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Sports World Rocked by Coronavirus Outbreak

In almost every moment of crisis, we can turn to sports as a way to take our minds off of things for a few hours. However, the recent coronavirus outbreak that has taken the world by storm is depriving people of this form of entertainment.

On Wednesday, it was the NCAA leading the way in ruling that no postseason tournament games will be played with fans in the stands. For this to happen was unprecedented, considering that March Madness is basically right behind the Super Bowl in terms of being the most popular sporting event.

While the Atlantic 10 and Big East have said their conference tournaments will be played with no fans in the stands, this is an ongoing situation that could get a lot worse.

“While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States,” said NCAA president Mark Emmert. “This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans, and, most importantly, our student-athletes.

“We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed.”

In reality, there’s a good chance that college basketball games (including the NCAA Tournament) might be canceled for the rest of the season. Some Ivy League schools have already canceled their spring sports for the upcoming season.

You have to wonder what all of these other leagues are thinking, trying to weigh the risk versus reward.

The Tipping Point

However, the most shocking moment came Wednesday night when the NBA made the decision to suspend the season “until further notice.” Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus, triggering an odd moment before last night’s game on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

As the game was about to tip off, the Thunder team doctor rushed out onto the floor in an effort to make sure these two teams did not play.

What’s interesting to note with the NBA is that a lot of these teams ride on the same planes as one another. You would think each team has its own plane, but that is not the case. In recent days, the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic used the same plane as the Jazz.

It’s also worth noting that the teams which played the Jazz over the last 14 days – the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards – are being asked by the NBA to self-quarantine.

Of course, the aspect of sports betting will certainly be affected. Not only are professional and recreational bettors at a loss of games to bet on, but there are employees in sports media that will basically be sitting around twiddling their thumbs.

All in all, this is a developing situation that is getting all too real by the moment. The real issue at hand is just making sure that this virus doesn’t get spread all over the United States.

For now, canceling the games until we know exactly how to stop this virus is the best course of action.

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