The NHL and NHL Players’ Association agreed Sunday on protocols to resume the season, a major step toward the return of hockey this summer.

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press there was an agreement on protocols for training camps and games and the sides are still negotiating an extension of the collective bargaining agreement, which is crucial to the process.

A person with knowledge of the situation said the return-to-play protocols would only go into effect if each side votes to approve the full package of the CBA extension and return-to-play agreement. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because CBA talks are still ongoing.

To complete a return, two-thirds of the league’s board of governors and majorities of the players’ executive committee and full membership must vote in favor.

If everything is ratified, it will end a pandemic-forced shutdown that began in mid-March. Games would resume in late July or early August with 24 teams taking part in an expanded playoffs, finishing with the Stanley Cup being awarded in October.

The 47 pages of protocols outline the health and safety measures the league and players agreed to after several weeks of negotiations. Any player has until 5 p.m. EDT on Tuesday to notify his team if he’s choosing to opt out of participating in training camp and games, with an additional deadline expected after ratification of the agreement.

For those playing, each team is limited to 30 skaters and an unlimited amount of goaltenders for camp and total roster of up to 31 players for games. Each team is limited to 52 personnel in its game city, a group that must include two trainers, a doctor and compliance officer in addition players, coaches and management.

They are expected to be quarantined from the general public during play at least for the qualifying and first two traditional playoff rounds. Family members will be permitted to join when play is moved to one city for the conference finals and Stanley Cup Final.

All team and league employees plus hotel, restaurant and arena staff coming in contact with players will be tested daily in the two “hub” cities.

One player’s positive coronavirus test result is not expected to shut down play entirely. The league has said it would isolate any player or staff member who tests positive, acknowledging an outbreak would threaten the remainder of the season.

“The players will be pretty well-protected from being exposed,” Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said during a conference call in June. “It’s going to be a completely different way for you all and us watching hockey and being around a team because players will be really well protected throughout the process.”

The protocols include a provision for Commissioner Gary Bettman in consultation with NHLPA executive director Don Fehr to postpone, delay or cancel games in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.

Assuming the protocols are approved, teams are expected to open training camps July 13 before traveling to the two hub cities for games. Players have been able to skate and train off-ice in voluntary, small-group workouts since June 8 — nearly three months after hockey was halted March 12 with 189 regular-season games remaining.

Returning for the playoffs is seen as a stirring victory for the NHL, which like other top leagues faced the prospect of losing millions more without the television revenue tied to the postseason. There were deep concerns about canceling the rest of the season and word of positive tests didn’t help: 26 players since June 8, in addition to almost a dozen before that.

Boston defenseman Matt Grzelcyk called the positive test results “eye-opening” but expected. A few players expressed concerns in recent weeks about the uncertainty surrounding a return.

“We have obviously a unique situation right now,” Montreal goaltender Carey Price said. “The NHL and the NHLPA are trying to make the best of a very difficult situation. Moving forward I’d like to play, but we have a lot of questions that need to be answered and a lot of scenarios that need to be covered.”

If the protocols and an CBA extension cover those scenarios for enough owners and players, there will be a path forward to hand out the Stanley Cup. Only twice since 1893 has the Cup not been awarded: in 1919, when the final couldn’t be completed because of the Spanish flu pandemic, and 2005 when the season was wiped out by a lockout.

By STEPHEN WHYNO - Associated PressThe NHL and NHL Players’ Association agreed Sunday on protocols to resume the season, a major step toward the return of hockey this summer.Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told The Associated Press there was an agreement on protocols for training camps and games and the sides are still negotiating an extension of the collective bargaining agreement, which is crucial to the process.A person with knowledge of the situation said the return-to-play protocols would only go into effect if each side votes to approve the full package of the CBA extension and return-to-play agreement. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because CBA talks are still ongoing.To complete a return, two-thirds of the league’s board of governors and majorities of the players’ executive committee and full membership must vote in favor.If everything is ratified, it will end a pandemic-forced shutdown that began in mid-March. Games would resume in late July or early August with 24 teams taking part in an expanded playoffs, finishing with the Stanley Cup being awarded in October.The agreement was first reported by TSN.The 47 pages of protocols outline the health and safety measures the league and players agreed to after several weeks of negotiations. Any player has until 5 p.m. EDT on Tuesday to notify his team if he’s choosing to opt out of participating in training camp and games, with an additional deadline expected after ratification of the agreement.For those playing, each team is limited to 30 skaters and an unlimited amount of goaltenders for camp and total roster of up to 31 players for games. Each team is limited to 52 personnel in its game city, a group that must include two trainers, a doctor and compliance officer in addition players, coaches and management.They are expected to be quarantined from the general public during play at least for the qualifying and first two traditional playoff rounds. Family members will be permitted to join when play is moved to one city for the conference finals and Stanley Cup Final.All team and league employees plus hotel, restaurant and arena staff coming in contact with players will be tested daily in the two “hub” cities.One player’s positive coronavirus test result is not expected to shut down play entirely. The league has said it would isolate any player or staff member who tests positive, acknowledging an outbreak would threaten the remainder of the season.“The players will be pretty well-protected from being exposed,” Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said during a conference call in June. “It’s going to be a completely different way for you all and us watching hockey and being around a team because players will be really well protected throughout the process.”The protocols include a provision for Commissioner Gary Bettman in consultation with NHLPA executive director Don Fehr to postpone, delay or cancel games in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak.Assuming the protocols are approved, teams are expected to open training camps July 13 before traveling to the two hub cities for games. Players have been able to skate and train off-ice in voluntary, small-group workouts since June 8 — nearly three months after hockey was halted March 12 with 189 regular-season games remaining.Returning for the playoffs is seen as a stirring victory for the NHL, which like other top leagues faced the prospect of losing millions more without the television revenue tied to the postseason. There were deep concerns about canceling the rest of the season and word of positive tests didn’t help: 26 players since June 8, in addition to almost a dozen before that.Boston defenseman Matt Grzelcyk called the positive test results “eye-opening” but expected. A few players expressed concerns in recent weeks about the uncertainty surrounding a return.“We have obviously a unique situation right now,” Montreal goaltender Carey Price said. “The NHL and the NHLPA are trying to make the best of a very difficult situation. Moving forward I’d like to play, but we have a lot of questions that need to be answered and a lot of scenarios that need to be covered.”If the protocols and an CBA extension cover those scenarios for enough owners and players, there will be a path forward to hand out the Stanley Cup. Only twice since 1893 has the Cup not been awarded: in 1919, when the final couldn’t be completed because of the Spanish flu pandemic, and 2005 when the season was wiped out by a lockout.

NHL, NHLPA agree on protocols to resume season

The NFL will cut its preseason in half and push back the start of exhibition play so teams have more time to train following a virtual offseason made necessary by the coronavirus pandemic, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press.

The person spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the league hasn’t announced that the preseason will be cut from four games to two.

Players are still discussing with their union whether to ask for cancellation of all preseason games, according to two people familiar with their thinking. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because a decision hasn’t been made.

The pandemic forced teams to conduct their entire offseason programs via videoconference. So, teams will be gathering together for the first time when training camps open July 28.

Minus the usual minicamps, on-field practices and in-person weight training from April to June, players’ conditioning won’t be what it normally is. So, eliminating the first week of preseason games Aug. 13-16 will give them more time to ratchet up their football fitness.

Teams will now play exhibitions Aug. 20-24 and Aug. 27-31 during what were originally the second and third weeks of exhibition play, with all 32 teams playing one home and one road game.

Most of those games will remain the same as originally scheduled, although some matchups in that second slate will have to be changed so every team gets a game at home.

The exhibition finales on Sept. 3 were also scrapped, giving teams more time to get ready for the regular season, which opens Sept. 10 with Houston at Kansas City.

There are no changes to the regular season schedule.

The league continues to draw up protocols, not only for COVID-19 mitigation but for ramping up practices during the first few weeks of training camp.

The annual Hall of Fame Game pitting Pittsburgh and Dallas on Aug. 6 was recently scrapped as the induction ceremonies were pushed back to 2021.

AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.

By ARNIE STAPLETON - Associated PressThe NFL will cut its preseason in half and push back the start of exhibition play so teams have more time to train following a virtual offseason made necessary by the coronavirus pandemic, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press.The person spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the league hasn’t announced that the preseason will be cut from four games to two.Players are still discussing with their union whether to ask for cancellation of all preseason games, according to two people familiar with their thinking. Both people spoke on condition of anonymity because a decision hasn’t been made.The pandemic forced teams to conduct their entire offseason programs via videoconference. So, teams will be gathering together for the first time when training camps open July 28.Minus the usual minicamps, on-field practices and in-person weight training from April to June, players’ conditioning won’t be what it normally is. So, eliminating the first week of preseason games Aug. 13-16 will give them more time to ratchet up their football fitness.Teams will now play exhibitions Aug. 20-24 and Aug. 27-31 during what were originally the second and third weeks of exhibition play, with all 32 teams playing one home and one road game.Most of those games will remain the same as originally scheduled, although some matchups in that second slate will have to be changed so every team gets a game at home.The exhibition finales on Sept. 3 were also scrapped, giving teams more time to get ready for the regular season, which opens Sept. 10 with Houston at Kansas City.There are no changes to the regular season schedule.The league continues to draw up protocols, not only for COVID-19 mitigation but for ramping up practices during the first few weeks of training camp.The annual Hall of Fame Game pitting Pittsburgh and Dallas on Aug. 6 was recently scrapped as the induction ceremonies were pushed back to 2021.___AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.

AP Source: NFL cutting preseason in half, pushing back start

Trying to find out the status of a baseball player coming back from an ankle injury definitely will be easier than learning whether someone tested positive for the coronavirus.

Major League Baseball said Tuesday that a team will not specifically announce a COVID-19 injured list placement for a player who is removed from the club after testing positive, just an IL trip.

MLB’s operations manual says a positive test, exhibiting symptoms that require isolation for additional assessment or exposure to someone who has had the virus are cause for placement on the new COVID-19 IL.

“It would be a speculating circumstance,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told media during a conference call.

Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement states that for any medical condition not related to employment “a club may disclose only the fact that a medical condition is preventing the player from rendering services to the club and the anticipated length of the player’s absence from the club.”

Cashman noted the situation continues to evolve as MLB and the players’ union continue discussions. Testing of players and staff will begin Wednesday as they report to their teams to resume workouts. They will be tested once every two days.

Last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dd0357da156125c19953a4afab6a1e2c">Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies</a>&nbsp;became the first MLB player known to have tested positive. According to reports, the All-Star outfielder was one of three Colorado players to have a positive test.

Numerous other teams have said they have players who have tested positive for the virus without identifying any of them. The Philadelphia Phillies announced seven, while the Detroit Tigers said one player who was living in Florida but not working out at the team’s spring training facilities in Lakeland also tested positive.

Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said a few players have tested positive but declined to specify how many. Several Toronto Blue Jays players and staff members also have tested positive.

Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said remaining educated about best practices is going to be crucial for everyone.

“Leadership really is going to be the difference-maker for the teams that are able to best handle this and best cope with the challenges that we face,” he said. “And that really is the accountability that needs to be shared by all of us — not just baseball, but our whole society.”

Baltimore general manager Mike Elias said the Orioles have had no reported cases and that no one on the team has decided against playing in the shortened season.

He’s hoping for a smooth start to the camp that’s scheduled to begin Friday at Camden Yards.

“We recognize that this will be fluid and everyone is having to make personal decisions and circumstances might not be fully understood until the season starts, but so far we are expecting full participation,” Elias said. “You see in the news around the league that’s not the case everywhere and I wouldn’t be shocked if that ends up happening, but that’s going to be part of this.”

“We’re not pressuring anyone or shaming anyone that feels they shouldn’t be here. We’re making that known, and I think it’s well-received,” Elias added. “Our players have been itching to play for a while. I think the whole delay was frustrating for them, for us, and everyone just wants to go play.”

Marlins CEO Derek Jeter is hoping the return of baseball can provide some solace, much like the Yankees did when they returned after 9-11.

“We were thinking as players, ‘Do we even play? What does it mean? We’re playing a game.’ Talking to family members who had lost family members and them thanking us — ‘What are you thanking us for?’ They said, ‘We’re thanking you because you’re giving us something to cheer for. There haven’t been too many happy days around here,’” Jeter said. “Baseball played a big role, at least in New York, in the healing process. It’s not saying you’re ever going to forget what happened. But at least for three hours a day we have the opportunity to give them something to cheer for. We hope that’s the case here when we get going in a couple of weeks.”

AP Baseball Writers Ronald Blum, Mike Fitzpatrick and Ben Walker, and AP Sports Writers David Ginsburg and Steven Wine contributed to this report.

By JOE REEDY - Associated PressTrying to find out the status of a baseball player coming back from an ankle injury definitely will be easier than learning whether someone tested positive for the coronavirus.Major League Baseball said Tuesday that a team will not specifically announce a COVID-19 injured list placement for a player who is removed from the club after testing positive, just an IL trip.MLB’s operations manual says a positive test, exhibiting symptoms that require isolation for additional assessment or exposure to someone who has had the virus are cause for placement on the new COVID-19 IL.“It would be a speculating circumstance,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told media during a conference call.Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement states that for any medical condition not related to employment “a club may disclose only the fact that a medical condition is preventing the player from rendering services to the club and the anticipated length of the player’s absence from the club.”Cashman noted the situation continues to evolve as MLB and the players’ union continue discussions. Testing of players and staff will begin Wednesday as they report to their teams to resume workouts. They will be tested once every two days.Last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dd0357da156125c19953a4afab6a1e2c">Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies</a>&nbsp;became the first MLB player known to have tested positive. According to reports, the All-Star outfielder was one of three Colorado players to have a positive test.Numerous other teams have said they have players who have tested positive for the virus without identifying any of them. The Philadelphia Phillies announced seven, while the Detroit Tigers said one player who was living in Florida but not working out at the team’s spring training facilities in Lakeland also tested positive.Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said a few players have tested positive but declined to specify how many. Several Toronto Blue Jays players and staff members also have tested positive.Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said remaining educated about best practices is going to be crucial for everyone.“Leadership really is going to be the difference-maker for the teams that are able to best handle this and best cope with the challenges that we face,” he said. “And that really is the accountability that needs to be shared by all of us — not just baseball, but our whole society.”Baltimore general manager Mike Elias said the Orioles have had no reported cases and that no one on the team has decided against playing in the shortened season.He’s hoping for a smooth start to the camp that’s scheduled to begin Friday at Camden Yards.“We recognize that this will be fluid and everyone is having to make personal decisions and circumstances might not be fully understood until the season starts, but so far we are expecting full participation,” Elias said. “You see in the news around the league that’s not the case everywhere and I wouldn’t be shocked if that ends up happening, but that’s going to be part of this.”“We’re not pressuring anyone or shaming anyone that feels they shouldn’t be here. We’re making that known, and I think it’s well-received,” Elias added. “Our players have been itching to play for a while. I think the whole delay was frustrating for them, for us, and everyone just wants to go play.”Marlins CEO Derek Jeter is hoping the return of baseball can provide some solace, much like the Yankees did when they returned after 9-11.“We were thinking as players, ‘Do we even play? What does it mean? We’re playing a game.’ Talking to family members who had lost family members and them thanking us — ‘What are you thanking us for?’ They said, ‘We’re thanking you because you’re giving us something to cheer for. There haven’t been too many happy days around here,’” Jeter said. “Baseball played a big role, at least in New York, in the healing process. It’s not saying you’re ever going to forget what happened. But at least for three hours a day we have the opportunity to give them something to cheer for. We hope that’s the case here when we get going in a couple of weeks.”___AP Baseball Writers Ronald Blum, Mike Fitzpatrick and Ben Walker, and AP Sports Writers David Ginsburg and Steven Wine contributed to this report.

Teams not able to disclose who goes on IL due to virus

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/XEDFmfHTmI">pic.twitter.com/XEDFmfHTmI</a>&mdash; Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiLB/status/1278070823203504130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Minor League Baseball cancelled for 2020

PHOENIX (AP) — A small group of players, including Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman and Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond, have announced they plan to sit out this season. The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff to protect the health of some of their older coaches.

As the sport lurches toward a late July start during the coronavirus crisis, roster flexibility and organizational depth will be key.

Zimmerman, who told The Associated Press last week he still was deciding whether to play this year, ultimately said having three young children, including a newborn, and a mother at higher risk because of multiple sclerosis factored into his decision.

“Given the unusual nature of the season, this is the best decision for me and my family,” Zimmerman said.

The 35-year-old Zimmerman, who has been with the Nationals since 2005, said he still is deciding on his future beyond this season. The two-time All-Star and 2009 Gold Glove winner has 270 career homers.

Desmond cited his family as one reason why he decided to stay home for the upcoming 60-game season. But the biracial slugger also mentioned a myriad of issues within baseball, including racism, sexism, homophobia and socioeconomic concerns.

“With a pregnant wife and four young children who have lots of questions about what’s going on in the world, home is where I need to be right now,” the 34-year-old Desmond wrote in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCCp7aSptTr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">Instagram post</a>. “Home for my wife, Chelsey. Home to help. Home to guide. Home to answer my older three boys’ questions about Coronavirus and Civil Rights and life. Home to be their Dad.”

Desmond, who hit .255 with 20 homers in 140 games last season, had been due $5,555,556 for the prorated share of his $15 million salary, part of a $70 million, five-year contract. He is owed $8 million next year, and his deal includes a $15 million team option for 2022 with a $2 million buyout.

The Twins confirmed Monday that 68-year-old bullpen coach Bob McClure and 66-year-old major league coach Bill Evers won’t be in the clubhouse at the start of this season because of health concerns. Both will stay with the organization to help in altered roles.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, who was sitting in a Target Field dugout during a Zoom call, said he’s known both coaches for a long time and that the decisions were difficult. He added that both coaches were disappointed.

“I think we all know that we’re making the right decision, but that doesn’t mean it feels good,” Baldelli said. “It’s very, very challenging to even think about these sorts of things and have these conversations.”

But they’re exactly the conversations that are being had at both the organizational and personal level across the MLB landscape. The defending World Series champion Nationals will begin their title defense without Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross, who also declined to play because of health concerns.

“We are 100% supportive of their decision to not play this year,” Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said in a statement. “We will miss their presence in the clubhouse and their contributions on the field.”

Ross, 27, has five seasons of MLB experience. He appeared in 27 games last season.

Zimmerman was due $740,741 and Ross $555,556 as prorated portions of their salaries, originally $2 million for the first baseman and $1.5 million for the pitcher. If they are deemed high risk by team physicians, they would still get paid and receive service time.

Arizona’s pitching depth took a hit when Mike Leake said he had decided not to play this year. Leake was expected to be a part of the team’s starting rotation after starting 10 games last season and finishing with a 3-3 record and 4.35 ERA following a midseason trade with Seattle.

Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen didn’t elaborate on Leake’s decision, but the pitcher’s agent issued a statement saying he made a personal decision not to play during the pandemic. The GM also didn’t say whether Leake falls under the high-risk category. If Leake does, he would be due $5,555,556 as the prorated share of his $15 million salary.

The fragility of baseball’s current health situation has been apparent for the past few weeks. The Philadelphia Phillies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fae68d3c11de45cef74214c3ed1553e2">had a coronavirus outbreak at their spring training facility</a>&nbsp;in Clearwater, Florida, earlier this month. Seven players and five staff members tested positive in the organization.

Phillies GM Matt Klentak said the team was “fortunate that none of the cases, player or staff, have been especially serious.” He said no one has been hospitalized.

But the outbreak is another example of how difficult it is to limit exposure.

“What is eye opening to a lot of us is how quickly it spread even in an environment where we were on the extreme end of caution,” Klentak said. “The facility in Clearwater was pretty airtight in terms of staggering times of players reporting to work out, cleaning the facilities in between. Truthfully, it was frustrating to some players how strict it was and yet the outbreak still happened.”

San Francisco minor league center fielder Hunter Bishop has tested positive for the coronavirus and has mild symptoms, according to president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi. The 10th overall pick last year would have been among 51 players reporting to training this week.

Boston Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke, 63, said his organization is doing as much as it can to keep everyone — especially older staff members — as safe as possible. Terry Francona, Cleveland’s 61-year-old manager, said he’s not nervous, even though he’s had previous health issues.

“I know I’m probably one of the higher-risk guys because of my age and some of the things that have gone on,” he said. “But the trainers and the doctors have been terrific. I would rather manage and be around the guys and be around the game than not.

“I’d be miserable if I didn’t do it.”

Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen said some of his team’s coaching staff and player-development staff fall into the high-risk category.

“We don’t have full clarity on if all of our coaches will be here, but we anticipate having that clarity here by the time we open up on Friday,” he said.

Van Wagenen said the club anticipates all its players will report to training camp, which begins Friday at Citi Field. Long-absent slugger Yoenis Céspedes might finally be healthy enough to play on opening day, especially with the designated hitter now available in the National League.

There’s little doubt the upcoming season will be unlike any other — if it can be played. Angels manager Joe Maddon, who is 66, said it’s up to individual players and coaches to accept and embrace the safety protocols.

“If you want to come in expecting the norms that we’re normally accustomed to, then you’re going to be frustrated constantly, and you can’t permit that to happen,” Maddon said.

AP Sports Writers Greg Beacham, John Marshall, Rob Maaddi, Tom Withers, Janie McCauley, Mike Fitzpatrick, Ronald Blum and Stephen Whyno contributed to this report.

By DAVID BRANDT - Associated PressPHOENIX (AP) — A small group of players, including Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman and Rockies outfielder Ian Desmond, have announced they plan to sit out this season. The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff to protect the health of some of their older coaches.As the sport lurches toward a late July start during the coronavirus crisis, roster flexibility and organizational depth will be key.Zimmerman, who told The Associated Press last week he still was deciding whether to play this year, ultimately said having three young children, including a newborn, and a mother at higher risk because of multiple sclerosis factored into his decision.“Given the unusual nature of the season, this is the best decision for me and my family,” Zimmerman said.The 35-year-old Zimmerman, who has been with the Nationals since 2005, said he still is deciding on his future beyond this season. The two-time All-Star and 2009 Gold Glove winner has 270 career homers.Desmond cited his family as one reason why he decided to stay home for the upcoming 60-game season. But the biracial slugger also mentioned a myriad of issues within baseball, including racism, sexism, homophobia and socioeconomic concerns.“With a pregnant wife and four young children who have lots of questions about what’s going on in the world, home is where I need to be right now,” the 34-year-old Desmond wrote in an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CCCp7aSptTr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">Instagram post</a>. “Home for my wife, Chelsey. Home to help. Home to guide. Home to answer my older three boys’ questions about Coronavirus and Civil Rights and life. Home to be their Dad.”Desmond, who hit .255 with 20 homers in 140 games last season, had been due $5,555,556 for the prorated share of his $15 million salary, part of a $70 million, five-year contract. He is owed $8 million next year, and his deal includes a $15 million team option for 2022 with a $2 million buyout.The Twins confirmed Monday that 68-year-old bullpen coach Bob McClure and 66-year-old major league coach Bill Evers won’t be in the clubhouse at the start of this season because of health concerns. Both will stay with the organization to help in altered roles.Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, who was sitting in a Target Field dugout during a Zoom call, said he’s known both coaches for a long time and that the decisions were difficult. He added that both coaches were disappointed.“I think we all know that we’re making the right decision, but that doesn’t mean it feels good,” Baldelli said. “It’s very, very challenging to even think about these sorts of things and have these conversations.”But they’re exactly the conversations that are being had at both the organizational and personal level across the MLB landscape. The defending World Series champion Nationals will begin their title defense without Zimmerman and pitcher Joe Ross, who also declined to play because of health concerns.“We are 100% supportive of their decision to not play this year,” Nationals GM Mike Rizzo said in a statement. “We will miss their presence in the clubhouse and their contributions on the field.”Ross, 27, has five seasons of MLB experience. He appeared in 27 games last season.Zimmerman was due $740,741 and Ross $555,556 as prorated portions of their salaries, originally $2 million for the first baseman and $1.5 million for the pitcher. If they are deemed high risk by team physicians, they would still get paid and receive service time.Arizona’s pitching depth took a hit when Mike Leake said he had decided not to play this year. Leake was expected to be a part of the team’s starting rotation after starting 10 games last season and finishing with a 3-3 record and 4.35 ERA following a midseason trade with Seattle.Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen didn’t elaborate on Leake’s decision, but the pitcher’s agent issued a statement saying he made a personal decision not to play during the pandemic. The GM also didn’t say whether Leake falls under the high-risk category. If Leake does, he would be due $5,555,556 as the prorated share of his $15 million salary.The fragility of baseball’s current health situation has been apparent for the past few weeks. The Philadelphia Phillies&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/fae68d3c11de45cef74214c3ed1553e2">had a coronavirus outbreak at their spring training facility</a>&nbsp;in Clearwater, Florida, earlier this month. Seven players and five staff members tested positive in the organization.Phillies GM Matt Klentak said the team was “fortunate that none of the cases, player or staff, have been especially serious.” He said no one has been hospitalized.But the outbreak is another example of how difficult it is to limit exposure.“What is eye opening to a lot of us is how quickly it spread even in an environment where we were on the extreme end of caution,” Klentak said. “The facility in Clearwater was pretty airtight in terms of staggering times of players reporting to work out, cleaning the facilities in between. Truthfully, it was frustrating to some players how strict it was and yet the outbreak still happened.”San Francisco minor league center fielder Hunter Bishop has tested positive for the coronavirus and has mild symptoms, according to president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi. The 10th overall pick last year would have been among 51 players reporting to training this week.Boston Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke, 63, said his organization is doing as much as it can to keep everyone — especially older staff members — as safe as possible. Terry Francona, Cleveland’s 61-year-old manager, said he’s not nervous, even though he’s had previous health issues.“I know I’m probably one of the higher-risk guys because of my age and some of the things that have gone on,” he said. “But the trainers and the doctors have been terrific. I would rather manage and be around the guys and be around the game than not.“I’d be miserable if I didn’t do it.”Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen said some of his team’s coaching staff and player-development staff fall into the high-risk category.“We don’t have full clarity on if all of our coaches will be here, but we anticipate having that clarity here by the time we open up on Friday,” he said.Van Wagenen said the club anticipates all its players will report to training camp, which begins Friday at Citi Field. Long-absent slugger Yoenis Céspedes might finally be healthy enough to play on opening day, especially with the designated hitter now available in the National League.There’s little doubt the upcoming season will be unlike any other — if it can be played. Angels manager Joe Maddon, who is 66, said it’s up to individual players and coaches to accept and embrace the safety protocols.“If you want to come in expecting the norms that we’re normally accustomed to, then you’re going to be frustrated constantly, and you can’t permit that to happen,” Maddon said.___AP Sports Writers Greg Beacham, John Marshall, Rob Maaddi, Tom Withers, Janie McCauley, Mike Fitzpatrick, Ronald Blum and Stephen Whyno contributed to this report.

Roster shuffle: Plans change in MLB because of health issues

USA Football has developed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/usafootball.com/return" target="_blank">a phased approach</a>&nbsp;for the return of youth football this year.

The plan is based on phased reopening guidelines from the CDC. The governing body for the sport in this country advises youth leagues to consult their city or county health departments to determine which CDC phase their community is in. That step begins a youth program’s local reopening procedure during the coronavirus pandemic.

From there, those youth leagues are advised to consult with local school systems to share information and resources.

Naturally, the leagues should be screening for virus symptoms and signs prior to any activities; practice 6-foot physical distancing in the first two phases of USA Football’s plan before adjusting to a separation of 3 to 6 feet in Phase 3; follow sanitizing and cleaning steps; require separate, clearly labeled footballs, drink bottles, towels and other personal items; and have non-players wear face coverings.

Face coverings are advised for all coaches and optional for players.

“During this very uncertain time, it’s important that parents know that USA Football has a detailed plan for getting their children back to the activities they enjoy,” said Dr. Michael Koester, chair of the National Federation of State High School Associations’ Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. “This document provides expert guidance in safely returning young athletes to football in a thoughtful and deliberate manner.”

The first phase concentrates on football workouts and drills, limiting practices to 10 or fewer people (including coaches) who must stay within their groups and at least 6 feet apart. No equipment is shared. USA Football’s guidelines offer examples to help youth programs within each phase.

In the second phase, practices can include up to 10 people inside or 50 people outdoors, again within the same group of five to 10 teammates in station-based activities. Individual drills conducted either unopposed without contact or against bags or soft surfaces are suggested, with coaches remaining at a minimum of 6 feet from players. All bags and sleds must be sanitized between each use.

Passing, kicking, punting and shotgun snaps will be allowed, but no hand-offs or snaps under center in deference to physical distancing.

The third phase includes modified flag football and 7-on-7 games, and modified tackle practices, with up to 50 people in small groups. Player contact, including blocking, may be introduced with partners or within small groups, along with games and activities involving a limited number of players.

All such activities are consistent with its Football Development Model for progressive play.

USA Football has worked with the CDC and other medical experts, including those with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the National Federation of State High School Associations, in developing the phases introduced Monday.

“We have spent a lot of time talking to governing bodies and, for the most part, they are taking this conservative kind of approach,” says Scott Hallenbeck, USA Football’s executive director.

“We’ve recognized the need to have direct conversations, ‘town halls’ as we call them, with a diverse set of constituents. Commissioners from leagues from different socioeconomic levels, and basically a surveying of coaches, administrators and parents to help shape phases 1, 2, 3 and beyond.

“We took the approach that there are a lot of variables and this is an incredibly fluid situation. How do we make sure we can consolidate the information and make this flow of information as digestible and simple to understand? And how to take that critical information and turn it into user-friendly resources. It’s been a multi-pronged effort.”

That effort also has included subject matter experts from the USOPC, the NCAA, Pop Warner Little Scholars, and the universities of Minnesota and North Carolina.

In its fourth and final phase, USA Football says that based on USOPC guidance, returns to regular practices and games — once an area has no restrictions on the size of group gatherings and local public health authorities allow public facilities to reopen — may be considered. Participants must pass pre-activity screenings and live in the same community.

The return of tackle football on the youth or high school level will be a localized decision.

Hallenbeck notes that monitoring athletes’ health throughout is imperative.

“At any point if you start to get issues, you shouldn’t go forward,” he said.

The hope, of course, is that there is a path to a safe and healthy return to the field for youngsters.

By BARRY WILNER - Associated PRessUSA Football has developed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/usafootball.com/return" target="_blank">a phased approach</a>&nbsp;for the return of youth football this year.The plan is based on phased reopening guidelines from the CDC. The governing body for the sport in this country advises youth leagues to consult their city or county health departments to determine which CDC phase their community is in. That step begins a youth program’s local reopening procedure during the coronavirus pandemic.From there, those youth leagues are advised to consult with local school systems to share information and resources.Naturally, the leagues should be screening for virus symptoms and signs prior to any activities; practice 6-foot physical distancing in the first two phases of USA Football’s plan before adjusting to a separation of 3 to 6 feet in Phase 3; follow sanitizing and cleaning steps; require separate, clearly labeled footballs, drink bottles, towels and other personal items; and have non-players wear face coverings.Face coverings are advised for all coaches and optional for players.“During this very uncertain time, it’s important that parents know that USA Football has a detailed plan for getting their children back to the activities they enjoy,” said Dr. Michael Koester, chair of the National Federation of State High School Associations’ Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. “This document provides expert guidance in safely returning young athletes to football in a thoughtful and deliberate manner.”The first phase concentrates on football workouts and drills, limiting practices to 10 or fewer people (including coaches) who must stay within their groups and at least 6 feet apart. No equipment is shared. USA Football’s guidelines offer examples to help youth programs within each phase.In the second phase, practices can include up to 10 people inside or 50 people outdoors, again within the same group of five to 10 teammates in station-based activities. Individual drills conducted either unopposed without contact or against bags or soft surfaces are suggested, with coaches remaining at a minimum of 6 feet from players. All bags and sleds must be sanitized between each use.Passing, kicking, punting and shotgun snaps will be allowed, but no hand-offs or snaps under center in deference to physical distancing.The third phase includes modified flag football and 7-on-7 games, and modified tackle practices, with up to 50 people in small groups. Player contact, including blocking, may be introduced with partners or within small groups, along with games and activities involving a limited number of players.All such activities are consistent with its Football Development Model for progressive play.USA Football has worked with the CDC and other medical experts, including those with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the National Federation of State High School Associations, in developing the phases introduced Monday.“We have spent a lot of time talking to governing bodies and, for the most part, they are taking this conservative kind of approach,” says Scott Hallenbeck, USA Football’s executive director.“We’ve recognized the need to have direct conversations, ‘town halls’ as we call them, with a diverse set of constituents. Commissioners from leagues from different socioeconomic levels, and basically a surveying of coaches, administrators and parents to help shape phases 1, 2, 3 and beyond.“We took the approach that there are a lot of variables and this is an incredibly fluid situation. How do we make sure we can consolidate the information and make this flow of information as digestible and simple to understand? And how to take that critical information and turn it into user-friendly resources. It’s been a multi-pronged effort.”That effort also has included subject matter experts from the USOPC, the NCAA, Pop Warner Little Scholars, and the universities of Minnesota and North Carolina.In its fourth and final phase, USA Football says that based on USOPC guidance, returns to regular practices and games — once an area has no restrictions on the size of group gatherings and local public health authorities allow public facilities to reopen — may be considered. Participants must pass pre-activity screenings and live in the same community.The return of tackle football on the youth or high school level will be a localized decision.Hallenbeck notes that monitoring athletes’ health throughout is imperative.“At any point if you start to get issues, you shouldn’t go forward,” he said.The hope, of course, is that there is a path to a safe and healthy return to the field for youngsters.

USA Football plans return to play for youths in 2020

Camp
 Dates/Times: 
 Grade 9-12 – July 13th – 8:00-6:00 pm

July
 14th – 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

July
 15th-17th – 7:30-9:30 am

July
 20th-24th – 7:30-9:30 am

Cost:
 $60 – checks to: Bulldog Football

Grade 7-8 – July 15th-16th
 &nbsp;10:00 am - Noon

Grade 3-6 – July 22nd-23rd
 10:00 am - Noon 
 Cost: $30 – checks to:
 Bulldog Football

Location:
North Platte High School, 1220 West 2nd Street

Camp information:&nbsp;Campers
should wear athletic clothing, football cleats or tennis shoes.

Online registration link: (must be completed by 4:00 pm on July 10th.)&nbsp; <a href="https://npbulldogcamps.myonlinecamp.com/football.cfm">
https://npbulldogcamps.myonlinecamp.com/football.cfm</a>

Late registration
forms will be accepted the 1st day of the camp. Please arrive 30
minutes before the start of the camp to complete registration.

*No T-shirts will be
available for late registrations.

Athlete’s Name: _______________________Grade in fall of ‘20:
____________________

Home Phone: _______________________&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Permission and
Parent Release &amp; Indemnity Agreement:

We (or I) hereby request that you accept the application for
enrollment of

&nbsp;________________________&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; in the NPHS Bulldog Football Camp during
the dates set forth in this application.

We (or I) (whether one or more) hereby release the Board of
Education of NPHS, all its employees and agents from all claims due to any
injuries which may be sustained by our (or my) son while attending the Bulldog
football camps, and we (or I) agree to indemnify the Board of Education of
NPHS, all its employees, and agents for any claim which may hereafter be
presented by our (or my) son as a result of any such injury.

Date: ____________&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Parent / Guardian Signature:_________________________________________

BULLDOG 2020 FOOTBALL CAMPSLATE REGISTRATION FORMCamp
 Dates/Times: 
 Grade 9-12 – July 13th – 8:00-6:00 pmJuly
 14th – 8:00 am – 4:00 pmJuly
 15th-17th – 7:30-9:30 amJuly
 20th-24th – 7:30-9:30 amCost:
 $60 – checks to: Bulldog FootballGrade 7-8 – July 15th-16th
 &nbsp;10:00 am - NoonGrade 3-6 – July 22nd-23rd
 10:00 am - Noon 
 Cost: $30 – checks to:
 Bulldog FootballLocation:
North Platte High School, 1220 West 2nd StreetCamp information:&nbsp;Campers
should wear athletic clothing, football cleats or tennis shoes. Online registration link: (must be completed by 4:00 pm on July 10th.)&nbsp; <a href="https://npbulldogcamps.myonlinecamp.com/football.cfm">
https://npbulldogcamps.myonlinecamp.com/football.cfm</a>Late registration form:Late registration
forms will be accepted the 1st day of the camp. Please arrive 30
minutes before the start of the camp to complete registration.*No T-shirts will be
available for late registrations.Athlete’s Name: _______________________Grade in fall of ‘20:
____________________Home Phone: _______________________&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Permission and
Parent Release &amp; Indemnity Agreement:To: NPHS Bulldog Football CampWe (or I) hereby request that you accept the application for
enrollment of&nbsp;________________________&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; in the NPHS Bulldog Football Camp during
the dates set forth in this application.We (or I) (whether one or more) hereby release the Board of
Education of NPHS, all its employees and agents from all claims due to any
injuries which may be sustained by our (or my) son while attending the Bulldog
football camps, and we (or I) agree to indemnify the Board of Education of
NPHS, all its employees, and agents for any claim which may hereafter be
presented by our (or my) son as a result of any such injury.Date: ____________&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; Parent / Guardian Signature:_________________________________________

2020 Bulldog Football camps

Good news came down the pipeline this weekend for a few NPHS athletes as they were named to statewide all-star games.&nbsp; First up from the Football squad, a guy who never quits:&nbsp;

Congratulations Dalton! Also up a trio of Lady Bulldog soccer players going to the senior showcase in a final opportunity to don the Blue and Gold:&nbsp;

Ayres will be continuing her soccer career playing for Central Community College.&nbsp; Clow will be suiting up for William Penn to play soccer.&nbsp;

Haneborg will head a short distance down I-80 to play soccer for Hastings college.&nbsp;

Good news came down the pipeline this weekend for a few NPHS athletes as they were named to statewide all-star games.&nbsp; First up from the Football squad, a guy who never quits:&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Huge news for anyone who considers themselves a Bulldog fan. <a href="https://twitter.com/DaltonLunkwitz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DaltonLunkwitz</a> will be participating in the Shrine Bowl for the North team on July 11 in Kearney! Only the best players in the state of Nebraska get this opportunity. Congrats Big Fella! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnceABulldog?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OnceABulldog</a>&mdash; Bulldog Football (@NPHSBulldogsFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/NPHSBulldogsFB/status/1276876771502231554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Congratulations Dalton! Also up a trio of Lady Bulldog soccer players going to the senior showcase in a final opportunity to don the Blue and Gold:&nbsp;<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">First Official Roster of the day! Team Five Points Bank- Class B girls. Congratulations to all those selected to play! Come watch this star-studded roster on July 24th, at 5:30 pm at Skutt Catholic High School. <a href="https://t.co/lD6xmlTCC4">pic.twitter.com/lD6xmlTCC4</a>&mdash; SONE East Region (@SONE_EastRegion) <a href="https://twitter.com/SONE_EastRegion/status/1276557414490390529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Ayres will be continuing her soccer career playing for Central Community College.&nbsp; Clow will be suiting up for William Penn to play soccer.&nbsp;Haneborg will head a short distance down I-80 to play soccer for Hastings college.&nbsp;

NPHS athletes earn honors 

The NFL still plans to hold training camps on time beginning in late July, though contingency plans are in place.

Hours after the league canceled the Hall of Fame game that kicks off the preseason, the 32 team owners on Thursday were updated on a variety of issues, many dealing with working through the coronavirus pandemic. Most notably, according to NFL general counsel Jeff Pash, the owners were told about plans to fully reopen team facilities for training camp next month.

“The clubs have been advised that training camps are expected to open on the normal schedule,” Pash said. “The dates set forth in the collective bargaining agreement, for most clubs that would be July 28. Obviously they can bring in rookies and certain other players before that.

“The preseason number of games, we’re in active discussions with the players association on those issues, and will continue at that and expect to have some resolution relatively soon and will advise the clubs at that time.”

Earlier Thursday, the league and the Pro Football Hall of Fame canceled the opening preseason game between Dallas and Pittsburgh set for Aug. 6. The hall’s induction ceremonies set for Aug. 8, and for mid-September for a special centennial class, have been moved to August 2021, when the Cowboys and Steelers will play in the game.

Team facilities were closed in late March due to the pandemic and have been reopened to limited personnel. No players other than those rehabilitating injuries are allowed at those facilities.

Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, stressed that what the general public should be doing during the pandemic is exactly what the league and its players should be doing.

“We remain in very active discussion with the players association on the protocols dealing with testing and screening and treatment, response and travel,” Sills said. “And so we updated the ownership about where we stand with those issues and our approach to that.

“We certainly emphasized through that that testing alone is not going to be sufficient to keep everyone healthy. It’s still vitally important that everyone respect physical distancing, the use of masks when possible and overall good health habits of reporting symptoms and limiting contact with individuals that may be sick not only at the team facility, but away from the team facility.”

In response to Tom Brady and other NFL players holding private workouts even after Thom Mayer, the union’s medical officer, advised against it, Sills said:

“This is, again, a place where the NFLPA and the NFL are in the same exact place, which is we want whatever makes it the safest possible environment for all of our constituents. ... Again, this is all about risk reduction and trying to mitigate risk. We know that we can’t eliminate risk. And so we will work very much hand in hand with the players association because, again, this is where everyone in that team environment is going to share the same risk. But they’ll also share the same responsibility to each other.”

Sills also noted that the league and union are looking into the use of personal protective equipment by players. That includes modifications to the helmet that may provide additional risk reduction.

“Obviously we have to think about any potential unintended consequences of that modification. So a lot of work is still being done on that,” he said.

— Barring the unlikely prospect of having full stadiums, every stadium will have seat coverings during the season in an effort to protect people in the stadium, something owners approved Thursday.

“They will provide clear separation between the players and the fans,” said Renie Anderson, the NFL’s chief revenue officer.

“Clearly, obviously, it will provide a unified look on broadcasts as well. ... There’s no requirement for the clubs to integrate advertising. It’s somewhat of an added benefit if there is an opportunity there. There’

— If limited attendance is allowed by local governments, tickets would be distributed to long-term season ticket holders and personal seat license holders. Contingencies exist for moving games from where they can not be played safely.

“But the focus would be on playing in home stadiums, even if initially that is without fans in some stadiums,” said Peter O’Reilly, the league’s executive vice president of club business and events.

— The NFL is kicking off a voting education and registration initiative. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is developing programs and working with the players association, Players Coalition and other organizations such as RISE and the US Vote Foundation. The programs will focus on education, registration and activation.

The goal is for NFL players, coaches, executives and staff to register to vote, inspire others to vote and vote themselves. The NFL also will support players who have plans or programs to achieve the same in their communities.

In recent conversations with players, Goodell said voting was a subject they consistently stressed as important to them.

Pro Football Writer Teresa M. Walker contributed to this report.

The NFL still plans to hold training camps on time beginning in late July, though contingency plans are in place.Hours after the league canceled the Hall of Fame game that kicks off the preseason, the 32 team owners on Thursday were updated on a variety of issues, many dealing with working through the coronavirus pandemic. Most notably, according to NFL general counsel Jeff Pash, the owners were told about plans to fully reopen team facilities for training camp next month.“The clubs have been advised that training camps are expected to open on the normal schedule,” Pash said. “The dates set forth in the collective bargaining agreement, for most clubs that would be July 28. Obviously they can bring in rookies and certain other players before that.“The preseason number of games, we’re in active discussions with the players association on those issues, and will continue at that and expect to have some resolution relatively soon and will advise the clubs at that time.”Earlier Thursday, the league and the Pro Football Hall of Fame canceled the opening preseason game between Dallas and Pittsburgh set for Aug. 6. The hall’s induction ceremonies set for Aug. 8, and for mid-September for a special centennial class, have been moved to August 2021, when the Cowboys and Steelers will play in the game.Team facilities were closed in late March due to the pandemic and have been reopened to limited personnel. No players other than those rehabilitating injuries are allowed at those facilities.Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, stressed that what the general public should be doing during the pandemic is exactly what the league and its players should be doing.“We remain in very active discussion with the players association on the protocols dealing with testing and screening and treatment, response and travel,” Sills said. “And so we updated the ownership about where we stand with those issues and our approach to that.“We certainly emphasized through that that testing alone is not going to be sufficient to keep everyone healthy. It’s still vitally important that everyone respect physical distancing, the use of masks when possible and overall good health habits of reporting symptoms and limiting contact with individuals that may be sick not only at the team facility, but away from the team facility.”In response to Tom Brady and other NFL players holding private workouts even after Thom Mayer, the union’s medical officer, advised against it, Sills said:“This is, again, a place where the NFLPA and the NFL are in the same exact place, which is we want whatever makes it the safest possible environment for all of our constituents. ... Again, this is all about risk reduction and trying to mitigate risk. We know that we can’t eliminate risk. And so we will work very much hand in hand with the players association because, again, this is where everyone in that team environment is going to share the same risk. But they’ll also share the same responsibility to each other.”Sills also noted that the league and union are looking into the use of personal protective equipment by players. That includes modifications to the helmet that may provide additional risk reduction.“Obviously we have to think about any potential unintended consequences of that modification. So a lot of work is still being done on that,” he said.Also:— Barring the unlikely prospect of having full stadiums, every stadium will have seat coverings during the season in an effort to protect people in the stadium, something owners approved Thursday.“They will provide clear separation between the players and the fans,” said Renie Anderson, the NFL’s chief revenue officer.“Clearly, obviously, it will provide a unified look on broadcasts as well. ... There’s no requirement for the clubs to integrate advertising. It’s somewhat of an added benefit if there is an opportunity there. There’— If limited attendance is allowed by local governments, tickets would be distributed to long-term season ticket holders and personal seat license holders. Contingencies exist for moving games from where they can not be played safely.“But the focus would be on playing in home stadiums, even if initially that is without fans in some stadiums,” said Peter O’Reilly, the league’s executive vice president of club business and events.— The NFL is kicking off a voting education and registration initiative. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is developing programs and working with the players association, Players Coalition and other organizations such as RISE and the US Vote Foundation. The programs will focus on education, registration and activation.The goal is for NFL players, coaches, executives and staff to register to vote, inspire others to vote and vote themselves. The NFL also will support players who have plans or programs to achieve the same in their communities.In recent conversations with players, Goodell said voting was a subject they consistently stressed as important to them.___Pro Football Writer Teresa M. Walker contributed to this report.

NFL training camps still on original schedule for late July

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Division I Council has extended the recruiting dead period: <a href="https://t.co/cGExRdbLrl">https://t.co/cGExRdbLrl</a> <a href="https://t.co/se3BFgg8wY">pic.twitter.com/se3BFgg8wY</a>&mdash; Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) <a href="https://twitter.com/InsidetheNCAA/status/1276277929870340097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

NCAA Division I extending recruiting dead period

The weight of the COVID-19 outbreak is being felt across the nation. From jobless claims to hospital bills and everything in between, it seems no one is immune to the effects.&nbsp; Including two Junior Colleges in Wyoming.&nbsp;

Yesterday the&nbsp; Northern Wyoming Community College Trustees put forth a new budget to be considered at a special meeting to be held on July 1st. The budget features cuts from many areas, the largest being the removal of all athletics aside from rodeo. The move could save the organization $2.8 million.&nbsp;

“This decision was far from easy and definitely not something we wanted to take away from our student-athletes. However, we simply cannot maintain a vision that includes full-time coaches, full-ride athletic scholarships coming from our general fund, and expensive recruitment and travel,” said NWCCD President Dr. Walter Tribley.

The announcement comes on the heels of some of the most successful seasons from both programs. Last season the Gillette Womens basketball team finished the season ranked 21st nationally and were one win away from a national tournament bid. They expected to open the upcoming season ranked in the top 15 nationally. Sheridan College has had a fantastic run the past few years culminating in hosting the Region IX Men's tournament in 2018-19.&nbsp; According to the board of trustees in cases where the budget cuts impact students, NWCCD is committed to making special arrangements. All scholarships will be honored and students enrolled in discontinued academic programs will have the opportunity to complete required degree requirements. All athletes will be released from their commitments to NWCCD.

According to Tribley, the long-term goal is to eventually bring back additional athletic opportunities with Division III teams in the future. Rodeo teams at both Gillette and Sheridan Colleges will continue, with significantly reduced budgets.

The weight of the COVID-19 outbreak is being felt across the nation. From jobless claims to hospital bills and everything in between, it seems no one is immune to the effects.&nbsp; Including two Junior Colleges in Wyoming.&nbsp;Yesterday the&nbsp; Northern Wyoming Community College Trustees put forth a new budget to be considered at a special meeting to be held on July 1st. The budget features cuts from many areas, the largest being the removal of all athletics aside from rodeo. The move could save the organization $2.8 million.&nbsp;“This decision was far from easy and definitely not something we wanted to take away from our student-athletes. However, we simply cannot maintain a vision that includes full-time coaches, full-ride athletic scholarships coming from our general fund, and expensive recruitment and travel,” said NWCCD President Dr. Walter Tribley.The announcement comes on the heels of some of the most successful seasons from both programs. Last season the Gillette Womens basketball team finished the season ranked 21st nationally and were one win away from a national tournament bid. They expected to open the upcoming season ranked in the top 15 nationally. Sheridan College has had a fantastic run the past few years culminating in hosting the Region IX Men's tournament in 2018-19.&nbsp; According to the board of trustees in cases where the budget cuts impact students, NWCCD is committed to making special arrangements. All scholarships will be honored and students enrolled in discontinued academic programs will have the opportunity to complete required degree requirements. All athletes will be released from their commitments to NWCCD.According to Tribley, the long-term goal is to eventually bring back additional athletic opportunities with Division III teams in the future. Rodeo teams at both Gillette and Sheridan Colleges will continue, with significantly reduced budgets.

Two Region IX colleges end athletic programs

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wants his players to feel comfortable speaking out about social justice in any way they see fit, provided it’s done “thoughtfully and with class.”

Tomlin said Tuesday the club has engaged in “intimate discussions” with players about how to use their public platform to help effect social change amid the fallout from the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died while being taken into police custody in Minneapolis last month.

“Our position is simple,” Tomlin said. “We are going to support our players and their willingness to partake in this, whether it is statements or actions. You guys know my feelings, I have stated them in the past. Statements are good, but impact is better. Particularly long-term impact.”

The Steelers are going to leave it up to the players to let them determine how best to make that impact, though the team has created what Tomlin described as “structural committees” designed to help them organize their actions so they can “do things properly.”

Tomlin’s tone was a marked departure from his sense of frustration in 2017, when a miscommunication during the national anthem before a game against the Chicago Bears&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2bb0e68886074d3e83408528c0d70418">left offensive tackle and Army veteran Alejandro Villaneuva standing alone on the field</a>&nbsp;saluting the flag while the rest of the team remained out of sight in a tunnel.

Tomlin stressed in the aftermath that his focus was on football and that figuring out what served as an appropriate form of protest was for “political beatniks to ponder.”

The league’s third-longest tenured head coach said his issue three years ago was timing. The chaos in Chicago happened during the regular season. Floyd’s death, coming during a relatively quiet period for the NFL, “allowed us to really unearth some discussions and take our time,” according to Tomlin.

All-Pro defensive end Cam Heyward said last week the&nbsp;<a href="https://pro32.ap.org/fltimes/article/steelers-heyward-team-will-be-united-if-it-opts-protest" target="_blank">Steelers would be united</a>&nbsp;in any form of protest they may choose to adopt in 2020.

Tomlin has long pointed toward his team’s work off the field — particularly on Tuesdays in the fall, when the players are typically off and doing charity work in the Pittsburgh area — as proof it is not just interested in making statements on Sunday afternoons. He doesn’t anticipate that changing.

“This unrest is an opportunity to learn, to listen and to grow and to make sure you take care of yourself, your own heart and your own home first and work from there,” said Tomlin, who is one of the three active Black head coaches in the league. “That’s something I try to live by and try to encourage our guys to live by.”

When he’s not trying to help his players navigate an uncertain social landscape, Tomlin is focusing on attempting to get 90 players ready for a training camp unlike any other.

The national lockdown created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic forced the NFL to conduct its offseason program remotely. Lots of Zoom calls. Lots of adapting. And zero practice time together, something Tomlin admitted has caused “angst” and “anxiety.”

The loss of the estimated 1,000 snaps usually associated with Organized Team Activities and minicamp will force the Steelers and the rest of the league to play catch-up when training camp starts next month. For the Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, the time frame will be even more condensed.

They are scheduled to face each other in the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 6, meaning they will have maybe two weeks to prepare themselves for their first game action in more than seven months.

“I’m not comfortable, but I imagine none of my peers are comfortable either, so I’m comfortable with that,” Tomlin said.

Given the challenges created by the virtual offseason, Tomlin expects most of the newcomers to face an even steeper climb than usual when trying to make the team.

“The big thing is that we have to leave the door open for viable men, and those men have to move quickly in terms of developing, understanding and displaying that understanding.,” he said. “There is going to be big-time urgency in that regard.”

Tomlin doesn’t feel the same urgency when it comes to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/56ac963927e14d6b83e811cee01f7e28">recovery from right elbow surgery</a>&nbsp;that cut short his 2019 season after just six quarters.

Though Tomlin has yet to see Roethlisberger work out in person, he’s heard nothing but positives from those who have caught passes from Roethlisberger during informal training sessions as well as the medical staff monitoring the 38-year-old’s rehab.

The two biggest question marks heading into 2020 are along the offensive and defensive lines. Matt Feiler will move from right tackle to left guard, with Chuks Okorafor and Zach Banner taking Feiler’s old spot. Tyson Alualu will have the inside track at nose tackle following Javon Hargrave’s departure to Philadelphia in free agency.

Two Steelers have been diagnosed with coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, though Tomlin said both have recovered and are “back to work.”

The team moved training camp away from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to Heinz Field for 2020.

Tomlin will miss certain aspects of going away to camp but he remains upbeat about the possibility of the NFL figuring out how to move forward safely in time for the start of the regular season.

“I’m comfortable with the overall trajectory of where we are headed,” he said. “I’m sure by the time we are called to execute procedures and protocol and policy that they will be realistic, doable and appropriate, but until that time, there’s going to be some anxiety for all of us. I’m trying to keep my emotions in check.”

By WILL GRAVES -- Associated PressPITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin wants his players to feel comfortable speaking out about social justice in any way they see fit, provided it’s done “thoughtfully and with class.”Kneeling included.Tomlin said Tuesday the club has engaged in “intimate discussions” with players about how to use their public platform to help effect social change amid the fallout from the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died while being taken into police custody in Minneapolis last month.“Our position is simple,” Tomlin said. “We are going to support our players and their willingness to partake in this, whether it is statements or actions. You guys know my feelings, I have stated them in the past. Statements are good, but impact is better. Particularly long-term impact.”The Steelers are going to leave it up to the players to let them determine how best to make that impact, though the team has created what Tomlin described as “structural committees” designed to help them organize their actions so they can “do things properly.”Tomlin’s tone was a marked departure from his sense of frustration in 2017, when a miscommunication during the national anthem before a game against the Chicago Bears&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/2bb0e68886074d3e83408528c0d70418">left offensive tackle and Army veteran Alejandro Villaneuva standing alone on the field</a>&nbsp;saluting the flag while the rest of the team remained out of sight in a tunnel.Tomlin stressed in the aftermath that his focus was on football and that figuring out what served as an appropriate form of protest was for “political beatniks to ponder.”The league’s third-longest tenured head coach said his issue three years ago was timing. The chaos in Chicago happened during the regular season. Floyd’s death, coming during a relatively quiet period for the NFL, “allowed us to really unearth some discussions and take our time,” according to Tomlin.All-Pro defensive end Cam Heyward said last week the&nbsp;<a href="https://pro32.ap.org/fltimes/article/steelers-heyward-team-will-be-united-if-it-opts-protest" target="_blank">Steelers would be united</a>&nbsp;in any form of protest they may choose to adopt in 2020.Tomlin has long pointed toward his team’s work off the field — particularly on Tuesdays in the fall, when the players are typically off and doing charity work in the Pittsburgh area — as proof it is not just interested in making statements on Sunday afternoons. He doesn’t anticipate that changing.“This unrest is an opportunity to learn, to listen and to grow and to make sure you take care of yourself, your own heart and your own home first and work from there,” said Tomlin, who is one of the three active Black head coaches in the league. “That’s something I try to live by and try to encourage our guys to live by.”When he’s not trying to help his players navigate an uncertain social landscape, Tomlin is focusing on attempting to get 90 players ready for a training camp unlike any other.The national lockdown created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic forced the NFL to conduct its offseason program remotely. Lots of Zoom calls. Lots of adapting. And zero practice time together, something Tomlin admitted has caused “angst” and “anxiety.”The loss of the estimated 1,000 snaps usually associated with Organized Team Activities and minicamp will force the Steelers and the rest of the league to play catch-up when training camp starts next month. For the Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, the time frame will be even more condensed.They are scheduled to face each other in the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 6, meaning they will have maybe two weeks to prepare themselves for their first game action in more than seven months.“I’m not comfortable, but I imagine none of my peers are comfortable either, so I’m comfortable with that,” Tomlin said.Given the challenges created by the virtual offseason, Tomlin expects most of the newcomers to face an even steeper climb than usual when trying to make the team.“The big thing is that we have to leave the door open for viable men, and those men have to move quickly in terms of developing, understanding and displaying that understanding.,” he said. “There is going to be big-time urgency in that regard.”Tomlin doesn’t feel the same urgency when it comes to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/56ac963927e14d6b83e811cee01f7e28">recovery from right elbow surgery</a>&nbsp;that cut short his 2019 season after just six quarters.Though Tomlin has yet to see Roethlisberger work out in person, he’s heard nothing but positives from those who have caught passes from Roethlisberger during informal training sessions as well as the medical staff monitoring the 38-year-old’s rehab.The two biggest question marks heading into 2020 are along the offensive and defensive lines. Matt Feiler will move from right tackle to left guard, with Chuks Okorafor and Zach Banner taking Feiler’s old spot. Tyson Alualu will have the inside track at nose tackle following Javon Hargrave’s departure to Philadelphia in free agency.Two Steelers have been diagnosed with coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, though Tomlin said both have recovered and are “back to work.”The team moved training camp away from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, to Heinz Field for 2020.Tomlin will miss certain aspects of going away to camp but he remains upbeat about the possibility of the NFL figuring out how to move forward safely in time for the start of the regular season.“I’m comfortable with the overall trajectory of where we are headed,” he said. “I’m sure by the time we are called to execute procedures and protocol and policy that they will be realistic, doable and appropriate, but until that time, there’s going to be some anxiety for all of us. I’m trying to keep my emotions in check.”

Tomlin: Steelers will support players if they opt to kneel

Story by Philip Senff - NPCC Sports Information Coordinator

The North Platte Community College softball team has added two student athletes to the 2020-21 recruiting class.

Kyleigh Sullivan joins the Knights out of Brewer High School in Fort Worth, Texas.

“After taking a year off, I started researching,&nbsp;and NPCC is my perfect fit,” Sullivan said. “I cannot wait to play the sport I love and become a Knight. I’m excited to make new friends and further my education to become a teacher and hopefully a coach.”

Story by Philip Senff - NPCC Sports Information CoordinatorThe North Platte Community College softball team has added two student athletes to the 2020-21 recruiting class.Kyleigh Sullivan joins the Knights out of Brewer High School in Fort Worth, Texas.“After taking a year off, I started researching,&nbsp;and NPCC is my perfect fit,” Sullivan said. “I cannot wait to play the sport I love and become a Knight. I’m excited to make new friends and further my education to become a teacher and hopefully a coach.”NPCC head softball coach Janelle Higgins said Sullivan will bring more depth to the pitching staff.“After taking a year off from the game, she is hungry to be back on the field and ready to do a lot of work in the circle for us,” said Higgins.Jenny Singer will join NPCC from Browness High School in Alberta, Canada. Singer competed for the Thunder Creek Titans traveling team.“North Platte Community College will help me perform at my best ability,”&nbsp;Singer said. “I’m looking forward to advancing my play at a higher level, meeting new people and becoming more of a family with the new team.&nbsp;I’m excited to be coached from a different perspective and also&nbsp;have&nbsp;the chance to be coached at a college level.”Higgins said Singer will add versatility to NPCC’s program. Singer is a pitcher and a first baseman.“She will also add depth to our pitching staff and infield,” Higgins said. “I’m excited to have both of these young ladies joining our family and can’t wait to see what the team can do as a whole.”<figure>
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