEGAS » The NFL has canceled next January’s Pro Bowl scheduled for Las Vegas.
The league opted to call off the all-star game, hoping to replace it with a variety of virtual activities. The NFL needs flexibility in January in case it needs to move regular- season
games to that month because of the coronavirus pandemic.
BRONCOS RUNNING BACK GORDON CITED FOR DUI » The Broncos sent running back Melvin Gordon III home after learning he was cited by Denver police for driving under the influence and speeding Tuesday night.
Gordon could face a suspension from the NFL. Last year, Broncos safety Kareem Jackson was suspended for the final two games after a DUI arrest in September in downtown Denver.
NEWTON ACTIVATED FROM COVID-19 LIST » The New England Patriots activated quarterback Cam Newton from the NFL’s COVID-19 reserve list.
Newton is expected to practice with the team on Thursday, which likely would lead to his starting on Sunday against Denver.
New England was 2-1 with Newton as its starter.
College soccer
SACRAMENTO WILL HOST
NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS AT NEW STADIUM » The new Railyards Stadium that will be home to Sacramento Republic FC when it makes the jump to Major League Soccer in 2023 has already landed its first major event.
The NCAA announced Railyard Stadium will host the Men’s College Cup in 2024 and Women’s College Cup in 2025.
The capacity for the new Railyard Stadium is planned to be about 21,000.
Pro basketball
CASSELLINTERVIEWSWITH CLIPPERS » Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Sam Cassell interviewed for the head coaching vacancy, ESPN reported. Cassell’s interview to replace Doc Rivers was Tuesday, per the report. Cassell had been an assistant under Rivers for six years.
Cassell, 50, has been an assistant coach in the league for 10 years after a 15-year playing career with eight different teams.