NEW YORK (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has sent a letter to fans outlining the league’s plans to play during the coronavirus pandemic.

As veterans begin reporting to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.playsmartplaysafe.com/newsroom/videos/exclusive-look-l-rams-health-protocols-2020-training-camp/" target="_blank">training camps&nbsp;</a>this week, Goodell noted Monday how COVID-19 has “turned the world upside down.”

“COVID-19 will continue to present a major challenge to nearly every area of American life. Football is no exception,” Goodell wrote.

“Every step of the way, our focus has been on the safety of players, coaches, personnel, fans and our communities. Our planning has followed the lead of medical experts and public health officials, including the CDC, the White House Task Force, governors and state health officials. As we have developed our 2020 playbook for the return of football, safety continues to be our first priority; that commitment will remain paramount as players return to the field.”

The league and the players’ union reached agreement on a plan last Friday, after all preseason games were canceled. Team facilities were shut down by Goodell in late March and only began reopening on a cautious basis this summer.

“The NFL in 2020 will not look like other years,” Goodell added. “Players and coaches will be tested for the virus regularly, including every day for a while. Preseason games have been canceled. Everyone in the team environment must follow rigorous health and safety protocols to keep themselves and each other safe. When there is a positive test, strict regulations will be enforced to isolate and care for that individual and to contain the virus before it spreads.

“Even the sideline will look different. And, state and local health guidelines will help determine whether fans will attend the games. These adjustments are necessary to reduce the risk for everyone involved.”

Goodell stressed the need for adaptability on all levels, citing how a virtual draft was held in April. All 32 teams held remote offseason training sessions, too.

The NFL has opted not to create a bubble environment, something the NHL, NBA, WNBA and MLS have done. With Major League Baseball experiencing difficulties on its first weekend of play with a plan similar to the NFL’s, there is added anxiety about what Goodell’s league has planned.

“This week training camps across the country are starting and before we know it, the NFL season will be here,” he wrote. “This is always the most optimistic time of year for our fans, and for all 32 teams. In a year that has been extraordinarily difficult for our country and the world, we hope the energy of this moment will provide some much-needed optimism.”

NEW YORK (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has sent a letter to fans outlining the league’s plans to play during the coronavirus pandemic.As veterans begin reporting to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.playsmartplaysafe.com/newsroom/videos/exclusive-look-l-rams-health-protocols-2020-training-camp/" target="_blank">training camps&nbsp;</a>this week, Goodell noted Monday how COVID-19 has “turned the world upside down.”“COVID-19 will continue to present a major challenge to nearly every area of American life. Football is no exception,” Goodell wrote.“Every step of the way, our focus has been on the safety of players, coaches, personnel, fans and our communities. Our planning has followed the lead of medical experts and public health officials, including the CDC, the White House Task Force, governors and state health officials. As we have developed our 2020 playbook for the return of football, safety continues to be our first priority; that commitment will remain paramount as players return to the field.”The league and the players’ union reached agreement on a plan last Friday, after all preseason games were canceled. Team facilities were shut down by Goodell in late March and only began reopening on a cautious basis this summer.“The NFL in 2020 will not look like other years,” Goodell added. “Players and coaches will be tested for the virus regularly, including every day for a while. Preseason games have been canceled. Everyone in the team environment must follow rigorous health and safety protocols to keep themselves and each other safe. When there is a positive test, strict regulations will be enforced to isolate and care for that individual and to contain the virus before it spreads.“Even the sideline will look different. And, state and local health guidelines will help determine whether fans will attend the games. These adjustments are necessary to reduce the risk for everyone involved.”Goodell stressed the need for adaptability on all levels, citing how a virtual draft was held in April. All 32 teams held remote offseason training sessions, too.The NFL has opted not to create a bubble environment, something the NHL, NBA, WNBA and MLS have done. With Major League Baseball experiencing difficulties on its first weekend of play with a plan similar to the NFL’s, there is added anxiety about what Goodell’s league has planned.“This week training camps across the country are starting and before we know it, the NFL season will be here,” he wrote. “This is always the most optimistic time of year for our fans, and for all 32 teams. In a year that has been extraordinarily difficult for our country and the world, we hope the energy of this moment will provide some much-needed optimism.”

Goodell sends letter to NFL fans explaining plans for season

News Release NP Area Sports Commission&nbsp;

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The
first annual Buffalo Bill Brawl Amateur Boxing Tournament will be
held in North Platte this weekend, August 1st
and 2nd,
2020 at the D&amp;N Event Center. Hundreds
of boxers, ages 8 to 78, will appear in North Platte beginning
Friday, July 31st
– August 2nd,
2020 to compete for the first Buffalo Bill Brawl Title. Samantha
Geisler, Sports Marketing and Events Specialist with the North Platte
Area Sports Commission and the North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors
Bureau has been planning this event for more than a year and a half.
“With this being the first event since USA Boxing shut down all of
their gyms due to Covid-19, it will put a huge spotlight on North
Platte,” Geisler said, “if we can get this event in the books and
get it done safely, more boxers and gyms will look at competing in
this North Platte event in years to come.”

The
Buffalo Bill Brawl was originally scheduled to be a National
Tournament, with anticipation of over 400 athletes, but has now been
converted to more of a Midwest Regional Tournament, limiting the
attendance to approximately 100-150 boxers from nearby states and
cities that are similar in health directives as Nebraska. “The
attendance is now mainly Midwest. Over 50% of our registrations are
still from out of state, so it will still bring in some much-needed
tourism revenue to central Nebraska,” says Geisler.

The
Buffalo Bill Brawl is still the first and largest boxing tournament
of its kind in Nebraska, but it is going to look a lot different,
“mainly because of social distancing, mask requirements, health
screenings and temperature checks, all required through USA Boxings
Back to Boxing guidelines, and designed to keep athletes, officials,
and spectators safe.” Geisler and the North Platte Visitors Bureau
has also been working closely with the West Central District Health
Department to ensure that a safe event takes place in the North
Platte community.  


Even
though the event will not draw as many athletes and spectators as
initially anticipated, the North Platte Area Sports Commission still
estimates that this 3-day event will bring an economic impact of over
$200,000 to the community through lodging, retail, food, and beverage
purchases. The sports commission developed this estimate by using the
Event Impact Calculator developed by Destinations International
provided by membership in the national organization Sports ETA:
Sports Events and Tourism Association. 


Spectators
are welcome for the event. Tickets are $20 for General Admission or
$30 for a 2-day Tournament Pass and can be purchased online on
Eventbrite or at PLAYNORTHPLATTE.COM/BBBRAWL. “We are encouraging
no contact ticket purchasing through our online ticketing; however,
we will sell limited tickets at the door.” Says Geisler. Masks are
required in the venue and a temperature check and health screening
questionnaire will be required by everyone upon entering the
facility. 


Session
times will be determined later in the week, but are estimated to be
Saturday Noon – 4pm and 6-9pm, with Championship bouts to be held
from Noon-5pm on Sunday. For more information on this event, check
out Buffalo Bill Brawl or Play North Platte on Facebook or
PlayNorthPlatte.com/BBBRAWL. These events are sponsored in part by
the North Platte Area Sports Commission, a division of the North
Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau, and the Nebraska Local Boxing
Committee.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595901082393.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News Release NP Area Sports Commission&nbsp;NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The
first annual Buffalo Bill Brawl Amateur Boxing Tournament will be
held in North Platte this weekend, August 1st
and 2nd,
2020 at the D&amp;N Event Center. Hundreds
of boxers, ages 8 to 78, will appear in North Platte beginning
Friday, July 31st
– August 2nd,
2020 to compete for the first Buffalo Bill Brawl Title. Samantha
Geisler, Sports Marketing and Events Specialist with the North Platte
Area Sports Commission and the North Platte/Lincoln County Visitors
Bureau has been planning this event for more than a year and a half.
“With this being the first event since USA Boxing shut down all of
their gyms due to Covid-19, it will put a huge spotlight on North
Platte,” Geisler said, “if we can get this event in the books and
get it done safely, more boxers and gyms will look at competing in
this North Platte event in years to come.”The
Buffalo Bill Brawl was originally scheduled to be a National
Tournament, with anticipation of over 400 athletes, but has now been
converted to more of a Midwest Regional Tournament, limiting the
attendance to approximately 100-150 boxers from nearby states and
cities that are similar in health directives as Nebraska. “The
attendance is now mainly Midwest. Over 50% of our registrations are
still from out of state, so it will still bring in some much-needed
tourism revenue to central Nebraska,” says Geisler.The
Buffalo Bill Brawl is still the first and largest boxing tournament
of its kind in Nebraska, but it is going to look a lot different,
“mainly because of social distancing, mask requirements, health
screenings and temperature checks, all required through USA Boxings
Back to Boxing guidelines, and designed to keep athletes, officials,
and spectators safe.” Geisler and the North Platte Visitors Bureau
has also been working closely with the West Central District Health
Department to ensure that a safe event takes place in the North
Platte community. 
Even
though the event will not draw as many athletes and spectators as
initially anticipated, the North Platte Area Sports Commission still
estimates that this 3-day event will bring an economic impact of over
$200,000 to the community through lodging, retail, food, and beverage
purchases. The sports commission developed this estimate by using the
Event Impact Calculator developed by Destinations International
provided by membership in the national organization Sports ETA:
Sports Events and Tourism Association. 
Spectators
are welcome for the event. Tickets are $20 for General Admission or
$30 for a 2-day Tournament Pass and can be purchased online on
Eventbrite or at PLAYNORTHPLATTE.COM/BBBRAWL. “We are encouraging
no contact ticket purchasing through our online ticketing; however,
we will sell limited tickets at the door.” Says Geisler. Masks are
required in the venue and a temperature check and health screening
questionnaire will be required by everyone upon entering the
facility. 
Session
times will be determined later in the week, but are estimated to be
Saturday Noon – 4pm and 6-9pm, with Championship bouts to be held
from Noon-5pm on Sunday. For more information on this event, check
out Buffalo Bill Brawl or Play North Platte on Facebook or
PlayNorthPlatte.com/BBBRAWL. These events are sponsored in part by
the North Platte Area Sports Commission, a division of the North
Platte/Lincoln County Visitors Bureau, and the Nebraska Local Boxing
Committee.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1595901016510.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

'Buffalo Bill Brawl' amateur boxing tournament this weekend in North Platte

MIAMI (AP) — Two major league games scheduled for Monday night were postponed after more than a dozen Miami Marlins players and staff members tested positive for the coronavirus in an outbreak that stranded the team in Philadelphia.

The Marlins’ home opener against Baltimore was called off, as was the New York Yankees’ game at Philadelphia. The Yankees would have been in the same clubhouse the Marlins used last weekend.

Nine Marlins players and five staff members received positive results in tests conducted Friday, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because the results hadn’t been publicly disclosed.

The Yankees are staying in Philadelphia for now, and have their own clubhouse staff with the team there, the person said.

The Marlins postponed their flight home Sunday night after their series finale against the Phillies.

Major League Baseball announced the postponement of both games about eight hours before the scheduled first pitch, and said additional COVID-19 testing was being conducted.

“The members of the Marlins’ traveling party are self-quarantining in place while awaiting the outcome of those results,” MLB said in a statement.

The Marlins’ outbreak raised anew doubts about MLB’s ability to finish a 60-game season barely underway amid a pandemic.

“The health of our players and staff has been and will continue to be our primary focus as we navigate through these unchartered waters,” Marlins CEO Derek Jeter said in a statement. “Postponing tonight’s home opener was the correct decision to ensure we take a collective pause and try to properly grasp the totality of this situation.”

Miami pitcher Jose Urena was scratched from his scheduled start in Sunday’s game, and catcher Jorge Alfaro went on the injured list Friday. No reasons were given for the moves.

It’s unclear when the Marlins received the latest positive test results. Some players texted each other about the team’s health issues before Sunday’s game, but there was no talk of declining to play, shortstop Miguel Rojas said.

“That was never our mentality,” Rojas said. “We knew this could happen at some point. We came to the ballpark ready to play.”

Said manager Don Mattingly: “It’s fair to say guys are concerned about things. They want how they’re feeling about the situation to be heard. I think it’s fair. We’re talking about health.”

The Marlins played exhibition games at Atlanta on Tuesday and Wednesday against the Braves, who have since been without their top two catchers, Tyler Flowers and Travis d’Arnaud, after both players showed symptoms of COVID-19. Mattingly declined to say whether he thought the Marlins’ health issues were related to the Atlanta stop.

Miami is a hot spot for the pandemic, but on Sunday, Mattingly said he feels safer there.

“You feel safe at the ballpark; I feel safe with my surroundings going home,” he said. “It’s a lot scarier on the road.”

AP Sports Writers Ronald Blum in New York, David Ginsburg in Baltimore and Rob Maaddi in Philadelphia contributed to this report.

By STEVEN WINE - Associated PressMIAMI (AP) — Two major league games scheduled for Monday night were postponed after more than a dozen Miami Marlins players and staff members tested positive for the coronavirus in an outbreak that stranded the team in Philadelphia.The Marlins’ home opener against Baltimore was called off, as was the New York Yankees’ game at Philadelphia. The Yankees would have been in the same clubhouse the Marlins used last weekend.Nine Marlins players and five staff members received positive results in tests conducted Friday, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because the results hadn’t been publicly disclosed.The Yankees are staying in Philadelphia for now, and have their own clubhouse staff with the team there, the person said.The Marlins postponed their flight home Sunday night after their series finale against the Phillies.Major League Baseball announced the postponement of both games about eight hours before the scheduled first pitch, and said additional COVID-19 testing was being conducted.“The members of the Marlins’ traveling party are self-quarantining in place while awaiting the outcome of those results,” MLB said in a statement.The Marlins’ outbreak raised anew doubts about MLB’s ability to finish a 60-game season barely underway amid a pandemic.“The health of our players and staff has been and will continue to be our primary focus as we navigate through these unchartered waters,” Marlins CEO Derek Jeter said in a statement. “Postponing tonight’s home opener was the correct decision to ensure we take a collective pause and try to properly grasp the totality of this situation.”Miami pitcher Jose Urena was scratched from his scheduled start in Sunday’s game, and catcher Jorge Alfaro went on the injured list Friday. No reasons were given for the moves.It’s unclear when the Marlins received the latest positive test results. Some players texted each other about the team’s health issues before Sunday’s game, but there was no talk of declining to play, shortstop Miguel Rojas said.“That was never our mentality,” Rojas said. “We knew this could happen at some point. We came to the ballpark ready to play.”Said manager Don Mattingly: “It’s fair to say guys are concerned about things. They want how they’re feeling about the situation to be heard. I think it’s fair. We’re talking about health.”The Marlins played exhibition games at Atlanta on Tuesday and Wednesday against the Braves, who have since been without their top two catchers, Tyler Flowers and Travis d’Arnaud, after both players showed symptoms of COVID-19. Mattingly declined to say whether he thought the Marlins’ health issues were related to the Atlanta stop.Miami is a hot spot for the pandemic, but on Sunday, Mattingly said he feels safer there.“You feel safe at the ballpark; I feel safe with my surroundings going home,” he said. “It’s a lot scarier on the road.”___AP Sports Writers Ronald Blum in New York, David Ginsburg in Baltimore and Rob Maaddi in Philadelphia contributed to this report.

2 MLB games postponed as Marlins deal with virus outbreak

NEW YORK (AP) — The World Series champion Washington Nationals stood six feet apart along the first base line and watched as a banner commemorating their title was raised, then took a knee alongside the New York Yankees in a call for social justice.

Star slugger Juan Soto wasn’t there — he was flagged hours before the first pitch for COVID-19. Neither, of course, were any fans.

Hardly ideal, but there was hardball nonetheless.

“I’d rather be playing baseball than not,” Nationals ace Max Scherzer said.

Major League Baseball returned to action this weekend with a flourish of highs and lows as the sport attempts to play a 60-game regular season amid a coronavirus pandemic still plaguing much of the United States.

The baseball itself was a breath of fresh air — even through all those face coverings.

Opening day gems from Jacob deGrom, Shane Bieber and Kyle Hendricks. A&nbsp;mesmerizing home run&nbsp;from Giancarlo Stanton. Deft baserunning by Lorenzo Cain that&nbsp;baffled the entire Cubs infield.

But COVID-era baseball has been unmistakably different.

Cardboard cutouts of fans, managers arguing with umpires&nbsp;through face masks, air fives after home runs — not to mention a stream of players put on the coronavirus injured list, including potential outbreaks within the Marlins and Reds clubhouses.

The 60-game sprint started with a bang — thunder, actually, along with a torrential downpour in the rain-shortened opener between the Yankees and Nationals. Despite that, it was the sport’s most-watched regular season game in nine years.

Later that night, Mookie Betts made his Dodgers debut in Los Angeles, one day after signing a $365 million, 12-year deal to stay there through 2032.

Among Betts’ first acts — kneeling during the national anthem ahead of the opener.

There’s been a push within baseball this week to address racial injustice four years after the sport was largely silent during quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protests — only one baseball player, Oakland catcher Bruce Maxwell in 2017, had kneeled during the anthem prior to this season.

That’s changed this year. Every team participated in Black Lives Matter-inspired ceremonies before their opener, and numerous players and coaches have taken a knee.

“Now is when people will finally listen,” explained Stanton, a Black slugger with the New York Yankees who plans to kneel throughout the season.

Forced into an unprecedented season, Major League Baseball is taking the chance to break with tradition, unleashing a trio of controversial changes.

The National League adopted the designated hitter for the first time, and Mets slugger Yoenis Céspedes — sidelined since 2018 with various lower body injuries — hit the first home run by a DH during a game between NL teams on opening day.

There’s a new protocol for extra innings, with each team awarded an automatic runner at second base to start each inning after the ninth.

Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani became the majors’ first designated duck on the pond Friday night. A’s first baseman Matt Olson caught him trying to take third on a grounder to kill Los Angeles’ inning, then slugged a game-ending grand slam in the bottom of the frame.

The change was poorly received, but after seeing it in action, some traditionalists are seeing the appeal.

“It’s another one of these changes that we might end up liking,” 64-year-old Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “Made it interesting.”

Lastly, MLB unveiled another modification hours before first pitch,&nbsp;expanding the postseason&nbsp;from 10 teams to 16.

Some clubs with injured stars might need the bigger field to qualify.

Houston’s&nbsp;Justin Verlander, the Dodgers’&nbsp;Clayton Kershaw, Texas’&nbsp;Corey Kluber&nbsp;and Washington’s&nbsp;Stephen Strasburg&nbsp;have all gotten hurt — not surprising to those concerned about pitcher health following the condensed preseason camp.

Strasburg was scratched from a start Saturday because of a nerve issue in his pitching hand.

“To be frank,” the World Series MVP said, “this season is a bit of a mess.”

Soto’s stunning positive test has been followed by others.

The Atlanta Braves are without primary catchers Tyler Flowers and Travis d’Arnaud because they have coronavirus symptoms.

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Mike Moustakas and center fielder Nick Senzel&nbsp;felt sick Sunday, a day after a teammate went on the injured list because he tested positive for COVID-19.

The Miami Marlins scratched right-hander Jose Urena from his scheduled start Sunday in Philadelphia and delayed their postgame trip home amid concerns about a&nbsp;possible virus outbreak&nbsp;within the team.

“There’s nothing we can really do,” Marlins pitcher Robert Dugger said. “It’s out of our control. We just do the best we can with the masks and social distancing and all that, and hope for the best.”

Players have adopted some virus-minded celebrations, including air fives and foot taps, but it’s hardly been perfect. High-fives and fist bumps continue to be common, and distancing in the dugout has appeared to be a challenge even with some reserves watching from the stands. Clubs have had a particularly hard time upholding protocols after big plays, like when the A’s piled around Olson at home plate following his game-ending slam Friday.

The news Sunday of potential outbreaks with the Reds and Marlins was a reminder of how fragile the season could be.

“We all have to take responsibility,” Twins slugger Nelson Cruz said. “I take care of myself, don’t go around or mess around. But that has to include the whole team.

“If 10 or 15 or 25 guys do it and the rest are messing around, it can mess everything up. We’re always talking about that — being conscious what you’re doing. It’s not only for yourself, it’s for the whole team. The team can be devastated if a few guys test positive.”

AP Sports Writers Howard Fendrich, Steven Wine and David Brandt contributed to this report.

By JAKE SEINER - Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — The World Series champion Washington Nationals stood six feet apart along the first base line and watched as a banner commemorating their title was raised, then took a knee alongside the New York Yankees in a call for social justice.Star slugger Juan Soto wasn’t there — he was flagged hours before the first pitch for COVID-19. Neither, of course, were any fans.Hardly ideal, but there was hardball nonetheless.“I’d rather be playing baseball than not,” Nationals ace Max Scherzer said.Major League Baseball returned to action this weekend with a flourish of highs and lows as the sport attempts to play a 60-game regular season amid a coronavirus pandemic still plaguing much of the United States.The baseball itself was a breath of fresh air — even through all those face coverings.Opening day gems from Jacob deGrom, Shane Bieber and Kyle Hendricks. A&nbsp;mesmerizing home run&nbsp;from Giancarlo Stanton. Deft baserunning by Lorenzo Cain that&nbsp;baffled the entire Cubs infield.But COVID-era baseball has been unmistakably different.Cardboard cutouts of fans, managers arguing with umpires&nbsp;through face masks, air fives after home runs — not to mention a stream of players put on the coronavirus injured list, including potential outbreaks within the Marlins and Reds clubhouses.The 60-game sprint started with a bang — thunder, actually, along with a torrential downpour in the rain-shortened opener between the Yankees and Nationals. Despite that, it was the sport’s most-watched regular season game in nine years.Later that night, Mookie Betts made his Dodgers debut in Los Angeles, one day after signing a $365 million, 12-year deal to stay there through 2032.Among Betts’ first acts — kneeling during the national anthem ahead of the opener.There’s been a push within baseball this week to address racial injustice four years after the sport was largely silent during quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protests — only one baseball player, Oakland catcher Bruce Maxwell in 2017, had kneeled during the anthem prior to this season.That’s changed this year. Every team participated in Black Lives Matter-inspired ceremonies before their opener, and numerous players and coaches have taken a knee.“Now is when people will finally listen,” explained Stanton, a Black slugger with the New York Yankees who plans to kneel throughout the season.Forced into an unprecedented season, Major League Baseball is taking the chance to break with tradition, unleashing a trio of controversial changes.The National League adopted the designated hitter for the first time, and Mets slugger Yoenis Céspedes — sidelined since 2018 with various lower body injuries — hit the first home run by a DH during a game between NL teams on opening day.There’s a new protocol for extra innings, with each team awarded an automatic runner at second base to start each inning after the ninth.Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani became the majors’ first designated duck on the pond Friday night. A’s first baseman Matt Olson caught him trying to take third on a grounder to kill Los Angeles’ inning, then slugged a game-ending grand slam in the bottom of the frame.The change was poorly received, but after seeing it in action, some traditionalists are seeing the appeal.“It’s another one of these changes that we might end up liking,” 64-year-old Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “Made it interesting.”Lastly, MLB unveiled another modification hours before first pitch,&nbsp;expanding the postseason&nbsp;from 10 teams to 16.Some clubs with injured stars might need the bigger field to qualify.Houston’s&nbsp;Justin Verlander, the Dodgers’&nbsp;Clayton Kershaw, Texas’&nbsp;Corey Kluber&nbsp;and Washington’s&nbsp;Stephen Strasburg&nbsp;have all gotten hurt — not surprising to those concerned about pitcher health following the condensed preseason camp.Strasburg was scratched from a start Saturday because of a nerve issue in his pitching hand.“To be frank,” the World Series MVP said, “this season is a bit of a mess.”Soto’s stunning positive test has been followed by others.The Atlanta Braves are without primary catchers Tyler Flowers and Travis d’Arnaud because they have coronavirus symptoms.Cincinnati Reds second baseman Mike Moustakas and center fielder Nick Senzel&nbsp;felt sick Sunday, a day after a teammate went on the injured list because he tested positive for COVID-19.The Miami Marlins scratched right-hander Jose Urena from his scheduled start Sunday in Philadelphia and delayed their postgame trip home amid concerns about a&nbsp;possible virus outbreak&nbsp;within the team.“There’s nothing we can really do,” Marlins pitcher Robert Dugger said. “It’s out of our control. We just do the best we can with the masks and social distancing and all that, and hope for the best.”Players have adopted some virus-minded celebrations, including air fives and foot taps, but it’s hardly been perfect. High-fives and fist bumps continue to be common, and distancing in the dugout has appeared to be a challenge even with some reserves watching from the stands. Clubs have had a particularly hard time upholding protocols after big plays, like when the A’s piled around Olson at home plate following his game-ending slam Friday.The news Sunday of potential outbreaks with the Reds and Marlins was a reminder of how fragile the season could be.“We all have to take responsibility,” Twins slugger Nelson Cruz said. “I take care of myself, don’t go around or mess around. But that has to include the whole team.“If 10 or 15 or 25 guys do it and the rest are messing around, it can mess everything up. We’re always talking about that — being conscious what you’re doing. It’s not only for yourself, it’s for the whole team. The team can be devastated if a few guys test positive.”___AP Sports Writers Howard Fendrich, Steven Wine and David Brandt contributed to this report.

MLB returns with thrills; red flags remain after 1st weekend

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was on every call involving the NFL Players Association and took a significant role in putting in place the return-to-play protocols for training camp.

So while he acknowledges “some risk” in returning to the team facility on Saturday, when Mahomes joined rookies and select veterans for the start of his camp, he also felt comfortable in knowing the environment would be as safe as possible.

“I think the NFLPA did a good job getting all the players on the call and being prepared to be in the building and everything that entailed,” said Mahomes, who like the rest of NFL players did the entire offseason remotely. “They’re really taking this thing seriously. They’re taking social distancing and wearing a mask seriously, so we’re not hurting each other or hurting the people out in the community with us being here.”

The Chiefs and Texans, who meet in NFL’s regular-season opener, were given the go-ahead to allow rookies to report to training camp last Monday. But the week mostly involved COVID-19 testing for the rookies, and the veterans will likewise go through a similar period of testing before they begin more typical meetings and workouts.

That slow ramp-up is the first part of an acclimation period unique to this season. The players’ board of representatives voted 29-3 on Friday to adopt several changes to the collective bargaining agreement that provided for new training camp and roster rules, economics and the protocols for operating amid the coronavirus pandemic. The acclimation period takes the place of four preseason games and prohibits padded practices until the middle of August.

“I thought the executive committee did a great job of getting protection for the guys that are high risk, protection for the guys that voluntarily opted out and protection for the guys on the field,” said Mahomes, who recently signed a record 10-year extension with the Chiefs after leading them to their first Super Bowl in 50 years last season.

The Super Bowl MVP took over the player representative role on the Chiefs from longtime punter Dustin Colquitt, who was let go in the offseason. But Mahomes said that Colquitt has still been providing him guidance during negotiations.

“I thought the calls went well. There were a ton of questions. They were long but they were worth it,” Mahomes said. “I thought they really pushed and got the things that made us comfortable to approve the proposal that was laid out.”

One of those was stipends for players that choose not to play this season. Those at high risk who opt out will receive $300,000 stipends in lieu of their contract salary while those who voluntarily opt out will receive $150,000.

Chiefs offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was the first player to voluntarily opt out Friday night. Duvernay-Tardif has been practicing medicine in the fight against COVID-19 during the offseason and chose to remain in Canada and continue in that role rather than returning to Kansas City and helping the Chiefs defend their Super Bowl title.

″“Being at the front line during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system,” Duvernay-Tardif said. “I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients.”

Mahomes said he respected Duvernay-Tardif’s decision, even if it means the Chiefs need to break in a new right guard.

“I think it surprises anyone,” Mahomes said, “but at the same time you respect his decision. He’s a guy who’s been on the front lines and working with people suffering from COVID day to day. He understands it and his decision was to stay there and he wanted to keep helping in that capacity. You have to respect the decision.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose mother was a doctor, also wasn’t surprised by the decision.

“I understand the dedication it takes to be a doctor,” he said. “We’re all blessed to have doctors in our lives. They’re givers; they’re not takers. They’re healers. They want the best for you. So Larry has that quality, and you’re seeing it to the utmost here. I just think it’s tremendous dedication to his profession, what his future is going to be, and mainly to the people he gets to help. So my heart goes out to him.”

Reid was integral in training camps opening next week. The NFL and the players’ union asked him to be a neutral voice in the discussion, offering his insights from decades in the business. And after plenty of push and pull by each side, Reid said he’s comfortable with the return-to-play plan and looking forward to training camp.

“We think we’re going to put the players in a position where they’re safe,” he said. “It’s a responsibility at the same time. It’s a responsibility for the coaches, for the players and anybody dealing with the players, to take the format to fight this virus and still have an opportunity to play football.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was on every call involving the NFL Players Association and took a significant role in putting in place the return-to-play protocols for training camp.So while he acknowledges “some risk” in returning to the team facility on Saturday, when Mahomes joined rookies and select veterans for the start of his camp, he also felt comfortable in knowing the environment would be as safe as possible.“I think the NFLPA did a good job getting all the players on the call and being prepared to be in the building and everything that entailed,” said Mahomes, who like the rest of NFL players did the entire offseason remotely. “They’re really taking this thing seriously. They’re taking social distancing and wearing a mask seriously, so we’re not hurting each other or hurting the people out in the community with us being here.”The Chiefs and Texans, who meet in NFL’s regular-season opener, were given the go-ahead to allow rookies to report to training camp last Monday. But the week mostly involved COVID-19 testing for the rookies, and the veterans will likewise go through a similar period of testing before they begin more typical meetings and workouts.That slow ramp-up is the first part of an acclimation period unique to this season. The players’ board of representatives voted 29-3 on Friday to adopt several changes to the collective bargaining agreement that provided for new training camp and roster rules, economics and the protocols for operating amid the coronavirus pandemic. The acclimation period takes the place of four preseason games and prohibits padded practices until the middle of August.“I thought the executive committee did a great job of getting protection for the guys that are high risk, protection for the guys that voluntarily opted out and protection for the guys on the field,” said Mahomes, who recently signed a record 10-year extension with the Chiefs after leading them to their first Super Bowl in 50 years last season.The Super Bowl MVP took over the player representative role on the Chiefs from longtime punter Dustin Colquitt, who was let go in the offseason. But Mahomes said that Colquitt has still been providing him guidance during negotiations.“I thought the calls went well. There were a ton of questions. They were long but they were worth it,” Mahomes said. “I thought they really pushed and got the things that made us comfortable to approve the proposal that was laid out.”One of those was stipends for players that choose not to play this season. Those at high risk who opt out will receive $300,000 stipends in lieu of their contract salary while those who voluntarily opt out will receive $150,000.Chiefs offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was the first player to voluntarily opt out Friday night. Duvernay-Tardif has been practicing medicine in the fight against COVID-19 during the offseason and chose to remain in Canada and continue in that role rather than returning to Kansas City and helping the Chiefs defend their Super Bowl title.″“Being at the front line during this offseason has given me a different perspective on this pandemic and the stress it puts on individuals and our healthcare system,” Duvernay-Tardif said. “I cannot allow myself to potentially transmit the virus in our communities simply to play the sport that I love. If I am to take risks, I will do it caring for patients.”Mahomes said he respected Duvernay-Tardif’s decision, even if it means the Chiefs need to break in a new right guard.“I think it surprises anyone,” Mahomes said, “but at the same time you respect his decision. He’s a guy who’s been on the front lines and working with people suffering from COVID day to day. He understands it and his decision was to stay there and he wanted to keep helping in that capacity. You have to respect the decision.”Chiefs coach Andy Reid, whose mother was a doctor, also wasn’t surprised by the decision.“I understand the dedication it takes to be a doctor,” he said. “We’re all blessed to have doctors in our lives. They’re givers; they’re not takers. They’re healers. They want the best for you. So Larry has that quality, and you’re seeing it to the utmost here. I just think it’s tremendous dedication to his profession, what his future is going to be, and mainly to the people he gets to help. So my heart goes out to him.”Reid was integral in training camps opening next week. The NFL and the players’ union asked him to be a neutral voice in the discussion, offering his insights from decades in the business. And after plenty of push and pull by each side, Reid said he’s comfortable with the return-to-play plan and looking forward to training camp.“We think we’re going to put the players in a position where they’re safe,” he said. “It’s a responsibility at the same time. It’s a responsibility for the coaches, for the players and anybody dealing with the players, to take the format to fight this virus and still have an opportunity to play football.”

Mahomes knows risk, feels safe in return to Chiefs’ facility

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/864013168&color=%232a1bd9&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1" title="eagleradio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">eagleradio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/eagleradio-1/7242020-coach-butler" title="Post Podcast: Coach Butler 7.24" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Post Podcast: Coach Butler 7.24</a></div></div>

Post Podcast: FNBO Head Coach Butler near the end of the season

North Platte, Neb. – July 22, 2020 – It’s not always seamless in making the transition from high school sports to college, and to the pros, but several cowboys from central and western Nebraska are giving it their best shot.

Gauge McBride, a 2020 Kearney High School graduate, Gus Franzen, a 2019 Kearney grad, and Mason Ward, a 2019 McPherson County High School grad, will compete at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte August 5-8.

All three men are in or headed to college on rodeo scholarships. McBride will be a student at Panola College in Carthage, Texas. Franzen and Ward finished their first years, both at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant.

All three men also exceled in high school rodeo. McBride, a bareback rider, saddle bronc rider, and bull rider, won the state bareback riding title three out of four years. In the pros, he’s focusing on bareback riding, his strength. Franzen, a steer wrestler, was the 2019 state champ, and Ward was a three-time state high school champion bull rider, finishing the 2018 year seventeenth in the nation at the high school level.

Rodeo athletes can compete professionally as soon as they turn eighteen, and often compete collegiately as well as at the pros at the same time.

But a solid career in high school does not guarantee an easy professional career. The competition is much steeper, the three agree. “The talent gets a little steeper at the pro rodeos,” Franzen said. Last year, he competed at three pro rodeos and this year, he’s been to a few in Georgia and Florida before COVID-19 suspended rodeo competition.

Ward agreed. “It’s for sure a big jump,” to pro rodeos. “It’d be like a high school pitcher pitching in the major leagues. There’s a select few that it happens to.” Ward is going to PBRs as well as PRCA rodeos and is pleased with his performance so far. Even though he’s bucked off the last three bulls at PBRs, he’s held on for seven and a half seconds. It’s not a qualified ride, earning him a score, but it’s a positive note. “I didn’t ride them to eight seconds, but I rode some of the best bulls in the world to seven seconds, and heck, what’s one more second?”

Mentors have helped the men as they get started in their pro careers.

Franzen has gotten advice and help from a former Husker cowboy, Sean Mulligan, a steer wrestler who qualified for pro rodeo’s world championship, the National Finals Rodeo, four times. Mulligan lives close to Durant, and has had Franzen, as well as other Durant students, including Tyler Ravenscroft, another Nebraska college steer wrestler, practice at his arena. “He has a pretty good idea of what it takes to make it at the next level,” Franzen said. “To have somebody like that in your back yard is pretty good. He’s put us under his wing and has taken care of us.”

McBride gets guidance from Steven Dent, a ten-time NFR qualifier from Mullen. The McBride and Dent families have been friends for years, and McBride has spent plenty of time with Dent, on his ranch, practicing on his spur board (an instrument used to help cowboys practice their spur strokes), and with a machine that simulates a bucking horse. Dent, a three-time reserve world champion, “has helped me so much, with everything I need to do, not only how to ride, but how to take care of (rodeo) business,” McBride said. &nbsp;“I don’t think I would be doing this without him. Steven is one of the greatest bareback riders there is, and to have someone not only to tell me what I’m doing wrong, but what I’m doing right is great.”

McBride hasn’t competed at any pro rodeos yet; Deadwood, S.D., July 22-25 will be his first, and the North Platte event will be his second. He loves everything there is about riding bucking horses. “Just the feeling it gives you, the adrenaline rush, the feeling when you make a great ride and step off (the horse.) There’s nothing else like it.”

One of the best parts, the cowboys agree, is competing alongside world-class cowboys in their discipline. Some of the reigning world champions, plus multiple-time NFR qualifiers will be in North Platte. It could be unnerving, but the men don’t let it get to them. “It can be intimidating, but you know you’re on the right track when your idols become your competition,” Ward said.

McBride is working towards an associate degree in welding at Panola; Franzen is a finance major, and Ward is studying business management.

McBride will compete on August 8; Franzen is up on Thursday, August 6, and Ward will ride on August 5. &nbsp;

This year’s Buffalo Bill Rodeo is August 5-8 at the Wild West Arena in North Platte. All tickets are general admission to allow for social distancing, and the performances start at 8 pm each night. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ruthnicolaus-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/Redirect?ukey=1_aL453y9Utnr8g8rnydIhjm5EOYfW6dZIt1RuDR0mr8-1552048452&amp;key=YAMMID-25531746&amp;link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.NebraskalandDays.com" target="_blank">www.NebraskalandDays.com</a>.

North Platte, Neb. – July 22, 2020 – It’s not always seamless in making the transition from high school sports to college, and to the pros, but several cowboys from central and western Nebraska are giving it their best shot.Gauge McBride, a 2020 Kearney High School graduate, Gus Franzen, a 2019 Kearney grad, and Mason Ward, a 2019 McPherson County High School grad, will compete at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte August 5-8.All three men are in or headed to college on rodeo scholarships. McBride will be a student at Panola College in Carthage, Texas. Franzen and Ward finished their first years, both at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant.All three men also exceled in high school rodeo. McBride, a bareback rider, saddle bronc rider, and bull rider, won the state bareback riding title three out of four years. In the pros, he’s focusing on bareback riding, his strength. Franzen, a steer wrestler, was the 2019 state champ, and Ward was a three-time state high school champion bull rider, finishing the 2018 year seventeenth in the nation at the high school level.Rodeo athletes can compete professionally as soon as they turn eighteen, and often compete collegiately as well as at the pros at the same time.But a solid career in high school does not guarantee an easy professional career. The competition is much steeper, the three agree. “The talent gets a little steeper at the pro rodeos,” Franzen said. Last year, he competed at three pro rodeos and this year, he’s been to a few in Georgia and Florida before COVID-19 suspended rodeo competition.Ward agreed. “It’s for sure a big jump,” to pro rodeos. “It’d be like a high school pitcher pitching in the major leagues. There’s a select few that it happens to.” Ward is going to PBRs as well as PRCA rodeos and is pleased with his performance so far. Even though he’s bucked off the last three bulls at PBRs, he’s held on for seven and a half seconds. It’s not a qualified ride, earning him a score, but it’s a positive note. “I didn’t ride them to eight seconds, but I rode some of the best bulls in the world to seven seconds, and heck, what’s one more second?”Mentors have helped the men as they get started in their pro careers.Franzen has gotten advice and help from a former Husker cowboy, Sean Mulligan, a steer wrestler who qualified for pro rodeo’s world championship, the National Finals Rodeo, four times. Mulligan lives close to Durant, and has had Franzen, as well as other Durant students, including Tyler Ravenscroft, another Nebraska college steer wrestler, practice at his arena. “He has a pretty good idea of what it takes to make it at the next level,” Franzen said. “To have somebody like that in your back yard is pretty good. He’s put us under his wing and has taken care of us.”McBride gets guidance from Steven Dent, a ten-time NFR qualifier from Mullen. The McBride and Dent families have been friends for years, and McBride has spent plenty of time with Dent, on his ranch, practicing on his spur board (an instrument used to help cowboys practice their spur strokes), and with a machine that simulates a bucking horse. Dent, a three-time reserve world champion, “has helped me so much, with everything I need to do, not only how to ride, but how to take care of (rodeo) business,” McBride said. &nbsp;“I don’t think I would be doing this without him. Steven is one of the greatest bareback riders there is, and to have someone not only to tell me what I’m doing wrong, but what I’m doing right is great.”McBride hasn’t competed at any pro rodeos yet; Deadwood, S.D., July 22-25 will be his first, and the North Platte event will be his second. He loves everything there is about riding bucking horses. “Just the feeling it gives you, the adrenaline rush, the feeling when you make a great ride and step off (the horse.) There’s nothing else like it.”One of the best parts, the cowboys agree, is competing alongside world-class cowboys in their discipline. Some of the reigning world champions, plus multiple-time NFR qualifiers will be in North Platte. It could be unnerving, but the men don’t let it get to them. “It can be intimidating, but you know you’re on the right track when your idols become your competition,” Ward said.McBride is working towards an associate degree in welding at Panola; Franzen is a finance major, and Ward is studying business management.McBride will compete on August 8; Franzen is up on Thursday, August 6, and Ward will ride on August 5. &nbsp;This year’s Buffalo Bill Rodeo is August 5-8 at the Wild West Arena in North Platte. All tickets are general admission to allow for social distancing, and the performances start at 8 pm each night. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://ruthnicolaus-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/Redirect?ukey=1_aL453y9Utnr8g8rnydIhjm5EOYfW6dZIt1RuDR0mr8-1552048452&amp;key=YAMMID-25531746&amp;link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.NebraskalandDays.com" target="_blank">www.NebraskalandDays.com</a>.

RODEO YOUNG GUNS

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball and the players’ union agreed Thursday to expand the playoffs from 10 teams to 16 for the pandemic-delayed season, a decision that makes it likely teams with losing records will reach the postseason.

The agreement was reached hours before the season opener between the New York Yankees and World Series champion Washington Nationals. The deal applied only for 2020 and included a surprise benefiting the Yankees the most: Collection of baseball’s luxury tax will be suspended this year, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement was made.

Sixteen of the 30 teams will advance to a best-of-three first round: the first- and second-place teams in every division and the next two clubs by winning percentage in each league. Those winners move on to the best-of-five Division Series, where the usual format resumes. The final four teams are in best-of-seven League Championship Series, and the pennant winners meet in the best-of-seven World Series.

“It’s such a unique season, why not try a little something different and make it as exciting as possible,” said Colorado shortstop Trevor Story, whose team has never won a World Series title. “I know it’s going to be such a sprint with the 60-game season; adding more playoff teams will just add to the fire and the excitement and the fandom around the game. Anything can happen in a 60-game season. I’m all for it.”

In each league, the division winners will be seeded 1-3, the second-place teams 4-6 and the teams with the next two-best records 7-8, which means up to four teams in one division could be in the postseason. The first round pairings will be 1 vs. 8, 2-7, 3-6 and 4-5.

“This season will be a sprint to a new format that will allow more fans to experience playoff baseball,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.

The higher seed in the first round will host all games from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2.

“For me personally, a little less than ideal that there’s not more weight given to the division winners,” Gerrit Cole said after winning his Yankees debut, 4-1 at Nationals Park in a game called in the sixth inning because of rain.

Tiebreaker games, which have produced famous home runs by Bobby Thomson and Bucky Dent, are eliminated. Ties would be broken by head-to-head record, followed by better record within a team’s division and record in the last 20 games within the division. If still tied, the standard would be last 21 games within a division, then 22, etc.

Teams could finish the regular season with differing games played; regular-season postponements would be made up at the discretion of Manfred.

As part of the deal, MLB agreed to guarantee a postseason pool that would be $50 million: $20 million if the first round is played and $10 million for each additional round. The postseason pool usually comprises ticket money from the postseason, but baseball anticipates playing the entire year in empty ballparks due to the coronavirus.

“The opportunity to add playoff games in this already-abbreviated season makes sense for fans, the league and players,” union head Tony Clark said in a statement. “We hope it will result in highly competitive pennant races as well as exciting additional playoff games to the benefit of the industry.”

ESPN was given rights to seven of eight first-round series and TBS the other for no additional money as a makeup for missed games. ESPN and TBS were to have split the two wild-card games in the original format.

The change means 53% of the 30 teams reach the playoffs. If eight teams qualified for the playoffs in each league from 1995 through 2019, 46 teams at or below .500 would have made it, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, an average of just under two per season. Those teams included 25 from the AL.

There would have been only three seasons in which all playoff teams would have had winning records, Elias said: 2000, 2003 and 2009.

“From a selfish, White Sox standpoint, I’m certainly in favor of it just for the mere fact that it enhances the possibilities that this group’s going to get exposed to October baseball,” Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. “We’ve talked over the years of this rebuild and into this next stage that learning how to win is part of that. And certainly learning how to win in October is very much part of getting us to our ultimate goals.”

Two additional NFL teams reach the playoffs this season for a total of 14 of 32 teams (44%). Sixteen of 30 (53%) usually go to the playoffs in the NBA and 16 of 31 in the NHL (52%), which expands to 32 franchises next season.

MLB long restricted its postseason to just the pennant winners facing each other in the World Series. Postseason teams doubled to four with the split of each league into two divisions in 1969, then to eight with the realignment to three divisions and the addition of a wild card in 1995, a year later than planned due to a players’ strike. The postseason reached 10 with the addition of a second wild card and a wild-card round in 2012.

The 2006 St. Louis Cardinals hold the mark for the lowest winning percentage of a World Series champion, according to Elias, after going 83-78 for a .516 clip. The lowest percentage for a pennant winner was .509 for the 1973 New York Mets at 82-79.

“There’s no question that by definition, it gives you more of a safety net,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I hope they they continue to put a premium on winning divisions.”

The new format created a minimum 14 additional postseason games and as many as 22 if each first-round series goes the distance. The plan was part of MLB’s proposal to restart the season, but the union ended those talks June 22 and told MLB to unilaterally announce a schedule. That move preserved the union’s right to file a grievance claiming MLB did not negotiate in good faith to play as long a regular season as economically feasible, subject to conditions set in a March 26 agreement between the feuding sides.

“It would be a great way to keep fan bases engaged throughout the entire season,” Milwaukee Brewers star Christian Yelich said. “You’d have a really tight race all the way down to the last day of the season. I think there’d be a lot of teams in it within a game or two of each other going into that final day.”

AP Sports Writers Pat Graham, Steve Megargee and Andrew Seligman contributed to this report.

By RONALD BLUM - Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball and the players’ union agreed Thursday to expand the playoffs from 10 teams to 16 for the pandemic-delayed season, a decision that makes it likely teams with losing records will reach the postseason.The agreement was reached hours before the season opener between the New York Yankees and World Series champion Washington Nationals. The deal applied only for 2020 and included a surprise benefiting the Yankees the most: Collection of baseball’s luxury tax will be suspended this year, a person familiar with the details told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because no announcement was made.Sixteen of the 30 teams will advance to a best-of-three first round: the first- and second-place teams in every division and the next two clubs by winning percentage in each league. Those winners move on to the best-of-five Division Series, where the usual format resumes. The final four teams are in best-of-seven League Championship Series, and the pennant winners meet in the best-of-seven World Series.“It’s such a unique season, why not try a little something different and make it as exciting as possible,” said Colorado shortstop Trevor Story, whose team has never won a World Series title. “I know it’s going to be such a sprint with the 60-game season; adding more playoff teams will just add to the fire and the excitement and the fandom around the game. Anything can happen in a 60-game season. I’m all for it.”In each league, the division winners will be seeded 1-3, the second-place teams 4-6 and the teams with the next two-best records 7-8, which means up to four teams in one division could be in the postseason. The first round pairings will be 1 vs. 8, 2-7, 3-6 and 4-5.“This season will be a sprint to a new format that will allow more fans to experience playoff baseball,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.The higher seed in the first round will host all games from Sept. 29 to Oct. 2.“For me personally, a little less than ideal that there’s not more weight given to the division winners,” Gerrit Cole said after winning his Yankees debut, 4-1 at Nationals Park in a game called in the sixth inning because of rain.Tiebreaker games, which have produced famous home runs by Bobby Thomson and Bucky Dent, are eliminated. Ties would be broken by head-to-head record, followed by better record within a team’s division and record in the last 20 games within the division. If still tied, the standard would be last 21 games within a division, then 22, etc.Teams could finish the regular season with differing games played; regular-season postponements would be made up at the discretion of Manfred.As part of the deal, MLB agreed to guarantee a postseason pool that would be $50 million: $20 million if the first round is played and $10 million for each additional round. The postseason pool usually comprises ticket money from the postseason, but baseball anticipates playing the entire year in empty ballparks due to the coronavirus.“The opportunity to add playoff games in this already-abbreviated season makes sense for fans, the league and players,” union head Tony Clark said in a statement. “We hope it will result in highly competitive pennant races as well as exciting additional playoff games to the benefit of the industry.”ESPN was given rights to seven of eight first-round series and TBS the other for no additional money as a makeup for missed games. ESPN and TBS were to have split the two wild-card games in the original format.The change means 53% of the 30 teams reach the playoffs. If eight teams qualified for the playoffs in each league from 1995 through 2019, 46 teams at or below .500 would have made it, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, an average of just under two per season. Those teams included 25 from the AL.There would have been only three seasons in which all playoff teams would have had winning records, Elias said: 2000, 2003 and 2009.“From a selfish, White Sox standpoint, I’m certainly in favor of it just for the mere fact that it enhances the possibilities that this group’s going to get exposed to October baseball,” Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. “We’ve talked over the years of this rebuild and into this next stage that learning how to win is part of that. And certainly learning how to win in October is very much part of getting us to our ultimate goals.”Two additional NFL teams reach the playoffs this season for a total of 14 of 32 teams (44%). Sixteen of 30 (53%) usually go to the playoffs in the NBA and 16 of 31 in the NHL (52%), which expands to 32 franchises next season.MLB long restricted its postseason to just the pennant winners facing each other in the World Series. Postseason teams doubled to four with the split of each league into two divisions in 1969, then to eight with the realignment to three divisions and the addition of a wild card in 1995, a year later than planned due to a players’ strike. The postseason reached 10 with the addition of a second wild card and a wild-card round in 2012.The 2006 St. Louis Cardinals hold the mark for the lowest winning percentage of a World Series champion, according to Elias, after going 83-78 for a .516 clip. The lowest percentage for a pennant winner was .509 for the 1973 New York Mets at 82-79.“There’s no question that by definition, it gives you more of a safety net,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I hope they they continue to put a premium on winning divisions.”The new format created a minimum 14 additional postseason games and as many as 22 if each first-round series goes the distance. The plan was part of MLB’s proposal to restart the season, but the union ended those talks June 22 and told MLB to unilaterally announce a schedule. That move preserved the union’s right to file a grievance claiming MLB did not negotiate in good faith to play as long a regular season as economically feasible, subject to conditions set in a March 26 agreement between the feuding sides.MLB renewed the proposal on Tuesday.“It would be a great way to keep fan bases engaged throughout the entire season,” Milwaukee Brewers star Christian Yelich said. “You’d have a really tight race all the way down to the last day of the season. I think there’d be a lot of teams in it within a game or two of each other going into that final day.”___AP Sports Writers Pat Graham, Steve Megargee and Andrew Seligman contributed to this report.

MLB, players agree to expand playoffs to 16 teams

The McCook Community College summer high school all-star volleyball game is for Sunday at 4 p.m. but public access will be restricted to “four invited” fans per player and coach.&nbsp;The game will be livestreamed through the MCC Volleyball Facebook page.

The Wild West All Star Volleyball Classic, was pushed back from June because of directed health-measures, and MCC officials are staging the game under up-to-date directed health measures. The game will mark the end of the first week of on-campus athletic activity since COVID-19 shut down sports on March 16.

Youth volleyball camps began Wednesday and continue through Friday, in the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center. MCC Coach Hayley Kobza is having an open tryout Saturday for all 2020-2021 seniors, and the week concludes with the all-star game Sunday.

Coaching the east squad on Sunday will be Maxwell’s Gina Sommer who will coach daughter Janie Sommer, a right-side hitter and MCC commit.

Johanna Sughroue, Southwest, will suit up for the east squad along with a pair of Bertrand teammates in Jada High and Jennica Dannehl. The squad also includes three players from Southern Valley: Lauryn Samuelson, Jenny Linden, and Grace Hogeland; a pair of athletes from Brady: Kate Axthelm and Elizabeth Sitorious-Johnson; and two from Hi-Line High School, Hadley Martin, and Katy Bartell.

Coaching the west squad this year will be Clancy Hammond of North Platte High School, who will coach a pair of girls from North Platte St. Pats, Kinsey Skillstad and Graci Costillo. MCC Sophomore Kiera Barr, set to graduate July 31, will serve as the west’s assistant coach. She is set to continue her career this fall at Agusta University in Georgia.

Sutherland’s Payton Hoatson and Janee Elfeldt will play for the west team along with: Jaedy Commins, Ogallala; Mallie McNair, Chase County; Michaela Dukes, Wauneta-Palisade; Shaye Porter, Hitchcock County; and Avery Johnson, Maywood/Hayes Center.

By Brent Cobb - MPCC Sports InformationThe McCook Community College summer high school all-star volleyball game is for Sunday at 4 p.m. but public access will be restricted to “four invited” fans per player and coach.&nbsp;The game will be livestreamed through the MCC Volleyball Facebook page.The Wild West All Star Volleyball Classic, was pushed back from June because of directed health-measures, and MCC officials are staging the game under up-to-date directed health measures. The game will mark the end of the first week of on-campus athletic activity since COVID-19 shut down sports on March 16.Youth volleyball camps began Wednesday and continue through Friday, in the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center. MCC Coach Hayley Kobza is having an open tryout Saturday for all 2020-2021 seniors, and the week concludes with the all-star game Sunday.Coaching the east squad on Sunday will be Maxwell’s Gina Sommer who will coach daughter Janie Sommer, a right-side hitter and MCC commit.Johanna Sughroue, Southwest, will suit up for the east squad along with a pair of Bertrand teammates in Jada High and Jennica Dannehl. The squad also includes three players from Southern Valley: Lauryn Samuelson, Jenny Linden, and Grace Hogeland; a pair of athletes from Brady: Kate Axthelm and Elizabeth Sitorious-Johnson; and two from Hi-Line High School, Hadley Martin, and Katy Bartell.Coaching the west squad this year will be Clancy Hammond of North Platte High School, who will coach a pair of girls from North Platte St. Pats, Kinsey Skillstad and Graci Costillo. MCC Sophomore Kiera Barr, set to graduate July 31, will serve as the west’s assistant coach. She is set to continue her career this fall at Agusta University in Georgia.Sutherland’s Payton Hoatson and Janee Elfeldt will play for the west team along with: Jaedy Commins, Ogallala; Mallie McNair, Chase County; Michaela Dukes, Wauneta-Palisade; Shaye Porter, Hitchcock County; and Avery Johnson, Maywood/Hayes Center.

MCC’s Wild West All-Star Volleyball Classic Sunday closed to public

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball players have the option of having a patch with “Black Lives Matter” or “United For Change” on a jersey sleeve on opening day of the pandemic-delayed season, and Washington Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle says his team may is considering whether to take a knee in support Thursday night.

World Series champion Washington hosts the New York Yankees in the big league opener.

“I’ve been considering it, especially here over the last week. But as a team, we’re having conversations in our clubhouse over the last two days. I know the Yankees are doing the same thing,” he said Wednesday. “I think it’s really important for for us as a league to echo what other sports leagues have done so far. We’ve seen the MLS. We’ve seen NASCAR. We’ve seen Formula One make really powerful statements.”

Teams have the option of stenciling an inverted MLB logo with “BLM” or “United for Change” on the back of the pitcher’s mound during opening weekend games. Washington opted for the MLB/MLB stencil.

“It’s freedom of speech. It’s the Bill of Rights. It’s what the country’s founded on, to be able to express yourself freely. So I I think it’s a wonderful thing,” said Gerrit Cole, who makes his Yankees debut against Max Scherzer in the opener at Nationals Park.

After discussions among the commissioner’s office and the Major League Baseball Players Association, The Players Alliance and individual players, each player may use a wristband with an inverted MLB logo in which the silhouetted batter is black, the first use of such a logo.

Each player also may use a Black Lives Matter batting practice T-shirt or a T-shirt designed or obtained by the player or his team.

MLB is lifting cleat restrictions for this season, giving players the ability to put messages for social justice and causes on their spikes.

Jersey patches would go on the left sleeve unless a team has an existing patch there, in which case the new one would go on the right sleeve. The special patches will be used Thursday and Friday.

The initiatives that start Thursday were designed to allow players to show support for social justice generally, and diversity and inclusion in baseball. They were deliberately made flexible, allowing players to make individual decisions.

T-shirts with the messages and the special wristbands may be used for the entire season.

When the English Premier League resumed last month, player names were replaced with “Black Lives Matter” during the opening games.

In addition, the Nationals will have a black heart in center field with “D.C.” in the middle. The heart is meant to show support for the D.C. community, the Nationals said.

MLB said that since the death of George Floyd on May 25 it had enhanced existing partnerships with the Jackie Robinson Foundation and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and also made new investments in the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and launched a Diverse Business Partners Recovery Project.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman met with Black minor league players who were at the team’s complex in Tampa, Florida, to initiate discussions.

“Start the communication of what can be done better, how can we be a part of a more positive change?” he said. “There was very difficult conversations, real personal stories that were shared.”

He continued those talks when the big league roster reported to New York. Cashman supports the expressions of protest.

“Our country is in many ways the greatest country in the world and in some ways, it’s broken in certain aspects, that we’re not all together and not all as one as we should be,” Cashman said. “And because of that you’re seeing demonstrations like kneeling at the anthem as part of that process because part of our community is hurting when it shouldn’t be. And if it’s been ignored for such a long period of time and it’s not been addressed as well as it should have been or could have been, then the great part of America is there’s different ways to express yourself and different platforms to utilize how you express yourself. and in some cases that happens to be kneeling during the anthem.”

By RONALD BLUM - Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball players have the option of having a patch with “Black Lives Matter” or “United For Change” on a jersey sleeve on opening day of the pandemic-delayed season, and Washington Nationals pitcher Sean Doolittle says his team may is considering whether to take a knee in support Thursday night.World Series champion Washington hosts the New York Yankees in the big league opener.“I’ve been considering it, especially here over the last week. But as a team, we’re having conversations in our clubhouse over the last two days. I know the Yankees are doing the same thing,” he said Wednesday. “I think it’s really important for for us as a league to echo what other sports leagues have done so far. We’ve seen the MLS. We’ve seen NASCAR. We’ve seen Formula One make really powerful statements.”Teams have the option of stenciling an inverted MLB logo with “BLM” or “United for Change” on the back of the pitcher’s mound during opening weekend games. Washington opted for the MLB/MLB stencil.“It’s freedom of speech. It’s the Bill of Rights. It’s what the country’s founded on, to be able to express yourself freely. So I I think it’s a wonderful thing,” said Gerrit Cole, who makes his Yankees debut against Max Scherzer in the opener at Nationals Park.After discussions among the commissioner’s office and the Major League Baseball Players Association, The Players Alliance and individual players, each player may use a wristband with an inverted MLB logo in which the silhouetted batter is black, the first use of such a logo.Each player also may use a Black Lives Matter batting practice T-shirt or a T-shirt designed or obtained by the player or his team.MLB is lifting cleat restrictions for this season, giving players the ability to put messages for social justice and causes on their spikes.Jersey patches would go on the left sleeve unless a team has an existing patch there, in which case the new one would go on the right sleeve. The special patches will be used Thursday and Friday.The initiatives that start Thursday were designed to allow players to show support for social justice generally, and diversity and inclusion in baseball. They were deliberately made flexible, allowing players to make individual decisions.T-shirts with the messages and the special wristbands may be used for the entire season.When the English Premier League resumed last month, player names were replaced with “Black Lives Matter” during the opening games.In addition, the Nationals will have a black heart in center field with “D.C.” in the middle. The heart is meant to show support for the D.C. community, the Nationals said.MLB said that since the death of George Floyd on May 25 it had enhanced existing partnerships with the Jackie Robinson Foundation and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and also made new investments in the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund and launched a Diverse Business Partners Recovery Project.Yankees general manager Brian Cashman met with Black minor league players who were at the team’s complex in Tampa, Florida, to initiate discussions.“Start the communication of what can be done better, how can we be a part of a more positive change?” he said. “There was very difficult conversations, real personal stories that were shared.”He continued those talks when the big league roster reported to New York. Cashman supports the expressions of protest.“Our country is in many ways the greatest country in the world and in some ways, it’s broken in certain aspects, that we’re not all together and not all as one as we should be,” Cashman said. “And because of that you’re seeing demonstrations like kneeling at the anthem as part of that process because part of our community is hurting when it shouldn’t be. And if it’s been ignored for such a long period of time and it’s not been addressed as well as it should have been or could have been, then the great part of America is there’s different ways to express yourself and different platforms to utilize how you express yourself. and in some cases that happens to be kneeling during the anthem.”

MLB allows Black Lives Matter, social justice jersey patches

With sports going full throttle into the fall season despite COVID-19 concerns the NSAA has released its fall 2020 classification lists.&nbsp; As expected North Platte High School will be competing at the Class A level in all sports this upcoming fall as the school with the least amount of eligible enrollment numbers.&nbsp; North Platte Saint Pat's will again compete at the Class D level.&nbsp;

You can see the full lists with the links below <a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/cc/2020CCClassifications.pdf">Cross Country</a>

<a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/soft/2020SBClassifications.pdf">Softball</a>

<a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/ggolf/2020GGOClassifications.pdf">Girls Golf</a>

<a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/btennis/2020TEBClassifications.pdf">Boys Tennis</a>

<a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/volley/2020VBClassifications.pdf">Volleyball</a>

With sports going full throttle into the fall season despite COVID-19 concerns the NSAA has released its fall 2020 classification lists.&nbsp; As expected North Platte High School will be competing at the Class A level in all sports this upcoming fall as the school with the least amount of eligible enrollment numbers.&nbsp; North Platte Saint Pat's will again compete at the Class D level.&nbsp;You can see the full lists with the links below <a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/cc/2020CCClassifications.pdf">Cross Country</a><a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/soft/2020SBClassifications.pdf">Softball</a><a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/ggolf/2020GGOClassifications.pdf">Girls Golf</a><a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/btennis/2020TEBClassifications.pdf">Boys Tennis</a><a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/volley/2020VBClassifications.pdf">Volleyball</a>

NSAA 2020 Fall Classifications released

By STEPHEN WADE and HARUKA NUGA - Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — The delayed Tokyo Olympics could not be held next year if conditions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continue as they are, the president of the organizing committee said Wednesday.

In an interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK, Yoshiro Mori said he was hopeful the situation would improve and suggested a vaccine was the key.

“If this kind of situation (with COVID-19) continues, is it possible to hold the games?” Mori was asked by NHK.

“If current situation continues, we couldn’t,” Mori replied, speaking in Japanese.

The Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to open on July 23, 2021 — a year from Thursday. A small, 15-minute ceremony without fans is scheduled for Thursday at the new national stadium to mark the date.

The International Olympic Committee and Japanese organizers have repeatedly expressed confidence the games will take place, though they have offered few details on how they can happen in the middle of a pandemic.

The IOC and organizers have also said the Olympics will not be postponed again and would be canceled.

“It would be too much for us to answer each of these hypothetical questions,” Mori said. “I don’t think this situation will last for another year.”

Researchers have said a vaccine could be six-to-nine months away, which Mori said was the key. Some, however, question if young athletes should be a priority, and if all would agree to be vaccinated.

“Whether the Olympics can be done or not is about whether humanity can beat the coronavirus,” Mori said. “Specifically, to develop a vaccine or drug is the first point.”

Organizers and the IOC say they want to simplify the games to help reduce the soaring costs. But officials cannot say now if fans will be permitted next year, or if athletes will face quarantines. They say few details will be available until the fall.

Plans call for the full contingent of 11,000 Olympic athletes and 4,400 Paralympic athletes to be competing at 42 venues.

About 1,000 deaths in Japan have been attributed to the coronavirus. Tokyo has seen a rising number of daily cases in the last few weeks, which reached a high of almost 300 last week.

But the numbers are relatively modest for a metropolitan area of 14 million.

By STEPHEN WADE and HARUKA NUGA - Associated PressTOKYO (AP) — The delayed Tokyo Olympics could not be held next year if conditions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continue as they are, the president of the organizing committee said Wednesday.In an interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK, Yoshiro Mori said he was hopeful the situation would improve and suggested a vaccine was the key.“If this kind of situation (with COVID-19) continues, is it possible to hold the games?” Mori was asked by NHK.“If current situation continues, we couldn’t,” Mori replied, speaking in Japanese.The Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to open on July 23, 2021 — a year from Thursday. A small, 15-minute ceremony without fans is scheduled for Thursday at the new national stadium to mark the date.The International Olympic Committee and Japanese organizers have repeatedly expressed confidence the games will take place, though they have offered few details on how they can happen in the middle of a pandemic.The IOC and organizers have also said the Olympics will not be postponed again and would be canceled.“It would be too much for us to answer each of these hypothetical questions,” Mori said. “I don’t think this situation will last for another year.”Researchers have said a vaccine could be six-to-nine months away, which Mori said was the key. Some, however, question if young athletes should be a priority, and if all would agree to be vaccinated.“Whether the Olympics can be done or not is about whether humanity can beat the coronavirus,” Mori said. “Specifically, to develop a vaccine or drug is the first point.”Organizers and the IOC say they want to simplify the games to help reduce the soaring costs. But officials cannot say now if fans will be permitted next year, or if athletes will face quarantines. They say few details will be available until the fall.Plans call for the full contingent of 11,000 Olympic athletes and 4,400 Paralympic athletes to be competing at 42 venues.About 1,000 deaths in Japan have been attributed to the coronavirus. Tokyo has seen a rising number of daily cases in the last few weeks, which reached a high of almost 300 last week.But the numbers are relatively modest for a metropolitan area of 14 million.

Tokyo head: Olympics not possible under current conditions

&nbsp; The Jr. Ambassador Youth Golf Classic concluded today with some excellent play by Youth from across Nebraska.&nbsp; &nbsp;Day 1 was at Lake Maloney Golf Club and Day 2 was at Rivers Edge.&nbsp; The tournament had over $7,000 of local business sponsorship by Chamber Ambassador Members which allowed a very low cost, two-day tournament for all of the youth players with many prizes/prizes and the opportunity to play at two of our finest golf courses.&nbsp; &nbsp;There were 92 players in the field, of which 16 participated in the Youth Instructional Clinic.&nbsp; &nbsp;Here are the Trophy Winners from the Tournament.&nbsp; High School Boys, top 5 1st Cole Fedderson, 150, won in the first hole of a sudden death playoff with a Par 2nd Kasch Morrision, 150 3rd Teegan Sonneman, 151 4th Jake Scherer 158 5th Cole Schroer, 158 In addition to the individual competition, there was also an option high school age Boys team competition which was won by the North Platte High School team of Finn Lucas, Jayden Jones, Tanner Ruda, and Kasch Morrison, with a two day team score of 633.&nbsp; &nbsp;The North Platte St. Pats team of Connor Hasenauer, Teegan Sonneman, Andrew Lindemeier, and Matthew Phelps finished second in the team competition with a two day team score of 678.&nbsp; &nbsp; Both teams received trophies for getting first and second in the team competition.&nbsp; &nbsp; High School Girls, top 5 1st Ali Boswell, 156 2nd Maya Lashley, 162 3rd Clara Hosman, 163 4th Madison Jackson, 175 5th Abbie Jones, 190 Junior Boys, top 5 1st Owen Bartee, 163 2nd Caleb Castillo, 164 3rd Max Denton, 172 4th Jack Baker, 183 5th Maxson Libsack, 200 Junior Girls, top 4 1st Kaylee Carlson, 198 2nd Lainey Palmer, 212 3rd Sawyer Swarm, 255 4th Reece Ribera, 263 Youth Boys, top 5 ( 9 holes) 1st Chase Wingett, 80 2nd Keaton Loop, 88 3rd Tre Boswell, 90 4th Jude Swarm, 99 5th Tim Blakely, 100 Youth Girls, top 3 (9 holes) 1st Stephanie Budke, 135 2nd Allison Guthrie, 148 3rd Maggie Nichols, 149&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; The Jr. Ambassador Youth Golf Classic concluded today with some excellent play by Youth from across Nebraska.&nbsp; &nbsp;Day 1 was at Lake Maloney Golf Club and Day 2 was at Rivers Edge.&nbsp; The tournament had over $7,000 of local business sponsorship by Chamber Ambassador Members which allowed a very low cost, two-day tournament for all of the youth players with many prizes/prizes and the opportunity to play at two of our finest golf courses.&nbsp; &nbsp;There were 92 players in the field, of which 16 participated in the Youth Instructional Clinic.&nbsp; &nbsp;Here are the Trophy Winners from the Tournament.&nbsp; High School Boys, top 5 1st Cole Fedderson, 150, won in the first hole of a sudden death playoff with a Par 2nd Kasch Morrision, 150 3rd Teegan Sonneman, 151 4th Jake Scherer 158 5th Cole Schroer, 158 In addition to the individual competition, there was also an option high school age Boys team competition which was won by the North Platte High School team of Finn Lucas, Jayden Jones, Tanner Ruda, and Kasch Morrison, with a two day team score of 633.&nbsp; &nbsp;The North Platte St. Pats team of Connor Hasenauer, Teegan Sonneman, Andrew Lindemeier, and Matthew Phelps finished second in the team competition with a two day team score of 678.&nbsp; &nbsp; Both teams received trophies for getting first and second in the team competition.&nbsp; &nbsp; High School Girls, top 5 1st Ali Boswell, 156 2nd Maya Lashley, 162 3rd Clara Hosman, 163 4th Madison Jackson, 175 5th Abbie Jones, 190 Junior Boys, top 5 1st Owen Bartee, 163 2nd Caleb Castillo, 164 3rd Max Denton, 172 4th Jack Baker, 183 5th Maxson Libsack, 200 Junior Girls, top 4 1st Kaylee Carlson, 198 2nd Lainey Palmer, 212 3rd Sawyer Swarm, 255 4th Reece Ribera, 263 Youth Boys, top 5 ( 9 holes) 1st Chase Wingett, 80 2nd Keaton Loop, 88 3rd Tre Boswell, 90 4th Jude Swarm, 99 5th Tim Blakely, 100 Youth Girls, top 3 (9 holes) 1st Stephanie Budke, 135 2nd Allison Guthrie, 148 3rd Maggie Nichols, 149&nbsp;&nbsp;

Jr. Ambassador Golf Results

The NFL is planning to allow players to have decals on the back of their helmets bearing names or initials of victims of systemic racism and police violence.

The league has been in talks with individual players and their union since June about somehow honoring such victims. The initiative will be done leaguewide, with each team deciding who it will honor and how to display the names or initials.

Unlike the NBA, which is allowing players to wear slogans on their jerseys, the NFL will stick to names and initials once a final agreement has been reached with the players’ association. The program will continue for the entire season

By BARRY WILNER - Associated PressThe NFL is planning to allow players to have decals on the back of their helmets bearing names or initials of victims of systemic racism and police violence.The league has been in talks with individual players and their union since June about somehow honoring such victims. The initiative will be done leaguewide, with each team deciding who it will honor and how to display the names or initials.Unlike the NBA, which is allowing players to wear slogans on their jerseys, the NFL will stick to names and initials once a final agreement has been reached with the players’ association. The program will continue for the entire seasonThis initiative is something of a breakthrough because the league has not allowed such messaging, except for during its October NFL Crucial Catch program in conjunction with the fight against breast cancer, and in its November salutes to the military. Players also have been allowed to represent a cause on their cleats one weekend per season.But a 17-week campaign such as the one being planned is something new for the NFL.A list of names and initials for use on the helmet decals is being put together by the league and the NFLPA. Players have been encouraged to provide those names and initials.