COVID-19 Continues Choke Hold on Sports World

COVID-19 continues its choke hold on the nation and the sports world.  Virtually everything and anything to do with the sports world has been suspended, postponed or canceled. While some sports have set tentative return to action dates most get updated with a further distance deadline.

Major League Baseball (MLB) and the players association held recent discussions about returning to game competition sometime in May.  Those discussions centered on having all games played in Arizona with no fans in the stands. Many questions arise from this if indeed it happens.  How do they keep all players involved separated from family members who may test positive for the virus ? Will television and other broadcast  operations be able to create enough interest to draw viewers and listeners ? What ramifications would MLB's return have on the Minor Leagues and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies ?

The NHL has extended its self-quarantine for players and staff until April 15.  Along with the NHL the AHL including the Binghamton Devils have extended the self-quarantine time frame for all players and staff until April 15.

The National Basketball Association has told players and staff that the earliest potential return to action is May 1.  The NFL plans to hold a virtual draft April 23-25.  Team owners say they plan to start the regular season on time in early September.

In soccer Euro 2020 is suspended indefinitely.  The Premier League in England faces a 30 percent wage cut and other major league teams have suspended play til further notice. In golf the Master's has been moved to November  while The Boston Marathon is delayed until September 14.

Most of the expected return to action dates are simply speculation in an attempt to rekindle interest from the fans and competition.  The NCAA has wiped out all spring sports schedules as well. For most sports fans it's all in a holding pattern.