&nbsp; Lincoln –&nbsp;Home games in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and against Creighton highlight the 2020-21 Nebraska men's basketball non-conference schedule released Monday. &nbsp;The 11-game slate also includes previously announced games against Kansas State in Kansas City, and three games in the Myrtle Beach Invitational in mid-November. "This non-conference schedule will help prepare us for Big Ten play," Hoiberg said. "The Myrtle Beach Tournament will give us an early measuring stick with a strong field and three games in a four-day stretch. We also have opportunities with games against Creighton, Kansas State and the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, as well as several regional opponents." The 2020-21 season opener will feature a family matchup as the Huskers open against Cleveland State at&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1168">Pinnacle Bank</a>&nbsp;Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 10. The Vikings are guided by second-year coach Dennis Gates, who is the brother of Husker assistant coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1502">Armon Gates</a>. The meeting is the first between the two programs and one of two first-time foes for the Huskers this season. Following a game with Purdue Fort Wayne on Saturday, Nov. 14, the Huskers will travel to Conway, S.C., for the Myrtle Beach Invitational from Nov. 19-22. The eight-team field includes Charlotte, Dayton, Loyola (Ill., Missouri, Penn, Pittsburgh and Utah State. The tournament bracket will be announced later this summer. The Huskers will return home on Wednesday, Nov. 25 to take on Lamar in the first matchup between the two teams and NU's final tuneup for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and the start of Big Ten play. The annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge will take place the week of Nov. 30 with the opponent and date announced by the Big Ten and ESPN at a later date. NU will begin conference play with a pair of games following the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Following the start of Big Ten play, NU will return to non-conference action with a pair of highly anticipated games. The Huskers will host Creighton on Saturday, Dec. 12, as the Bluejays most of their roster from a team that won a share of the Big East title. &nbsp;The following weekend, the Huskers will renew one of its oldest rivalries, as Nebraska travels to Kansas City for the meeting with old conference foe Kansas State on Saturday, Dec. 19. It is the start of a three-year series which includes games in Lincoln (2021-22) and Manhattan (2022-23). Nebraska returns to&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1168">Pinnacle Bank</a>&nbsp;Arena to close out non-conference action against UMKC (Mon., Dec. 21) and Florida A&amp;M (Tues, Dec. 29) before resuming conference action in early January. The Big Ten will release the 20-game conference schedule later this summer. This season, the Huskers return a pair of starters, including rising senior&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9943">Thorir Thorbjarnarson</a>, who led NU in 3-pointers and ranked second on the team in rebounding, and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9940">Yvan Ouedraogo</a>, who set a school record for rebounds by a Husker freshman. NU adds a trio of sit-out transfers in&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9931">Dalano Banton</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9942">Shamiel Stevenson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9944">Derrick Walker</a>&nbsp;along with a seven-member recruiting class.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Huskers' first action will be an exhibition contest against Peru State on Monday, Nov. 2. It will mark the third straight year that NU has taken on an in-state foe as an exhibition contest. 2020-21 Nebraska Men's Non-Conference Basketball Schedule

Date&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Opponent&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Location

Monday, Nov. 2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Peru State (exhibition)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;PBA Tuesday, Nov. 10&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Cleveland State&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;PBA Saturday, Nov. 14&nbsp; &nbsp; Purdue Fort Wayne&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; PBA Thurs.-Sun., Nov. 19-22 at Myrtle Beach Invitational&nbsp; Conway, S.C. Wednesday, Nov. 25&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Lamar&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; PBA Mon.-Wed., Nov. 30-Dec. 2&nbsp; &nbsp;TBA (ACC/B1G Challenge)&nbsp; &nbsp;PBA Saturday, Dec. 12&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Creighton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;PBA Saturday, Dec. 19&nbsp; vs.&nbsp; &nbsp; Kansas State&nbsp; &nbsp; Kansas City, Mo. (Sprint Center) Monday, Dec. 21&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; UMKC&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;PBA Tuesday, Dec. 29&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Florida A&amp;M&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;PBA&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; Lincoln –&nbsp;Home games in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and against Creighton highlight the 2020-21 Nebraska men's basketball non-conference schedule released Monday. &nbsp;The 11-game slate also includes previously announced games against Kansas State in Kansas City, and three games in the Myrtle Beach Invitational in mid-November. "This non-conference schedule will help prepare us for Big Ten play," Hoiberg said. "The Myrtle Beach Tournament will give us an early measuring stick with a strong field and three games in a four-day stretch. We also have opportunities with games against Creighton, Kansas State and the ACC/Big Ten Challenge, as well as several regional opponents." The 2020-21 season opener will feature a family matchup as the Huskers open against Cleveland State at&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1168">Pinnacle Bank</a>&nbsp;Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 10. The Vikings are guided by second-year coach Dennis Gates, who is the brother of Husker assistant coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1502">Armon Gates</a>. The meeting is the first between the two programs and one of two first-time foes for the Huskers this season. Following a game with Purdue Fort Wayne on Saturday, Nov. 14, the Huskers will travel to Conway, S.C., for the Myrtle Beach Invitational from Nov. 19-22. The eight-team field includes Charlotte, Dayton, Loyola (Ill., Missouri, Penn, Pittsburgh and Utah State. The tournament bracket will be announced later this summer. The Huskers will return home on Wednesday, Nov. 25 to take on Lamar in the first matchup between the two teams and NU's final tuneup for the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and the start of Big Ten play. The annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge will take place the week of Nov. 30 with the opponent and date announced by the Big Ten and ESPN at a later date. NU will begin conference play with a pair of games following the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Following the start of Big Ten play, NU will return to non-conference action with a pair of highly anticipated games. The Huskers will host Creighton on Saturday, Dec. 12, as the Bluejays most of their roster from a team that won a share of the Big East title. &nbsp;The following weekend, the Huskers will renew one of its oldest rivalries, as Nebraska travels to Kansas City for the meeting with old conference foe Kansas State on Saturday, Dec. 19. It is the start of a three-year series which includes games in Lincoln (2021-22) and Manhattan (2022-23). Nebraska returns to&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff.aspx?staff=1168">Pinnacle Bank</a>&nbsp;Arena to close out non-conference action against UMKC (Mon., Dec. 21) and Florida A&amp;M (Tues, Dec. 29) before resuming conference action in early January. The Big Ten will release the 20-game conference schedule later this summer. This season, the Huskers return a pair of starters, including rising senior&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9943">Thorir Thorbjarnarson</a>, who led NU in 3-pointers and ranked second on the team in rebounding, and sophomore&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9940">Yvan Ouedraogo</a>, who set a school record for rebounds by a Husker freshman. NU adds a trio of sit-out transfers in&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9931">Dalano Banton</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9942">Shamiel Stevenson</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9944">Derrick Walker</a>&nbsp;along with a seven-member recruiting class.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Huskers' first action will be an exhibition contest against Peru State on Monday, Nov. 2. It will mark the third straight year that NU has taken on an in-state foe as an exhibition contest. 2020-21 Nebraska Men's Non-Conference Basketball ScheduleDate&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Opponent&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; LocationMonday, Nov. 2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Peru State (exhibition)&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;PBA Tuesday, Nov. 10&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Cleveland State&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;PBA Saturday, Nov. 14&nbsp; &nbsp; Purdue Fort Wayne&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; PBA Thurs.-Sun., Nov. 19-22 at Myrtle Beach Invitational&nbsp; Conway, S.C. Wednesday, Nov. 25&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Lamar&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; PBA Mon.-Wed., Nov. 30-Dec. 2&nbsp; &nbsp;TBA (ACC/B1G Challenge)&nbsp; &nbsp;PBA Saturday, Dec. 12&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Creighton&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;PBA Saturday, Dec. 19&nbsp; vs.&nbsp; &nbsp; Kansas State&nbsp; &nbsp; Kansas City, Mo. (Sprint Center) Monday, Dec. 21&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; UMKC&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;PBA Tuesday, Dec. 29&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Florida A&amp;M&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;PBA&nbsp;&nbsp;

Huskers Announce MBB Non-Conference Schedule

Story by Philip Senff, NPCC Sports Information Coordinator

Megan Hernandez-Belew has signed a Letter of Intent to continue her softball and academic career with Midland University, in Fremont. Belew, an outfielder and captain for the Knight’s softball team the last two seasons, helped lead NPCC to a 16-29 record in 2019 and a 4-8 record in 2020 due to a shortened season.

Belew, of Broomfield, Colo., finished her career with the Knights hitting .367 with 52 hits, six doubles, 17 RBI and 16 stolen bases in the 55 games she played. She also finished with 73 putouts for the Knights on defense.

“Playing at North Platte Community College has taught me how to become a better person, and because of that I’ve become a better player,” said Hernandez-Belew. “Hard work and dedication will always beat out talent. This is an important lesson I’ve learned through this program. This program does community service, which teaches the team how to work hard and how to work hard together. I’ve made so many great memories over the past two years. I have made lifelong friends because of this program, and I am so very thankful for that.”&nbsp;

Hernandez-Belew said she is excited to become a part of such a competitive and successful program at Midland University.

“I am very thankful that I get to continue my education while still playing the sport I love,” said Hernandez-Belew. “Midland University has a great education program, and I can’t wait to be a part of that as well. Midland will be a great fit for me, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I am very excited to bring all the life lessons I’ve learned at North Platte Community College to help me through my time at Midland University.”&nbsp;

NPCC head softball coach Janelle Higgins said Hernandez-Belew is the type of athlete she wishes she could keep for two more years.

“Megan has grown into a more confident and vocal leader here at NPCC,” Higgins said. “She has been our captain for the last two years even though she was very quiet when she arrived. When I had her start giving future Knights and their parents campus tours, she definitely found her voice.”

Higgins said Hernandez-Belew’s work ethic, grit and determination set her above and beyond other athletes while also setting an example for them and encompassing the culture that NPCC softball strives to attain.

“Those traits alone will take her far at Midland University, but even farther in life,” said Higgins. “We wish Megan the very best and will miss her endless Spongebob quotes and sense of humor.”

Story by Philip Senff, NPCC Sports Information CoordinatorMegan Hernandez-Belew has signed a Letter of Intent to continue her softball and academic career with Midland University, in Fremont. Belew, an outfielder and captain for the Knight’s softball team the last two seasons, helped lead NPCC to a 16-29 record in 2019 and a 4-8 record in 2020 due to a shortened season.Belew, of Broomfield, Colo., finished her career with the Knights hitting .367 with 52 hits, six doubles, 17 RBI and 16 stolen bases in the 55 games she played. She also finished with 73 putouts for the Knights on defense.“Playing at North Platte Community College has taught me how to become a better person, and because of that I’ve become a better player,” said Hernandez-Belew. “Hard work and dedication will always beat out talent. This is an important lesson I’ve learned through this program. This program does community service, which teaches the team how to work hard and how to work hard together. I’ve made so many great memories over the past two years. I have made lifelong friends because of this program, and I am so very thankful for that.”&nbsp;Hernandez-Belew said she is excited to become a part of such a competitive and successful program at Midland University.“I am very thankful that I get to continue my education while still playing the sport I love,” said Hernandez-Belew. “Midland University has a great education program, and I can’t wait to be a part of that as well. Midland will be a great fit for me, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I am very excited to bring all the life lessons I’ve learned at North Platte Community College to help me through my time at Midland University.”&nbsp;NPCC head softball coach Janelle Higgins said Hernandez-Belew is the type of athlete she wishes she could keep for two more years.“Megan has grown into a more confident and vocal leader here at NPCC,” Higgins said. “She has been our captain for the last two years even though she was very quiet when she arrived. When I had her start giving future Knights and their parents campus tours, she definitely found her voice.”Higgins said Hernandez-Belew’s work ethic, grit and determination set her above and beyond other athletes while also setting an example for them and encompassing the culture that NPCC softball strives to attain.“Those traits alone will take her far at Midland University, but even farther in life,” said Higgins. “We wish Megan the very best and will miss her endless Spongebob quotes and sense of humor.”

NPCC Knight continuing career at Midland University

By:&nbsp;

STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer&nbsp;&nbsp;

The golf to watch on Father's Day this year won't be the U.S. Open as is usually the case. There also will be no live baseball to watch this week from either the major leagues or the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. While the PGA Tour is playing again without spectators, and NASCAR ran its first race in front of limited fans, almost entirely military members, The Associated Press looks at some of the other sporting events that had been scheduled the week of June 15-21:

WINGED FOOT WAITS: While the PGA Tour will be in Hilton Head, South Carolina, for its second tournament back since a three-month hiatus because of the pandemic, this is the U.S. Open's traditional spot - with the final round on Father's Day. The RBC Heritage, which like Colonial last week will be played without spectators, was originally scheduled in April. The U.S. Open at Winged Foot in New York will be played Sept. 17-20, two weeks after the Tour Championship that wraps up the 2019-2020 schedule. Gary Woodland won at Pebble Beach last year by three strokes over Brooks Koepka, the winner of the previous two U.S. Opens.

TRIVIA BREAK: When was the last time the U.S. Open wasn't played on Father's Day? (answer at bottom)

MLB BASEBALL: Gerrit Cole is missing a possible chance to pitch in Pittsburgh as a visitor for the first time. Cole is still waiting for his regular-season debut with the New York Yankees after signing a record $324 million, nine-year free-agent deal last winter. Cole was drafted in the first round, 28th overall, by the Yankees in 2008. He went to UCLA instead, and three years later was the first overall pick by the Pirates. He played his first five big league seasons in Pittsburgh. In his two seasons with the Astros, he faced the Pirates only once - in Houston.

The Yankees were scheduled to play a three-game series this week in Pittsburgh, and then would have headed to Minnesota for a three-game series and rematch of last year's best-of-five AL Division Series that the Yankees swept.

NBA FINALS: The resumption of the NBA season with only 22 teams, and all of them in Orlando, Florida, is still more than a month away. But this would have been the latest week possible for the conclusion of an uninterrupted season - had the best-of-7 NBA Finals stretched to six or seven games. The Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors in six games last year.

CWS: The week in Omaha would have started with the first elimination games at the College World Series, then the rest of the games in the two double-elimination brackets to determine the two teams to play in a best-of-three series for the national championship.

TRIVIA ANSWER: 1975, when the U.S. Open finished on June 22, the week after Father's Day.

By:&nbsp;

STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Sports Writer&nbsp;&nbsp;The golf to watch on Father's Day this year won't be the U.S. Open as is usually the case. There also will be no live baseball to watch this week from either the major leagues or the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. While the PGA Tour is playing again without spectators, and NASCAR ran its first race in front of limited fans, almost entirely military members, The Associated Press looks at some of the other sporting events that had been scheduled the week of June 15-21:WINGED FOOT WAITS: While the PGA Tour will be in Hilton Head, South Carolina, for its second tournament back since a three-month hiatus because of the pandemic, this is the U.S. Open's traditional spot - with the final round on Father's Day. The RBC Heritage, which like Colonial last week will be played without spectators, was originally scheduled in April. The U.S. Open at Winged Foot in New York will be played Sept. 17-20, two weeks after the Tour Championship that wraps up the 2019-2020 schedule. Gary Woodland won at Pebble Beach last year by three strokes over Brooks Koepka, the winner of the previous two U.S. Opens.TRIVIA BREAK: When was the last time the U.S. Open wasn't played on Father's Day? (answer at bottom)MLB BASEBALL: Gerrit Cole is missing a possible chance to pitch in Pittsburgh as a visitor for the first time. Cole is still waiting for his regular-season debut with the New York Yankees after signing a record $324 million, nine-year free-agent deal last winter. Cole was drafted in the first round, 28th overall, by the Yankees in 2008. He went to UCLA instead, and three years later was the first overall pick by the Pirates. He played his first five big league seasons in Pittsburgh. In his two seasons with the Astros, he faced the Pirates only once - in Houston.The Yankees were scheduled to play a three-game series this week in Pittsburgh, and then would have headed to Minnesota for a three-game series and rematch of last year's best-of-five AL Division Series that the Yankees swept.NBA FINALS: The resumption of the NBA season with only 22 teams, and all of them in Orlando, Florida, is still more than a month away. But this would have been the latest week possible for the conclusion of an uninterrupted season - had the best-of-7 NBA Finals stretched to six or seven games. The Toronto Raptors beat the Golden State Warriors in six games last year.CWS: The week in Omaha would have started with the first elimination games at the College World Series, then the rest of the games in the two double-elimination brackets to determine the two teams to play in a best-of-three series for the national championship.TRIVIA ANSWER: 1975, when the U.S. Open finished on June 22, the week after Father's Day.

What Would Have Been: US Open final round for Father's Day

Over the past two weeks, as college athletes have returned to campuses to work out and prepare for sports later this year, a handful of them have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Arkansas State. Houston. Boise State. Iowa State. Oklahoma State. More than a dozen schools in all.

Just how many positive tests isn’t known, however, because college officials are debating exactly what to tell the public. Nearly half the 66 Football Bowl Subdivision members that responded to an Associated Press inquiry last week said they were still deciding whether to disclose the number of athletes with positive tests — and just over half aren’t going to release numbers at all.

“That’s a real challenge,” Memphis athletic director Laird Veatch said. “A lot of us in the profession are trying to work through that. That’s why I think you’ve seen quite a bit of inconsistency across the country in terms of what’s been announced and what hasn’t.”

The inconsistency has been apparent since football players began returning to campus this month for voluntary workouts. Auburn confirmed three players had tested positive; a few days later, rival Alabama declined to confirm reports that as many as eight were positive, citing privacy laws. Boise State said only that a number of athletes had tested positive without providing details.

<a href="https://apnews.com/d23dafaa697f02e7bfa81a5a0844a410">Arkansas State announced</a>&nbsp;June 4 that seven athletes from three different sports had tested positive for COVID-19 and were self-isolating for 14 days.

“We would have made the same kind of announcement if it had not involved student athletes,” Arkansas State chancellor Kelly Damphousse said in a statement. “Our announcement reinforced the message that our governor had recently shared: Young people are not immune to COVID-19 and you may be infected without realizing it. ... To be transparent, we felt comfortable in acknowledging these positive tests came from our returning student-athletes, as they were the only students who were being tested that week.”

Other schools weren’t as transparent. They’re disclosing the number of positive tests only to public health officials. Syracuse is one of the schools in that group.

“We’re going to do everything we can to respect and protect the privacy rights of our student-athletes while at the same time understanding your colleagues, this is a news item for you, and we’re trying to arrive at the right space and the right way to do both,” Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said.

Athletic programs sometimes avoid making formal injury announcements, citing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Both are designed to protect the privacy of an individual’s health records. The U.S. Education Department&nbsp;<a href="https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/sites/default/files/resource_document/file/FERPA%20and%20Coronavirus%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.pdf" target="_blank">issued guidelines</a>&nbsp;in March that said a school shouldn’t disclose personal identifiable information from student education records to the media even if it determines a health or safety emergency exists.

But is merely revealing a number going to enable anyone to identify which athletes tested positive? That’s up for debate.

Amelia Vance is the director of youth and education privacy at the Future Privacy Forum, a think tank dedicated to data privacy issues. Vance believes releasing the number of positive tests effectively informs the public without sacrificing privacy.

Vance said disclosing the number of positive tests for a certain team would help notify members of the general public who may have come into contact with the athletes and could serve as a guide to those schools that haven’t welcomed students back to campus yet.

“If you’re saying six students tested positive or a student was exposed and therefore we’re having the whole team tested or things like that, that wouldn’t probably be traced back to an individual student,” Vance said. “Therefore, neither (FERPA or HIPAA) is going to apply, so any claim that privacy laws wouldn’t allow that disclosure would be disingenuous.

“The key there is to balance the public interest with the privacy of the students,” she said. “Most of the time, the information colleges and universities need to disclose don’t require the identification of a particular student to the press or general public.”

Florida State has announced at least one athlete had tested positive for coronavirus, but athletic department spokesman Rob Wilson said the school didn’t release an exact number out of concern that might make it “fairly easy to identify who.” Texas Tech said it had positive cases within its men’s basketball program but didn’t reveal the number due to privacy concerns.

Middle Tennessee athletic director Chris Massaro said his school won’t release any numbers until everyone’s back on campus, and it will then note the entire number of students who tested positive without saying how many were athletes. Appalachian State also plans to announce the total number of positive tests without differentiating athletes from the general student population.

As for Memphis, Veatch said none its football players had tested positive yet, giving officials time to decide how to proceed.

“In the future we’re going to have to work through that and really try to balance student-athlete rights with public health and safety,” Veatch said. “We’ll find a way to do that, but we haven’t determined exactly what that’s going to look like yet.”

AP Sports Writer Teresa M. Walker in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report.

By STEVE MEGARGEE - Associated PressOver the past two weeks, as college athletes have returned to campuses to work out and prepare for sports later this year, a handful of them have tested positive for the coronavirus.Arkansas State. Houston. Boise State. Iowa State. Oklahoma State. More than a dozen schools in all.Just how many positive tests isn’t known, however, because college officials are debating exactly what to tell the public. Nearly half the 66 Football Bowl Subdivision members that responded to an Associated Press inquiry last week said they were still deciding whether to disclose the number of athletes with positive tests — and just over half aren’t going to release numbers at all.“That’s a real challenge,” Memphis athletic director Laird Veatch said. “A lot of us in the profession are trying to work through that. That’s why I think you’ve seen quite a bit of inconsistency across the country in terms of what’s been announced and what hasn’t.”The inconsistency has been apparent since football players began returning to campus this month for voluntary workouts. Auburn confirmed three players had tested positive; a few days later, rival Alabama declined to confirm reports that as many as eight were positive, citing privacy laws. Boise State said only that a number of athletes had tested positive without providing details.<a href="https://apnews.com/d23dafaa697f02e7bfa81a5a0844a410">Arkansas State announced</a>&nbsp;June 4 that seven athletes from three different sports had tested positive for COVID-19 and were self-isolating for 14 days.“We would have made the same kind of announcement if it had not involved student athletes,” Arkansas State chancellor Kelly Damphousse said in a statement. “Our announcement reinforced the message that our governor had recently shared: Young people are not immune to COVID-19 and you may be infected without realizing it. ... To be transparent, we felt comfortable in acknowledging these positive tests came from our returning student-athletes, as they were the only students who were being tested that week.”Other schools weren’t as transparent. They’re disclosing the number of positive tests only to public health officials. Syracuse is one of the schools in that group.“We’re going to do everything we can to respect and protect the privacy rights of our student-athletes while at the same time understanding your colleagues, this is a news item for you, and we’re trying to arrive at the right space and the right way to do both,” Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said.Athletic programs sometimes avoid making formal injury announcements, citing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Both are designed to protect the privacy of an individual’s health records. The U.S. Education Department&nbsp;<a href="https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/sites/default/files/resource_document/file/FERPA%20and%20Coronavirus%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.pdf" target="_blank">issued guidelines</a>&nbsp;in March that said a school shouldn’t disclose personal identifiable information from student education records to the media even if it determines a health or safety emergency exists.But is merely revealing a number going to enable anyone to identify which athletes tested positive? That’s up for debate.Amelia Vance is the director of youth and education privacy at the Future Privacy Forum, a think tank dedicated to data privacy issues. Vance believes releasing the number of positive tests effectively informs the public without sacrificing privacy.Vance said disclosing the number of positive tests for a certain team would help notify members of the general public who may have come into contact with the athletes and could serve as a guide to those schools that haven’t welcomed students back to campus yet.“If you’re saying six students tested positive or a student was exposed and therefore we’re having the whole team tested or things like that, that wouldn’t probably be traced back to an individual student,” Vance said. “Therefore, neither (FERPA or HIPAA) is going to apply, so any claim that privacy laws wouldn’t allow that disclosure would be disingenuous.“The key there is to balance the public interest with the privacy of the students,” she said. “Most of the time, the information colleges and universities need to disclose don’t require the identification of a particular student to the press or general public.”Florida State has announced at least one athlete had tested positive for coronavirus, but athletic department spokesman Rob Wilson said the school didn’t release an exact number out of concern that might make it “fairly easy to identify who.” Texas Tech said it had positive cases within its men’s basketball program but didn’t reveal the number due to privacy concerns.Middle Tennessee athletic director Chris Massaro said his school won’t release any numbers until everyone’s back on campus, and it will then note the entire number of students who tested positive without saying how many were athletes. Appalachian State also plans to announce the total number of positive tests without differentiating athletes from the general student population.As for Memphis, Veatch said none its football players had tested positive yet, giving officials time to decide how to proceed.“In the future we’re going to have to work through that and really try to balance student-athlete rights with public health and safety,” Veatch said. “We’ll find a way to do that, but we haven’t determined exactly what that’s going to look like yet.”___AP Sports Writer Teresa M. Walker in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report.

Schools debate whether to detail positive tests for athletes

NEW YORK (AP) — Jeremy Jeffress, Jordan Montgomery, Kevin Plawecki could be playing for free this season, earning salaries lower than what they already received as advances.

Mookie Betts, George Springer, J.T. Realmuto, James Paxton and Marcus Stroman are likely to find fewer bidders, dollars and contract years as the free-agent market lurches into a free fall next offseason.

And all of baseball could be bracing for a spring training lockout and shortened 2022 season after the coronavirus pandemic heightened the likelihood of the sport’s first work stoppage since 1994-95.

“Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Christian Yelich, all these guys are lucky that they signed,” former Miami Marlins president David Samson said Sunday. “The biggest people you should watch this offseason are Mookie Betts and J.T. Realmuto because J.T. thought that he would surpass Joe Mauer and Buster Posey, and there is likely no chance. And Mookie Betts thought that he would be above Bryce Harper and I would view that as much less likely now.”

The pathogen highlighted each side’s economic interest: players care most about the regular season, when they accrue the entirety of their salaries; owners worry about the postseason, when $787 million in broadcast revenue is due.

Major League Baseball owners are left with the decision of how long a regular season to schedule after players’ union head Tony Clark said Saturday night that “unfortunately it appears that further dialogue with the league would be futile.”

Bruce Meyer, the union’s chief negotiator, sent Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem a letter that “we demand that you inform us of your plans by close of business on Monday.”

A March 26 agreement called for players to receive prorated salaries and bound the sides to “complete the fullest 2020 championship season and postseason that is economically feasible,” consistent with a series of provisions: no government restrictions on mass gatherings, no travel restrictions and no health or safety risk “to stage games in front of fans in each of the 30 clubs’ home ballparks.”

It also called for MLB and the union to “discuss in good faith the economic feasibility of playing games in the absence of spectators or at appropriate substitute neutral sites.”

Commissioner Rob Manfred has threatened a regular-season of about 50 games, which would lead to players receiving about 31% of their salaries, about $1.23 billion. That is less than the $1.27 billion they were guaranteed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/eb2baf808ec62d946026ec2d6ada26ed">in the offer they turned down</a>, a deal worth $1.45 billion if the postseason is completed.

MLB appears likely to announce a decision after Manfred confers with the 30 controlling owners.

Barring a move toward a deal, both sides probably will file grievances. The union would claim MLB failed to schedule the longest season possible and ask for money damages.

The union would say to make an evaluation it needs documents detailing the equity relationships between baseball owners and regional sports networks, and between owners and real estate ventures adjacent to ballparks. MLB would claim the union did not bargain in good faith.

Players say they have no obligation to help clubs reduce expenses caused by playing in empty ballparks. Agent Scott Boras says the MLB stance is akin to saying: “When lighting strikes you, you tell the runners no race until you fix my track.”

Arbitrator Mark Irvings, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/92d0b2b4011625882d4acb29b3bb758a">ruled against Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant</a>&nbsp;in the service time manipulation grievance filed by the union, would likely spent months ruling on document demands before the sides even start to present the merits of the case.

Players have received $170 million in salary advances,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e3d88c5118e378cebed94bbb08d772d8">up to $286,500</a>&nbsp;each. That means a player with a salary of about $925,000 or less whose contract did not include a lower rate of pay while in the major leagues — Jeffress, Montgomery and Plawecki, among them — already has received more money that he would be owed under the proration formula.

Those players wouldn’t have to return any money; instead, the money would be paid back to MLB by the union from taxes collected from teams for exceeding international signing bonus pool thresholds.

All players will lose chances to accumulate statistics for games lost that are never made up.

While they argue and file briefs, Betts, Realmuto and the rest are unlikely to reach the $300 million-and-more deals given to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0ba72fb1940d42b9917b7345ea26adc0">Mike Trout</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/12900f76123a467494dafa5c1e43d3c">Harper</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/v" target="_blank">Giancarlo Stanton</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/34a82d2085bbd019fe0d1a44a2d8b61e">Gerrit Cole</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a0ff3417543544b38c15beca6a53699a">Machado</a>. The average salary, stagnated around $4.4 million since 2016, is likely to fall sharply this winter.

And if the coronavirus lingers into 2021, another season could be impacted. Unless the sides reach an agreement, the sides would argue whether MLB has the right to suspend the Uniform Player Contract during a national emergency, as Manfred threatened before the March agreement. Teams also will probably push for a pandemic provision in the guarantee language of new guaranteed contracts.

Bargaining during a major grievance will be even more difficult than usual heading into the labor contract’s expiration on Dec. 1, 2021. Given the experience of 1994 and the union’s threat to strike in 2002, teams would rather have a confrontation during spring training than in summer.

And if Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump in the presidential election and Democrats win control of both houses of Congress, player take-home could go down no matter what.

“If the Democrats win, I think they recognize that tax rates are going to go through the roof,” former Commissioner Fay Vincent said. ”$40 million is an awful lot of money, but the tax on that is going to be extraordinary.”

By RONALD BLUM - Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — Jeremy Jeffress, Jordan Montgomery, Kevin Plawecki could be playing for free this season, earning salaries lower than what they already received as advances.Mookie Betts, George Springer, J.T. Realmuto, James Paxton and Marcus Stroman are likely to find fewer bidders, dollars and contract years as the free-agent market lurches into a free fall next offseason.And all of baseball could be bracing for a spring training lockout and shortened 2022 season after the coronavirus pandemic heightened the likelihood of the sport’s first work stoppage since 1994-95.“Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Christian Yelich, all these guys are lucky that they signed,” former Miami Marlins president David Samson said Sunday. “The biggest people you should watch this offseason are Mookie Betts and J.T. Realmuto because J.T. thought that he would surpass Joe Mauer and Buster Posey, and there is likely no chance. And Mookie Betts thought that he would be above Bryce Harper and I would view that as much less likely now.”The pathogen highlighted each side’s economic interest: players care most about the regular season, when they accrue the entirety of their salaries; owners worry about the postseason, when $787 million in broadcast revenue is due.Major League Baseball owners are left with the decision of how long a regular season to schedule after players’ union head Tony Clark said Saturday night that “unfortunately it appears that further dialogue with the league would be futile.”Bruce Meyer, the union’s chief negotiator, sent Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem a letter that “we demand that you inform us of your plans by close of business on Monday.”A March 26 agreement called for players to receive prorated salaries and bound the sides to “complete the fullest 2020 championship season and postseason that is economically feasible,” consistent with a series of provisions: no government restrictions on mass gatherings, no travel restrictions and no health or safety risk “to stage games in front of fans in each of the 30 clubs’ home ballparks.”It also called for MLB and the union to “discuss in good faith the economic feasibility of playing games in the absence of spectators or at appropriate substitute neutral sites.”Commissioner Rob Manfred has threatened a regular-season of about 50 games, which would lead to players receiving about 31% of their salaries, about $1.23 billion. That is less than the $1.27 billion they were guaranteed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/eb2baf808ec62d946026ec2d6ada26ed">in the offer they turned down</a>, a deal worth $1.45 billion if the postseason is completed.MLB appears likely to announce a decision after Manfred confers with the 30 controlling owners.Barring a move toward a deal, both sides probably will file grievances. The union would claim MLB failed to schedule the longest season possible and ask for money damages.The union would say to make an evaluation it needs documents detailing the equity relationships between baseball owners and regional sports networks, and between owners and real estate ventures adjacent to ballparks. MLB would claim the union did not bargain in good faith.Players say they have no obligation to help clubs reduce expenses caused by playing in empty ballparks. Agent Scott Boras says the MLB stance is akin to saying: “When lighting strikes you, you tell the runners no race until you fix my track.”Arbitrator Mark Irvings, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/92d0b2b4011625882d4acb29b3bb758a">ruled against Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant</a>&nbsp;in the service time manipulation grievance filed by the union, would likely spent months ruling on document demands before the sides even start to present the merits of the case.Players have received $170 million in salary advances,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e3d88c5118e378cebed94bbb08d772d8">up to $286,500</a>&nbsp;each. That means a player with a salary of about $925,000 or less whose contract did not include a lower rate of pay while in the major leagues — Jeffress, Montgomery and Plawecki, among them — already has received more money that he would be owed under the proration formula.Those players wouldn’t have to return any money; instead, the money would be paid back to MLB by the union from taxes collected from teams for exceeding international signing bonus pool thresholds.All players will lose chances to accumulate statistics for games lost that are never made up.While they argue and file briefs, Betts, Realmuto and the rest are unlikely to reach the $300 million-and-more deals given to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0ba72fb1940d42b9917b7345ea26adc0">Mike Trout</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/12900f76123a467494dafa5c1e43d3c">Harper</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/v" target="_blank">Giancarlo Stanton</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/34a82d2085bbd019fe0d1a44a2d8b61e">Gerrit Cole</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a0ff3417543544b38c15beca6a53699a">Machado</a>. The average salary, stagnated around $4.4 million since 2016, is likely to fall sharply this winter.And if the coronavirus lingers into 2021, another season could be impacted. Unless the sides reach an agreement, the sides would argue whether MLB has the right to suspend the Uniform Player Contract during a national emergency, as Manfred threatened before the March agreement. Teams also will probably push for a pandemic provision in the guarantee language of new guaranteed contracts.Bargaining during a major grievance will be even more difficult than usual heading into the labor contract’s expiration on Dec. 1, 2021. Given the experience of 1994 and the union’s threat to strike in 2002, teams would rather have a confrontation during spring training than in summer.And if Joe Biden defeats Donald Trump in the presidential election and Democrats win control of both houses of Congress, player take-home could go down no matter what.“If the Democrats win, I think they recognize that tax rates are going to go through the roof,” former Commissioner Fay Vincent said. ”$40 million is an awful lot of money, but the tax on that is going to be extraordinary.”

Playing for free, salary drop, 2022 lockout possible for MLB

Beginning June 18th&nbsp;NSAA member schools are permitted to participate in camps, clinics, and summer leagues in all NSAA sanctioned activities except basketball, football, soccer, and wrestling.

Effective immediately NSAA member schools may hold open gyms for basketball, football, soccer, and wrestling with the following restrictions:

Open gym supervisors are required to enforce the above restrictions.

Prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff must remain the focus of each NSAA member school.

It is the responsibility of each NSAA member school to comply with:

Should the Governor issue further DHMs that would modify the foregoing provisions or other conditions warrant, these requirements will be adjusted.

Any further official updates will be posted on the NSAA website and the NSAA social media platforms.

Beginning June 18th&nbsp;NSAA member schools are permitted to participate in camps, clinics, and summer leagues in all NSAA sanctioned activities except basketball, football, soccer, and wrestling.Effective immediately NSAA member schools may hold open gyms for basketball, football, soccer, and wrestling with the following restrictions:<ol>
 <li>Individual skills and workouts only</li><li>No physical contact with others</li><li>No sharing of equipment</li><li>No grouping of students</li>
 </ol>Open gym supervisors are required to enforce the above restrictions.Prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff must remain the focus of each NSAA member school.It is the responsibility of each NSAA member school to comply with:<ol>
 <li>The above requirements; and,</li><li><a href="https://nsaa-static.s3.amazonaws.com/textfile/yb/summer.pdf">The NSAA Summer Bylaws</a></li>
 </ol>Should the Governor issue further DHMs that would modify the foregoing provisions or other conditions warrant, these requirements will be adjusted.Any further official updates will be posted on the NSAA website and the NSAA social media platforms.

NSAA Sports update effective June 18th

The North Platte Community College athletic department has made the decision to call off most of its youth and team camps amid current COVID-19 restrictions.

All volleyball and women’s basketball camps have been cancelled, including the joint camps scheduled for July 8-10 and July 13-15. The volleyball and women’s basketball team camps planned for July 6-7 and July 25 are also off.

Additionally, the men’s basketball team has cancelled all of its individual camps. A team camp is still being considered for men’s basketball, pending state health measures.

Refunds can be received by contacting head volleyball coach Alexa McCall at mccalla@mpcc.edu or head women’s basketball coach Jeff Thurman at thurmanj@mpcc.edu.

The North Platte Community College athletic department has made the decision to call off most of its youth and team camps amid current COVID-19 restrictions.All volleyball and women’s basketball camps have been cancelled, including the joint camps scheduled for July 8-10 and July 13-15. The volleyball and women’s basketball team camps planned for July 6-7 and July 25 are also off.Additionally, the men’s basketball team has cancelled all of its individual camps. A team camp is still being considered for men’s basketball, pending state health measures.Refunds can be received by contacting head volleyball coach Alexa McCall at mccalla@mpcc.edu or head women’s basketball coach Jeff Thurman at thurmanj@mpcc.edu.

NPCC basketball/volleyball camps cancelled

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - JD Spielman, one of the top receivers in Nebraska history, has entered his name in the transfer portal, the school said Monday.

Spielman is the first player to put together three straight 800-yard receiving seasons for the Cornhuskers and leaves No. 3 in career receptions and yards.

Nebraska coach Scott Frost announced March 3 that Spielman had returned to his hometown of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, to deal with an unspecified health matter and probably would miss all of spring practice. Frost had said he expected Spielman to be back for summer conditioning.

Spielman, the son of Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, would have been a senior in eligibility this fall. It was unclear if he's on track to graduate this summer, which would make him eligible immediately at his next school.

With no waiver from the NCAA, he would have to sit out one year under transfer rules unless he goes to a school below the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Spielman led the Huskers with 49 catches for 898 yards and five touchdowns last season.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - JD Spielman, one of the top receivers in Nebraska history, has entered his name in the transfer portal, the school said Monday.Spielman is the first player to put together three straight 800-yard receiving seasons for the Cornhuskers and leaves No. 3 in career receptions and yards.Nebraska coach Scott Frost announced March 3 that Spielman had returned to his hometown of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, to deal with an unspecified health matter and probably would miss all of spring practice. Frost had said he expected Spielman to be back for summer conditioning.Spielman, the son of Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, would have been a senior in eligibility this fall. It was unclear if he's on track to graduate this summer, which would make him eligible immediately at his next school.With no waiver from the NCAA, he would have to sit out one year under transfer rules unless he goes to a school below the Football Bowl Subdivision.Spielman led the Huskers with 49 catches for 898 yards and five touchdowns last season.

Huskers' Spielman, who left team in March, is transferring

Story by Philip Senff - NPCC Sports Information Director

Gabby Menghini, who started 65 matches as an outside hitter for the North Platte Community College Knights the last two years, has accepted an offer to continue her volleyball and academic collegiate career at Doane College, in Crete.

Menghini led the Knights in kills during the 2019 season, with 350. She also finished the season with 29 serving aces and 275 digs.

Menghini helped lead the Knights to a 15-21 record in 2019 and a Region IX championship for the second straight season. She also was named to the All-Region Team and All-Region Tournament Team in 2019 along with the All-Tournament Team in 2018 for Region IX.

“I chose Doane College because they have an amazing education program, a beautiful campus and a great volleyball team,” said Menghini. “I’m grateful that it’s close to home and I’m able to continue on with my volleyball career.”

“Gabby has done a lot of things for our program as a student-athlete,” said NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall. “She has always been responsible in the classroom and has helped build our culture on the court as well. We are excited for her to continue playing and know that she will do great things.”

Story by Philip Senff - NPCC Sports Information DirectorGabby Menghini, who started 65 matches as an outside hitter for the North Platte Community College Knights the last two years, has accepted an offer to continue her volleyball and academic collegiate career at Doane College, in Crete.Menghini led the Knights in kills during the 2019 season, with 350. She also finished the season with 29 serving aces and 275 digs.Menghini helped lead the Knights to a 15-21 record in 2019 and a Region IX championship for the second straight season. She also was named to the All-Region Team and All-Region Tournament Team in 2019 along with the All-Tournament Team in 2018 for Region IX.“I chose Doane College because they have an amazing education program, a beautiful campus and a great volleyball team,” said Menghini. “I’m grateful that it’s close to home and I’m able to continue on with my volleyball career.”“Gabby has done a lot of things for our program as a student-athlete,” said NPCC head volleyball coach Alexa McCall. “She has always been responsible in the classroom and has helped build our culture on the court as well. We are excited for her to continue playing and know that she will do great things.”

NPCC Knight continuing career at Doane College

<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/834566350&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-1/64-interview-with-coach-kevin" title="6.4 Interview With Coach Kevin" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">6.4 Interview With Coach Kevin</a></div></div>

Post Podcast: NPCC's Kevin Oconnor 

NEW YORK (AP) — If Major League Baseball and its players take the field for a coronanvirus-delayed 2020 season, it will be after acrimonious negotiations that resemble their labor war of a generation ago.

MLB rejected the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/37af758bdd54bbfba85ed359dfd85df4">players’ proposal for a 114-game regular season&nbsp;</a>with no additional salary cuts, and will turn its attention to a shortened slate of perhaps 50 games or fewer. Owners last week proposed an 82-game schedule starting in early July.

“We do not have any reason to believe that a negotiated solution for an 82-game season is possible,” Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem wrote in a letter Wednesday to chief union negotiator Bruce Meyer that was obtained by The Associated Press.

MLB’s plan included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8" target="_blank">a sliding scale of pay decreases</a>&nbsp;that would leave players at the $563,500 minimum with 47% of their original salaries and top stars Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole at less than 22% of the $36 million they had been set to earn.

Players insisted they receive the prorated salaries agreed to in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dd87bcc774d608e53624594fe56fab0c">March 26 deal</a>, which would give them 70% pay at 114 games. That agreement called for the sides to “discuss in good faith the economic feasibility of playing games in the absence of spectators.” The union has said no additional cuts are acceptable.

There has not been a schedule averaging fewer than 82 games per team since 1879.

“Despite what it sounds like with some of the Twitter bickering back and forth and some of the posturing back and forth, I am optimistic that we are going to play baseball this year,” Milwaukee president of baseball operations David Stearns said. “I’m optimistic that both sides genuinely want to play baseball this year, that there’s a path to doing so, even if it’s a shorter season, even if it’s 50 games.”

Ballparks without fans appear certain due to the pandemic. MLB&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/75087708a030c20637c5ea25b5c99c40">claims large losses</a>&nbsp;due to the virus, which the union disputes, and teams want additional salary reductions. Halem said 27 of the 30 teams would lose money with each additional game.

A 50-game schedule would result in players receiving about 30% of their full salaries under the March 26 deal.

“You confirmed for us on Sunday that players are unified in their view that they will not accept less than 100% of their prorated salaries, and we have no choice but to accept that representation,” Halem wrote.

“Nonetheless, the commissioner is committed to playing baseball in 2020,” Halem added. “He has started discussions with ownership about staging a shorter season without fans.”

Halem ended his letter by telling Meyer “we stand ready to discuss any ideas you may have that might lead to an agreement on resuming play without regular fan access in our stadiums.”

MLB wants to start the season in early July, and Halem wrote an agreement would have had to be reached by June 1 in order to reopen training camps by June 10. That would leave three to four weeks of preparation, which Halem said is the “wide consensus.”

“We are opposed to rushing to begin the season and then subjecting players to a grueling schedule,” he said.

Players made their proposal Sunday, five days after management’s initial economic plan. Opening day would be June 30 and the regular season would end Oct. 31, nearly five weeks after the Sept. 27 conclusion that MLB’s proposal stuck to from the season’s original schedule.

MLB does not want to play past October because it fears a second wave of the coronavirus could disrupt the postseason and jeopardize $787 million in broadcast revenue. Halem cited MLB’s infectious disease consultant, Dr. Ali Khan, Dean of the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska.

“It is not in the collective interest of clubs or players to begin a 2020 season and subsequently be forced to suspend or cancel it before the completion of the postseason,” Halem wrote.

“Dr. Khan and his team have advised us that to minimize the risk of a subsequent delay or cancellation of the 2020 season we should endeavor to complete the season and postseason as early in the fall as possible,” he wrote. “In addition, your proposal ignores the realities of the weather in many parts of the country during the second half of October. If we schedule a full slate of games in late October, we will be plagued by cancellations.”

As part of the March 26 deal, players got $170 million in salary advances —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e3d88c5118e378cebed94bbb08d772d8">ranging from $16,500 to $286,500</a>&nbsp;— and a guarantee that if the season is scrapped each player would get 2020 service time matching what the player accrued in 2019.

MLB’s proposal on May 26 would lower 2020 salaries from about $4 billion to approximately $1.2 billion, not including signing bonuses, termination pay or option buyouts. There would be a $200 million bonus if the postseason is completed.

The union’s offer would have salaries total about $2.8 billion, leaving each player with about 70% of his original salary.

Halem said coronavirus testing would cost the teams $40 million to $50 million. He claimed “clubs would fare even worse economically if we were to play a significant number of doubleheaders, as your counter-proposal contemplates.”

Players proposed that $100 million in salaries be deferred to 2021 and 2022 if the postseason is canceled.

“Deferring salaries, with interest, is the economic equivalent of assuming more debt,” Halem said. “Clubs already have assumed $2 billion in additional debt that must be serviced and do not have the financial capacity to push more 2020 financial obligations into future years without impacting their financial stability.”

Both sides have proposed expanding the playoffs from 10 teams to 14, and the union has offered to guarantee the expansion through 2021. Both sides also are willing to widen use of the designated hitter to all games this year.

The union proposed high-risk players, or players who live with a high-risk individual, be able to opt out of playing, and MLB has said it is willing to discuss the topic. MLB, however, says other players who opt out would get neither salary nor service time, which is key to eligibility for free agency and arbitration. The union proposed that group not get paid but receive service time.

AP Sports Writer Steve Megargee contributed to this report.

By RONALD BLUM - Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — If Major League Baseball and its players take the field for a coronanvirus-delayed 2020 season, it will be after acrimonious negotiations that resemble their labor war of a generation ago.MLB rejected the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/37af758bdd54bbfba85ed359dfd85df4">players’ proposal for a 114-game regular season&nbsp;</a>with no additional salary cuts, and will turn its attention to a shortened slate of perhaps 50 games or fewer. Owners last week proposed an 82-game schedule starting in early July.“We do not have any reason to believe that a negotiated solution for an 82-game season is possible,” Deputy Commissioner Dan Halem wrote in a letter Wednesday to chief union negotiator Bruce Meyer that was obtained by The Associated Press.MLB’s plan included&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/8" target="_blank">a sliding scale of pay decreases</a>&nbsp;that would leave players at the $563,500 minimum with 47% of their original salaries and top stars Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole at less than 22% of the $36 million they had been set to earn.Players insisted they receive the prorated salaries agreed to in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dd87bcc774d608e53624594fe56fab0c">March 26 deal</a>, which would give them 70% pay at 114 games. That agreement called for the sides to “discuss in good faith the economic feasibility of playing games in the absence of spectators.” The union has said no additional cuts are acceptable.There has not been a schedule averaging fewer than 82 games per team since 1879.“Despite what it sounds like with some of the Twitter bickering back and forth and some of the posturing back and forth, I am optimistic that we are going to play baseball this year,” Milwaukee president of baseball operations David Stearns said. “I’m optimistic that both sides genuinely want to play baseball this year, that there’s a path to doing so, even if it’s a shorter season, even if it’s 50 games.”Ballparks without fans appear certain due to the pandemic. MLB&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/75087708a030c20637c5ea25b5c99c40">claims large losses</a>&nbsp;due to the virus, which the union disputes, and teams want additional salary reductions. Halem said 27 of the 30 teams would lose money with each additional game.A 50-game schedule would result in players receiving about 30% of their full salaries under the March 26 deal.“You confirmed for us on Sunday that players are unified in their view that they will not accept less than 100% of their prorated salaries, and we have no choice but to accept that representation,” Halem wrote.“Nonetheless, the commissioner is committed to playing baseball in 2020,” Halem added. “He has started discussions with ownership about staging a shorter season without fans.”Halem ended his letter by telling Meyer “we stand ready to discuss any ideas you may have that might lead to an agreement on resuming play without regular fan access in our stadiums.”MLB wants to start the season in early July, and Halem wrote an agreement would have had to be reached by June 1 in order to reopen training camps by June 10. That would leave three to four weeks of preparation, which Halem said is the “wide consensus.”“We are opposed to rushing to begin the season and then subjecting players to a grueling schedule,” he said.Players made their proposal Sunday, five days after management’s initial economic plan. Opening day would be June 30 and the regular season would end Oct. 31, nearly five weeks after the Sept. 27 conclusion that MLB’s proposal stuck to from the season’s original schedule.MLB does not want to play past October because it fears a second wave of the coronavirus could disrupt the postseason and jeopardize $787 million in broadcast revenue. Halem cited MLB’s infectious disease consultant, Dr. Ali Khan, Dean of the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska.“It is not in the collective interest of clubs or players to begin a 2020 season and subsequently be forced to suspend or cancel it before the completion of the postseason,” Halem wrote.“Dr. Khan and his team have advised us that to minimize the risk of a subsequent delay or cancellation of the 2020 season we should endeavor to complete the season and postseason as early in the fall as possible,” he wrote. “In addition, your proposal ignores the realities of the weather in many parts of the country during the second half of October. If we schedule a full slate of games in late October, we will be plagued by cancellations.”As part of the March 26 deal, players got $170 million in salary advances —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e3d88c5118e378cebed94bbb08d772d8">ranging from $16,500 to $286,500</a>&nbsp;— and a guarantee that if the season is scrapped each player would get 2020 service time matching what the player accrued in 2019.MLB’s proposal on May 26 would lower 2020 salaries from about $4 billion to approximately $1.2 billion, not including signing bonuses, termination pay or option buyouts. There would be a $200 million bonus if the postseason is completed.The union’s offer would have salaries total about $2.8 billion, leaving each player with about 70% of his original salary.Halem said coronavirus testing would cost the teams $40 million to $50 million. He claimed “clubs would fare even worse economically if we were to play a significant number of doubleheaders, as your counter-proposal contemplates.”Players proposed that $100 million in salaries be deferred to 2021 and 2022 if the postseason is canceled.“Deferring salaries, with interest, is the economic equivalent of assuming more debt,” Halem said. “Clubs already have assumed $2 billion in additional debt that must be serviced and do not have the financial capacity to push more 2020 financial obligations into future years without impacting their financial stability.”Both sides have proposed expanding the playoffs from 10 teams to 14, and the union has offered to guarantee the expansion through 2021. Both sides also are willing to widen use of the designated hitter to all games this year.The union proposed high-risk players, or players who live with a high-risk individual, be able to opt out of playing, and MLB has said it is willing to discuss the topic. MLB, however, says other players who opt out would get neither salary nor service time, which is key to eligibility for free agency and arbitration. The union proposed that group not get paid but receive service time.___AP Sports Writer Steve Megargee contributed to this report.

MLB rejects 114-game schedule, threatens plan of about 50

All 32 NFL teams have been told by Commissioner Roger Goodell to hold training camps at their home facilities this summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Most NFL teams stay at their training complexes year-round, but Dallas, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Carolina, Washington and the Los Angeles Rams are among those that stage portions of training camp elsewhere.

“The league’s decision was made based on the medical assessment of current risk factors and in consideration for the health and safety of players and football staffs,” the Colts said in a release.

Goodell also ordered no joint practices for teams, something that had become increasing popular in recent summers.

“We believe that each of these steps will enhance our ability to protect the health and safety of players and your football staffs and are consistent with a sound approach to risk management in the current environment,” Goodell said in the memo sent to teams.

The Cowboys and Steelers are scheduled for the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 6 and will be the first two teams to report in late July. Dallas usually trains in Oxnard, California, and Pittsburgh in nearby Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

The Cowboys have never held their entire preseason at home. The Steelers have trained at St. Vincent College in Latrobe for more than a half-century.

The league has canceled all in-person workouts at team facilities, which only in the past two weeks have begun opening on a limited basis. No coaches nor players other than those undergoing medical treatment and rehabilitation have been allowed in those facilities.

Soon, the NFL is hopeful of having club complexes fully open, but under strict medical guidelines including social distancing protocols.

One team in something of a limbo: the Raiders. Their move to Las Vegas has been complicated by the pandemic, of course. They had been working out of their Oakland-area complex in Alameda, and had been planning to hold training camp as usual in Napa, about one hour north of the Bay Area. But they could decide to move it to their new facility in Henderson, Nevada.

The Bills have gone to St. John Fisher College outside of Rochester, New York, since 2000, though they have decreased the time they’ve spent away for camp in recent years under coach Sean McDermott.

The Bills have expanded practice facilities at and around their headquarters, and last year unveiled a new training facility/weight room featuring state-of-the-art equipment and costing about $18 million as an addition to their headquarters.

Carolina has spent all 25 previous training camps at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, about 90 minutes from Charlotte. Wofford was former owner Jerry Richardson’s alma mater.

One team that usually traveled for training camp, the Bears, previously announced they would not be going to Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, where they spent the past 18 years.

By BARRY WILNER - Associated PressAll 32 NFL teams have been told by Commissioner Roger Goodell to hold training camps at their home facilities this summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Most NFL teams stay at their training complexes year-round, but Dallas, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Carolina, Washington and the Los Angeles Rams are among those that stage portions of training camp elsewhere.“The league’s decision was made based on the medical assessment of current risk factors and in consideration for the health and safety of players and football staffs,” the Colts said in a release.Goodell also ordered no joint practices for teams, something that had become increasing popular in recent summers.“We believe that each of these steps will enhance our ability to protect the health and safety of players and your football staffs and are consistent with a sound approach to risk management in the current environment,” Goodell said in the memo sent to teams.The Cowboys and Steelers are scheduled for the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 6 and will be the first two teams to report in late July. Dallas usually trains in Oxnard, California, and Pittsburgh in nearby Latrobe, Pennsylvania.The Cowboys have never held their entire preseason at home. The Steelers have trained at St. Vincent College in Latrobe for more than a half-century.The league has canceled all in-person workouts at team facilities, which only in the past two weeks have begun opening on a limited basis. No coaches nor players other than those undergoing medical treatment and rehabilitation have been allowed in those facilities.Soon, the NFL is hopeful of having club complexes fully open, but under strict medical guidelines including social distancing protocols.One team in something of a limbo: the Raiders. Their move to Las Vegas has been complicated by the pandemic, of course. They had been working out of their Oakland-area complex in Alameda, and had been planning to hold training camp as usual in Napa, about one hour north of the Bay Area. But they could decide to move it to their new facility in Henderson, Nevada.The Bills have gone to St. John Fisher College outside of Rochester, New York, since 2000, though they have decreased the time they’ve spent away for camp in recent years under coach Sean McDermott.The Bills have expanded practice facilities at and around their headquarters, and last year unveiled a new training facility/weight room featuring state-of-the-art equipment and costing about $18 million as an addition to their headquarters.Carolina has spent all 25 previous training camps at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, about 90 minutes from Charlotte. Wofford was former owner Jerry Richardson’s alma mater.One team that usually traveled for training camp, the Bears, previously announced they would not be going to Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, where they spent the past 18 years.

NFL tells teams they must hold training camps at home

The recent tragedies in this country are unacceptable.The senseless deaths that have occurred are inexcusable. We should all stand up against racism of any kind. It should have no place in this world.

I am hurting for our communities, our state, and our country. I am hurting for the Black community and the Black members of our team and our coaching staff.

We all respond to pain and grief in different ways. I have been raised to turn to faith and prayer.

I pray for peace on our streets tonight and for peace on our streets moving forward.

I pray that God shows us all how to be caring for and accepting of one another.

I pray that Gods shows us all how to be agents for change.

I humbly pray for the wisdom and strength to continue to lead our program in a positive way.

I pray for love instead of anger and for equality instead of injustice.

We are all God's children! Please be save, Nebraska.

The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you,

The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

The recent tragedies in this country are unacceptable.The senseless deaths that have occurred are inexcusable. We should all stand up against racism of any kind. It should have no place in this world.I am hurting for our communities, our state, and our country. I am hurting for the Black community and the Black members of our team and our coaching staff.We all respond to pain and grief in different ways. I have been raised to turn to faith and prayer.I pray for peace on our streets tonight and for peace on our streets moving forward.I pray that God shows us all how to be caring for and accepting of one another.I pray that Gods shows us all how to be agents for change.I humbly pray for the wisdom and strength to continue to lead our program in a positive way.I pray for love instead of anger and for equality instead of injustice.We are all God's children! Please be save, Nebraska.This Lord bless you and keep you,The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you,The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.Numbers 6:24-26

Coach Scott Frost statement on the riots

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The college football season opener between Notre Dame and Navy has been moved out of Ireland because of the cornavirus pandemic.

The Irish and Midshipmen were scheduled to meet in Dublin on Aug. 29, but instead will seek to play at the Naval Academy during the Labor Day weekend. The decision to move the venue came after discussions between the Irish government, medical authorities and the leadership teams at Navy and Notre Dame.

“Our priority must be ensuring the health and safety of all involved,” Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk said. “I am expecting that we will still be able to play Notre Dame as our season opener, but there is still much to be determined by health officials and those that govern college football at large.”

Notre Dame and Navy planned to stage the 94th consecutive installment of the longest continuous intersectional rivalry in the United States at Aviva Stadium in Ireland. Instead, the schools will strive to play at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, on Sept. 5 or 6. This will be the first time the Fighting Irish will play at Navy’s 34,000-seat stadium. The game is usually played at a larger alternative site when the Midshipmen host.

“College football is one of the greatest spectacles in world sport and we had been thoroughly looking forward to welcoming Navy and Notre Dame here this summer,” said Leo Varadkar, the Prime Minister of Ireland. “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, that is now not possible. But we hope to see both universities return to Aviva Stadium in the coming years.”

The Navy-Notre Dame game at Aviva Stadium in 2012 attracted more than 35,000 fans from the United States. An estimated 40,000 people were expected to travel overseas this year’s matchup.

“Our student-athletes have had great experiences competing in Ireland and are very disappointed not to be returning to Dublin in 2020,” Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said. “The change of venue has been a very difficult decision for our colleagues at the Naval Academy, but we are in full support of their choice. We look forward to going back to Ireland for a game in the not too distant future.”

By The Associated PressANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The college football season opener between Notre Dame and Navy has been moved out of Ireland because of the cornavirus pandemic.The Irish and Midshipmen were scheduled to meet in Dublin on Aug. 29, but instead will seek to play at the Naval Academy during the Labor Day weekend. The decision to move the venue came after discussions between the Irish government, medical authorities and the leadership teams at Navy and Notre Dame.“Our priority must be ensuring the health and safety of all involved,” Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk said. “I am expecting that we will still be able to play Notre Dame as our season opener, but there is still much to be determined by health officials and those that govern college football at large.”Notre Dame and Navy planned to stage the 94th consecutive installment of the longest continuous intersectional rivalry in the United States at Aviva Stadium in Ireland. Instead, the schools will strive to play at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland, on Sept. 5 or 6. This will be the first time the Fighting Irish will play at Navy’s 34,000-seat stadium. The game is usually played at a larger alternative site when the Midshipmen host.“College football is one of the greatest spectacles in world sport and we had been thoroughly looking forward to welcoming Navy and Notre Dame here this summer,” said Leo Varadkar, the Prime Minister of Ireland. “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, that is now not possible. But we hope to see both universities return to Aviva Stadium in the coming years.”The Navy-Notre Dame game at Aviva Stadium in 2012 attracted more than 35,000 fans from the United States. An estimated 40,000 people were expected to travel overseas this year’s matchup.“Our student-athletes have had great experiences competing in Ireland and are very disappointed not to be returning to Dublin in 2020,” Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick said. “The change of venue has been a very difficult decision for our colleagues at the Naval Academy, but we are in full support of their choice. We look forward to going back to Ireland for a game in the not too distant future.”

Notre Dame-Navy football opener moved from Ireland to U.S.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball players ignored claims by clubs that they need to take additional pay cuts, instead proposing they receive a far higher percentage of salaries and a commit to a longer schedule as part of a counteroffer to start the coronavirus-delayed season.

Players proposed a 114-game regular season Sunday, up from 82 in management’s offer, a person familiar with the plan told The Associated Press. Done that way, the World Series could extend past Thanksgiving.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no details were announced.

Opening day would be June 30 and the regular season would end Oct. 31, nearly five weeks after the Sept. 27 conclusion that MLB’s proposal stuck to from the season’s original schedule. The union offered scheduling flexibility to include more doubleheaders as baseball crams the games into 123 days, leaving little room for days off.

MLB’s proposal Tuesday would lower 2020 salaries from about $4 billion to approximately $1.2 billion. The union’s offer would have salaries total about $2.8 billion.

The plan was given to MLB during an 80-minute digital meeting among Commissioner Rob Manfred, deputy commissioner Dan Halem, union head Tony Clark and union chief negotiator Bruce Meyer. The meeting was contentious, a person familiar with it said.

Like MLB, the union would increase postseason teams from 10 to 14. But unlike MLB, the players’ proposal would extend the postseason about a month past its usual end. MLB has said it is worried about a second wave of the coronavirus in the autumn.

While management proposed an expanded postseason for 2020 only, the union offered it for this year and next.

Players proposed new events that could increase revenue, such as a postseason or offseason All-Star Game and/or Home Run Derby, to wear broadcast microphones on the field and participate in television programming away from ballparks.

They also asked for $100 million more in salary to be advanced during the resumption of spring training.

A player would receive about 70% of his salary, or 114/162nds, under the union plan.

The union and MLB agreed March 26 that players would receive prorated shares of salaries, part of the deal in which if the season is scrapped each player was guaranteed service time for 2020 matching what the player earned in 2019. The union also was guaranteed $170 million in salary advances.

While the union says salaries were dealt with then, that agreement covered only games in regular-season ballparks and with fans. The deal called for “good faith” negotiations for games without fans or at neutral sites.

MLB told the union that players would get 89% of revenue in an 82-game schedule with prorated salaries and clubs would combine to lose $640,000 for each additional game. The union has questioned the accounting.

MLB’s offer called for spring training to resume in mid-June and for the season to start around the Fourth of July. The club proposal would take the prorated salaries and reduce them again in a sliding scale. Those at the $563,500 minimum would get about 47% and those at the top -- led by Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole at $36 million -- would receive less than 23%. Management proposed $200 million of salaries would be contingent on the postseason’s completion.

All players would have the right to opt out of the season under the union plan. Those who meet qualifications for high risk or reside with a person who qualifies as high risk would receive salary and major league service. Others who opt out would receive major league service time but no salary.

If the postseason is not held because of a second wave, the union plan calls for $100 million in salary to be deferred with interest, payable in November 2021 and November 2022. Only players whose original 2020 salaries were $10 million or more would be subject to having money deferred.

The union estimates high-payroll teams would have up to $7 million in payroll relief, the person said.

By RONALD BLUM - Associated PressNEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball players ignored claims by clubs that they need to take additional pay cuts, instead proposing they receive a far higher percentage of salaries and a commit to a longer schedule as part of a counteroffer to start the coronavirus-delayed season.Players proposed a 114-game regular season Sunday, up from 82 in management’s offer, a person familiar with the plan told The Associated Press. Done that way, the World Series could extend past Thanksgiving.The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no details were announced.Opening day would be June 30 and the regular season would end Oct. 31, nearly five weeks after the Sept. 27 conclusion that MLB’s proposal stuck to from the season’s original schedule. The union offered scheduling flexibility to include more doubleheaders as baseball crams the games into 123 days, leaving little room for days off.MLB’s proposal Tuesday would lower 2020 salaries from about $4 billion to approximately $1.2 billion. The union’s offer would have salaries total about $2.8 billion.The plan was given to MLB during an 80-minute digital meeting among Commissioner Rob Manfred, deputy commissioner Dan Halem, union head Tony Clark and union chief negotiator Bruce Meyer. The meeting was contentious, a person familiar with it said.Like MLB, the union would increase postseason teams from 10 to 14. But unlike MLB, the players’ proposal would extend the postseason about a month past its usual end. MLB has said it is worried about a second wave of the coronavirus in the autumn.While management proposed an expanded postseason for 2020 only, the union offered it for this year and next.Players proposed new events that could increase revenue, such as a postseason or offseason All-Star Game and/or Home Run Derby, to wear broadcast microphones on the field and participate in television programming away from ballparks.They also asked for $100 million more in salary to be advanced during the resumption of spring training.A player would receive about 70% of his salary, or 114/162nds, under the union plan.The union and MLB agreed March 26 that players would receive prorated shares of salaries, part of the deal in which if the season is scrapped each player was guaranteed service time for 2020 matching what the player earned in 2019. The union also was guaranteed $170 million in salary advances.While the union says salaries were dealt with then, that agreement covered only games in regular-season ballparks and with fans. The deal called for “good faith” negotiations for games without fans or at neutral sites.MLB told the union that players would get 89% of revenue in an 82-game schedule with prorated salaries and clubs would combine to lose $640,000 for each additional game. The union has questioned the accounting.MLB’s offer called for spring training to resume in mid-June and for the season to start around the Fourth of July. The club proposal would take the prorated salaries and reduce them again in a sliding scale. Those at the $563,500 minimum would get about 47% and those at the top -- led by Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole at $36 million -- would receive less than 23%. Management proposed $200 million of salaries would be contingent on the postseason’s completion.All players would have the right to opt out of the season under the union plan. Those who meet qualifications for high risk or reside with a person who qualifies as high risk would receive salary and major league service. Others who opt out would receive major league service time but no salary.If the postseason is not held because of a second wave, the union plan calls for $100 million in salary to be deferred with interest, payable in November 2021 and November 2022. Only players whose original 2020 salaries were $10 million or more would be subject to having money deferred.The union estimates high-payroll teams would have up to $7 million in payroll relief, the person said.

AP source: MLB players offer 114-game season, no more $ cuts

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The jersey-wearing camaraderie. The scent of sizzling sausages. The buzz before a big game.

The distinctive atmosphere of live sports, that feeling in the air, will return in time as pandemic restrictions are eased. But will that very air be safe in a closed arena with other fans in attendance?

The billions of dollars spent on state-of-the-art sports facilities over the last quarter-century have made high-efficiency air filtration systems more common, thanks in part to the pursuit of green and healthy building certifications. Upgrades will likely increase in the post-coronavirus era, too.

The problem is that even the cleanest of air can’t keep this particular virus from spreading; if someone coughs or sneezes, those droplets are in the air. That means outdoor ballparks have high contaminant potential, too.

“Most of the real risk is going to be short-distance transmission, people sitting within two, three or four seats of each other,” said Ryan Demmer, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health. “It’s not really about the virus spreading up, getting into the ventilation system and then getting blown out to the entire stadium because this virus doesn’t seem to transmit that way. It doesn’t aerosolize that well.”

The three hours spent in proximity to thousands of others is part of the fan experience. It’s also why major sports leagues have been discussing plans to reopen in empty venues, for now. High-touch areas with the potential to spread the virus — called fomite transmission — are plentiful at the ballgame, of course. Door handles. Stair rails. Restroom fixtures. Concession stands.

By DAVE CAMPBELL - Associated PressMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The jersey-wearing camaraderie. The scent of sizzling sausages. The buzz before a big game.The distinctive atmosphere of live sports, that feeling in the air, will return in time as pandemic restrictions are eased. But will that very air be safe in a closed arena with other fans in attendance?The billions of dollars spent on state-of-the-art sports facilities over the last quarter-century have made high-efficiency air filtration systems more common, thanks in part to the pursuit of green and healthy building certifications. Upgrades will likely increase in the post-coronavirus era, too.The problem is that even the cleanest of air can’t keep this particular virus from spreading; if someone coughs or sneezes, those droplets are in the air. That means outdoor ballparks have high contaminant potential, too.“Most of the real risk is going to be short-distance transmission, people sitting within two, three or four seats of each other,” said Ryan Demmer, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health. “It’s not really about the virus spreading up, getting into the ventilation system and then getting blown out to the entire stadium because this virus doesn’t seem to transmit that way. It doesn’t aerosolize that well.”The three hours spent in proximity to thousands of others is part of the fan experience. It’s also why major sports leagues have been discussing plans to reopen in empty venues, for now. High-touch areas with the potential to spread the virus — called fomite transmission — are plentiful at the ballgame, of course. Door handles. Stair rails. Restroom fixtures. Concession stands.Hand washing by now has become a societal norm, but disinfectant arsenals need to be brought up to speed, too.“I can’t really find good hand sanitizer easily in stores. So think about trying to scale that up, so everybody who comes into U.S. Bank Stadium gets a little bottle of Purel. Things like that can be modestly helpful,” Demmer said.There is much work to be done. Vigilant sanitizing of the frequent-touch surfaces will be a must. Ramped-up rapid testing capability during pre-entry screening could become common for fans. Minimizing concourse and entry bottlenecks, and maintaining space between non-familial attendees, could be mandatory. Mask-wearing requirements? Maybe.Most experts, including those at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, believe the primary mode of transmission for COVID-19 is close person-to-person contact through breathing, coughing or sneezing but there’s no consensus on some of the details.“There’s still widespread disagreement between experts on which mode of transmission dominates for influenza. So the likelihood of us figuring this out soon for this virus is low,” said Joe Allen, director of the Healthy Buildings Program and an assistant professor at Harvard’s School of Public Health. “We may never figure it out, but I also think it’s irrelevant because it’s a pandemic and we should be guarding against all of them.”Including, of course, the air.The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers designed the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) scale to measure a filtration system’s effectiveness (from 1-16) at capturing microscopic airborne particles that can make people sick. Not just viruses, but dust, pollen, mold and bacteria. Most experts recommend a MERV rating of 13 or higher, the minimum standard for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.An emerging technology in this area is called bipolar ionization. Connecticut-based AtmosAir has a bipolar ionization air treatment system in about 40 sports venues. Staples Center in Los Angeles was one of the first major sports customers. TD Garden in Boston and Bridgestone Arena in Nashville are among the others who’ve signed on.The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority approved last year a 10-year contract for a little more than $1 million with AtmosAir to install its system in U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Vikings and the first indoor NFL stadium to use it. The building, which measures 1.8 million square feet, has 53 air handling units with AtmosAir tubes installed, including 30 in the seating bowl.The ions act like fresh air, reducing the amount of outside air needed to be introduced for the cleansing process. The protein spikes in the coronavirus particles make them easier to catch and kill, said Philip Tierno, a New York University School of Medicine professor of microbiology and pathology.Said AtmosAir founder and CEO Steve Levine: “We’re never going to create a mountaintop, but we’re going to put in maybe three to four times the ions over the ambient air and then let those ions attack different pollutants in the air. The ions grab onto particles and spores and make them bigger and heavier, so they’re much easier to filter out of the air.”The next time fans do pass through the turnstiles, in a few weeks or a few months, in most cases they will probably encounter an unprecedented level of cleanliness.“There will be some controls that are visible, extra cleaning and disinfection, but some of it will be invisible, like for what’s happening in the air handling system,” said Allen, the Harvard professor. “The consumers will decide when they feel comfortable going back, and that’s going to depend on what strategies are put in place in these venues and stadiums and arenas and, most importantly, how well these organizations communicate that to the paying public.”