Pitt’s spring game, pro day called off
Pitt’s Blue-Gold spring game has been “definitively canceled,” and the program’s pro day has been “indefinitely postponed,” a program spokesperson told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Friday.
Pitt’s annual scrimmage — the culmination of spring camp, which has been suspended amid the COVID-19 pandemic — originally was scheduled for April 11 at Heinz Field.
Pat Narduzzi’s Panthers, who opened spring camp March 2, previously were scheduled to resume practice Tuesday after Pitt’s spring break concluded. But with the university adopting a “distance learning” approach for the remainder of the semester, starting March 23, players aren’t on campus and won’t be for the foreseeable future.
This move isn’t a surprise given the past couple of days. The ACC announced Thursday that it suspended all athleticrelated activities, including practices, games and recruiting. Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke issued a statement supporting the conference and its commissioner, John Swofford.
“The decision was made with one priority in mind — the health and well-being of our student-athletes,” Lyke said.
Though pro day would not involve current athletes, it was hard to see how it would continue as scheduled, with winter and spring sports — at the collegiate and professional levels — suspended or canceled.
The postponement of Pitt’s pro day was an NFL directive, issued Friday, to halt in-person scouting due to concerns over the new coronavirus.
The NFL canceled all prospect visits, both at NFL facilities and college campuses, Friday afternoon. Only online communication is permitted on an indefinite basis as the country and sports world practices social distancing due to the coronavirus spread.
Pitt originally was scheduled to play host to NFL scouts, coaches and executives Wednesday at its South Side facility. Several prospects, including cornerback Dane Jackson and wide receiver Maurice Ffrench, were expected to participate.
The NCAA also has enacted a recruiting dead period until April 15, restricting official and unofficial visits to campuses.