Three North Platte Community College men’s basketball players were awarded post season accolades this week. The Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference announced that Luke Christen, Danilo Matovic and Courtney Murrell were all named to the All-Conference team.

Courtney Murrell, of Plano, Tx., averaged 12.9 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game for the Knights. Danilo Matovic, of Navi Sad, Serbia, averaged 10.0 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. While Luke Christen, of Anselmo, Ne., finished the season averaging 9.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for the Knights.

Three North Platte Community College men’s basketball players were awarded post season accolades this week. The Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference announced that Luke Christen, Danilo Matovic and Courtney Murrell were all named to the All-Conference team.Courtney Murrell, of Plano, Tx., averaged 12.9 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game for the Knights. Danilo Matovic, of Navi Sad, Serbia, averaged 10.0 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. While Luke Christen, of Anselmo, Ne., finished the season averaging 9.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for the Knights.

Three Knights named NCCAC All-Conference

Story by Philip Senff NPCC Sports Information Coordinator

The North Platte Community College Women’s Basketball team accomplishments continued into the post-season as three of their players were given conference and Region IX accolades. Ashley Hasset, of Hershey, NE., was named 1st&nbsp;team NCCAC All-Conference while Emily Joseph was named 2nd&nbsp;team and Janay Brauer was named honorable mention.

Joseph, of St. Petersburg, FL., was also given Region IX All Region Honors. Brauer, of Sidney, NE,. was named to the Region IX All-Tournament team as well.

“What a great accomplishment and honor for our student-athletes,” commented Knights Head Coach Jeff Thurman. “We are extremely proud of these three student-athletes. It shows the type of work and commitment that each one of them put in everyday throughout the season. Our program competes within a very good conference and region, so to be able to achieve this honor is remarkable.”

Hasset led the Knights in scoring and rebounding this season, averaging 14.7 points per game and 7.1 rebounds per game. Joseph finished the season averaging 11.5 points per game and led the Knights in three-point field goals. Brauer averaged 9.8 points per game and led the Knights with 2.4 assists per game.

Story by Philip Senff NPCC Sports Information CoordinatorThe North Platte Community College Women’s Basketball team accomplishments continued into the post-season as three of their players were given conference and Region IX accolades. Ashley Hasset, of Hershey, NE., was named 1st&nbsp;team NCCAC All-Conference while Emily Joseph was named 2nd&nbsp;team and Janay Brauer was named honorable mention.Joseph, of St. Petersburg, FL., was also given Region IX All Region Honors. Brauer, of Sidney, NE,. was named to the Region IX All-Tournament team as well.“What a great accomplishment and honor for our student-athletes,” commented Knights Head Coach Jeff Thurman. “We are extremely proud of these three student-athletes. It shows the type of work and commitment that each one of them put in everyday throughout the season. Our program competes within a very good conference and region, so to be able to achieve this honor is remarkable.”Hasset led the Knights in scoring and rebounding this season, averaging 14.7 points per game and 7.1 rebounds per game. Joseph finished the season averaging 11.5 points per game and led the Knights in three-point field goals. Brauer averaged 9.8 points per game and led the Knights with 2.4 assists per game.

 NPCC Knights receive conference and Region IX awards

All NSAA activity practices and competitions are suspended through May 1st.&nbsp; These suspensions may be extended should the conditions warrant.

Member schools and student-participants are expected to adhere to the NSAA Constitution &amp; Bylaws and activity manuals during this time.

The NSAA encourages all member schools to follow CDC, local, state and federal health department recommendations.

As more information becomes available, official updates will be posted on the&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaahome.org/" target="_blank">NSAA website</a>&nbsp;and the NSAA social media platforms.

All NSAA activity practices and competitions are suspended through May 1st.&nbsp; These suspensions may be extended should the conditions warrant.Member schools and student-participants are expected to adhere to the NSAA Constitution &amp; Bylaws and activity manuals during this time.The NSAA encourages all member schools to follow CDC, local, state and federal health department recommendations.As more information becomes available, official updates will be posted on the&nbsp;<a href="https://nsaahome.org/" target="_blank">NSAA website</a>&nbsp;and the NSAA social media platforms.

NSAA Extends sports suspension until May

TOKYO (AP) — The Tokyo Olympics have been officially postponed until 2021. The International Olympic Committee along with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and local organizers have decided that the Tokyo Games cannot go ahead as scheduled this year because of the coronavirus outbreak. The games were scheduled to begin July 24.

<a href="https://www.olympic.org/news/joint-statement-from-the-international-olympic-committee-and-the-tokyo-2020-organising-committee">Click here to read the joint statement</a> from IOC and Tokyo organizing committee.

The IOC says the games will be held “not later than summer 2021” but they will still be called the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

TOKYO&nbsp;(AP) — IOC President Thomas Bach has agreed “100%” to a proposal of postponing the Tokyo Olympics for about one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus outbreak, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday.

Abe said after his telephone talks with Bach that he requested a postponement of about one year “taking into consideration the current circumstances” and to secure an environment in which athletes can perform in their best conditions and the sense of safety and security for the audience.

Abe held telephone talks with Bach after the IOC said it would make a decision on the Tokyo Games over the next four weeks.

TOKYO (AP) — The Tokyo Olympics have been officially postponed until 2021. The International Olympic Committee along with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and local organizers have decided that the Tokyo Games cannot go ahead as scheduled this year because of the coronavirus outbreak. The games were scheduled to begin July 24.<a href="https://www.olympic.org/news/joint-statement-from-the-international-olympic-committee-and-the-tokyo-2020-organising-committee">Click here to read the joint statement</a> from IOC and Tokyo organizing committee.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">After his telephone talks with IOC President Bach, PM Abe spoke to the press and explained that the two have agreed that the Tokyo Olympic Games would not be cancelled, and the games will be held by the summer of 2021. <a href="https://t.co/ihe8To2g3R">pic.twitter.com/ihe8To2g3R</a>&mdash; PM&#39;s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPN_PMO/status/1242428276464812033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The IOC says the games will be held “not later than summer 2021” but they will still be called the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To safeguard the health of the athletes and everyone involved in the Tokyo 2020 Games. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will now take place no later than summer 2021.&mdash; #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tokyo2020/status/1242440149310435328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>--------TOKYO&nbsp;(AP) — IOC President Thomas Bach has agreed “100%” to a proposal of postponing the Tokyo Olympics for about one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus outbreak, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday.Abe said after his telephone talks with Bach that he requested a postponement of about one year “taking into consideration the current circumstances” and to secure an environment in which athletes can perform in their best conditions and the sense of safety and security for the audience.Abe held telephone talks with Bach after the IOC said it would make a decision on the Tokyo Games over the next four weeks.---------

2020 Summer Olympics postponed amid coronavirus pandemic

Chalk another victim up to coronavirus. The outbreak, which has brought the world to a halt, will now stop one of the oldest traditions the world has known.

The Olympics have been postponed for the first time since World War 2. The news broke on in the middle of the day on Monday the 23rd when USA Today ran a story that featured long time International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound of Canada.&nbsp; In the article, Pound states: "On the basis of the information the IOC has, postponement has been decided,” Pound said in a phone interview. “The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know.”

The news comes on the heels of two countries (Austrailia and Canada) refusing to send their delegations and a third country in Germany calling for the IOC to postpone.&nbsp; The modern Olympics has only been cancelled five other times...both summer and winter for 1916 (World War I) and both Summer and winter in 1940 and 1944 (World War II). They would not split the summer and winter games until 1992 when the Winter games were played and then played again in 1994.&nbsp; This marks the biggest change in the sporting world due to the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp; The International Olympic Committee will make a decision soon on when the postponed games will be played.&nbsp;

Chalk another victim up to coronavirus. The outbreak, which has brought the world to a halt, will now stop one of the oldest traditions the world has known.The Olympics have been postponed for the first time since World War 2. The news broke on in the middle of the day on Monday the 23rd when USA Today ran a story that featured long time International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound of Canada.&nbsp; In the article, Pound states: "On the basis of the information the IOC has, postponement has been decided,” Pound said in a phone interview. “The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know.”The news comes on the heels of two countries (Austrailia and Canada) refusing to send their delegations and a third country in Germany calling for the IOC to postpone.&nbsp; The modern Olympics has only been cancelled five other times...both summer and winter for 1916 (World War I) and both Summer and winter in 1940 and 1944 (World War II). They would not split the summer and winter games until 1992 when the Winter games were played and then played again in 1994.&nbsp; This marks the biggest change in the sporting world due to the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp; The International Olympic Committee will make a decision soon on when the postponed games will be played.&nbsp;

Coronavirus halts Olympics for the first time since WW2 according to IOC member

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RPAC: 19-20 Boys and Girls all conference teams! 

NPHS Update: Long interview with Jordan Cudney

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SPVA all association basketball teams released 

NJCAA COVID-19 FAQs<ol>
 <li>QUESTION:&nbsp; Student-athlete X participated in 10 games of the 2020 softball season prior to the NJCAA canceling all spring sport participation. Has student-athlete X used a season of NJCAA softball eligibility? ANSWER:&nbsp;No, the NJCAA is not charging a season of eligibility for any student-athlete regardless of participation in the spring 2020 season. </li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>QUESTION:&nbsp;What is considered a spring sport in the NJCAA? ANSWER:&nbsp;Baseball, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Lacrosse, Softball, Tennis, Outdoor Track and Field</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>QUESTION:&nbsp;Since the NJCAA has cancelled all participation for spring sports for the 2020 season, what does a member institution have to do to get the student-athlete's season of eligibility reinstated? ANSWER:&nbsp;For spring 2020 sports only, it is not required to file a hardship or for the college president to submit a letter notifying the NJCAA National Office of their decision to cancel the spring 2020 season as a result of COVID-19, as previously directed.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>QUESTION:&nbsp;Our college had not yet competed in the spring 2020 season at the time of the NJCAA announcement cancelling all spring participation. Does the college still need to file spring eligibility? ANSWER:&nbsp;For the spring 2020 sport season, if the member institution has not yet filed eligibility, there is no reason to do so. No student-athlete will be charged a season of eligibility for the spring 2020 NJCAA athletic season.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>QUESTION:&nbsp;Is the current restriction on recruiting only limited to face-to-face recruiting or all recruiting practices? ANSWER:&nbsp;This restriction applies to face-to-face on and off campus recruiting.&nbsp; It is permissible to email, text, phone call, etc. recruits during this time.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>QUESTION:&nbsp;Community College A would like to host a skills camp for 9th through 12th graders during the current national recruiting restriction period. Is it permissible for the member college to host a skills clinic during this period? ANSWER:&nbsp;There is no NJCAA bylaw which would restrict this practice; however, it is not permissible to have 12th graders on campus or any other face-to-face athletic contact.&nbsp;12th graders are eligible to be signed to an NJCAA LOI and therefore are identified as recruitable. It is not permissible to hold face-to-face recruiting initiatives through April 15, 2020.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>QUESTION:&nbsp;Is it permissible to sign recruits to NJCAA Letters of Intent during this time of limited recruitment? ANSWER:&nbsp;Yes, members colleges may continue to sign recruits to NJCAA Letters of Intent provided the signings are not face-to-face.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>QUESTION:&nbsp;As some NJCAA basketball championships were cancelled, do those students regain a season of sport eligibility? ANSWER:&nbsp; No, all fall and winter NJCAA sports must meet the standard hardship requirements as outlined in Article V, Section 5.B. The special allowance only applies to the spring 2020 NJCAA sport season.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>QUESTION:&nbsp;Community College X is offering an LOI to an upcoming 2nd season athlete. The college has closed due to the coronavirus and all students are back home and no longer on campus. Does the college need to have "original" signatures on the LOI which they upload and have on file? ANSWER:&nbsp;While the NJCAA would prefer original signatures on file, original signatures are not required. It is permissible for the member institution to create a Letter of Intent, convert it to an electronic file, and send to the recruit as an attachment through email or fax.&nbsp; If the recruit accepts the offer, they could send it back via standard mail, or scan and return via email or fax; a picture of the signed Letter of Intent is not acceptable.&nbsp;The member college must secure the remaining signatures and maintain in their on-campus file in case of audit.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>QUESTION:&nbsp;If a student-athlete is a second-season athlete in the spring 2020 season and they decide to return to an NJCAA member institution the following year, would they be required to be full-time in the term which they choose to participate? What if they need less than full-time status to graduate - are they still required to be full-time in order to participate? ANSWER:&nbsp;Currently, the enrollment requirement for all NJCAA student-athletes is to be a full-time student at the school in which the student-athlete participates. However, the eligibility committee is currently discussing these types of situations. This minimum standard applies to all participation even when a student-athlete has fewer required credits than full-time status to graduate. &nbsp;</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>QUESTION:&nbsp;Is it possible to be a dual-enrolled student, taking some classes/hours at the community college and taking some classes/hours at a local four-year institution while playing at the community college. ANSWER:&nbsp;Currently, the enrollment requirement for all NJCAA student-athletes is to be a full-time student at the school in which the student-athlete participates. However, the eligibility committee is currently discussing these types of situations. This minimum standard applies to all participation even when a student-athlete has fewer required credits than full-time status to graduate.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>QUESTION:&nbsp;May student-athletes use athletic facilities to work out, including gym, weight room, and or fields? ANSWER:&nbsp;Provided the college has no restriction against any member of the general student population using the service area or facility then it is permissible for student-athletes to as well. However, it is not permissible to have organized or structured team activities as structured participation (practice, games, and championships) has been cancelled for the remainder of the spring 2020 term.&nbsp;</li>
 </ol>

NJCAA COVID - 19 FAQs

Story by NU Athletic Communications

The University of Nebraska has canceled the Red-White Spring Game on April 18 out of concern for public health and safety of fans, student-athletes and staff. &nbsp;

All ticket holders for the Spring Game will receive a full refund for their order. Tickets will be automatically refunded onto the credit card used for the original purchase or by check (cash/check transactions).

Beginning Tuesday, March 17 the Nebraska Athletic Ticket Office will be closed to the public for in-person assistance until further notice. You may still reach the Ticket Office by phone during regular business hours (M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) at 800-8-BIGRED.



Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe University of Nebraska has canceled the Red-White Spring Game on April 18 out of concern for public health and safety of fans, student-athletes and staff. &nbsp;RefundsAll ticket holders for the Spring Game will receive a full refund for their order. Tickets will be automatically refunded onto the credit card used for the original purchase or by check (cash/check transactions).Ticket Office ClosureBeginning Tuesday, March 17 the Nebraska Athletic Ticket Office will be closed to the public for in-person assistance until further notice. You may still reach the Ticket Office by phone during regular business hours (M - F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) at 800-8-BIGRED.

Huskers Cancel 2020 Football Spring Game

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The UFC has postponed its next three scheduled events through April 11. 

The mixed martial arts promotion has finally given up on President Dana White's determination to keep fighting amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

White insists he will hold UFC 249 on April 18, although he doesn't have a venue for it. Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is scheduled to fight Tony Ferguson in the promotion's biggest pay-per-view show of the spring. 

The UFC finally joined nearly every other major worldwide sports organization in postponing its events only after White heard about the White House's recommendation to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The UFC has postponed its next three scheduled events through April 11. The mixed martial arts promotion has finally given up on President Dana White's determination to keep fighting amid the coronavirus pandemic. White insists he will hold UFC 249 on April 18, although he doesn't have a venue for it. Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is scheduled to fight Tony Ferguson in the promotion's biggest pay-per-view show of the spring. The UFC finally joined nearly every other major worldwide sports organization in postponing its events only after White heard about the White House's recommendation to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.

UFC finally postpones next 3 scheduled events amid pandemic

Story by Philip Senff, NPCC Sports Information Coordinator

The National Junior College Athletic Association has cancelled all spring competition. The announcement ends the 2020 season for the North Platte Community College softball team.

“In light of the progressive evolvement of the COVID-19 situation, the NJCAA has decided to end all competition for the remainder of the academic year,” stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President &amp; CEO. “As an association, the NJCAA exhausted all possible avenues to potentially postpone competition for both upcoming basketball championships and spring sport competition. We believe following the recommendations of the CDC is in the best interest of our member colleges and our student-athletes.”

Spring competition includes all practices, regular season, postseason, and national championship play. Regarding eligibility for spring sports, no spring sport student-athlete who was enrolled at a member college in 2020 will be charged a year of participation.

For further updates please visit the North Platte Community College athletics web page at:

Story by Philip Senff, NPCC Sports Information CoordinatorThe National Junior College Athletic Association has cancelled all spring competition. The announcement ends the 2020 season for the North Platte Community College softball team.“In light of the progressive evolvement of the COVID-19 situation, the NJCAA has decided to end all competition for the remainder of the academic year,” stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President &amp; CEO. “As an association, the NJCAA exhausted all possible avenues to potentially postpone competition for both upcoming basketball championships and spring sport competition. We believe following the recommendations of the CDC is in the best interest of our member colleges and our student-athletes.”Spring competition includes all practices, regular season, postseason, and national championship play. Regarding eligibility for spring sports, no spring sport student-athlete who was enrolled at a member college in 2020 will be charged a year of participation.For further updates please visit the North Platte Community College athletics web page at:https://npccknights.com/

NJCAA cancels all spring competition

A statement released by the NSAA on March 16th:&nbsp;

"Effective Monday, March 16 all NSAA activity practices are suspended until Monday, March 30 and all NSAA activity competitions are suspended until Thursday, April 2.  These suspensions may be extended should the conditions warrant.

As more information becomes available, official updates will be posted on the NSAA website and the NSAA social media platforms."

A statement released by the NSAA on March 16th:&nbsp; "Effective Monday, March 16 all NSAA activity practices are suspended until Monday, March 30 and all NSAA activity competitions are suspended until Thursday, April 2. These suspensions may be extended should the conditions warrant.Member schools and student-participants are expected to adhere to the NSAA Constitution &amp; Bylaws and activity manuals during this time.As more information becomes available, official updates will be posted on the NSAA website and the NSAA social media platforms."

NSAA calls hiatus until April

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">The South Platte Valley Association board of directors met today and have decided to cancel all activities for the SPVA until April 24th. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hpspanthers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hpspanthers</a>&mdash; Hershey Panthers (@HersheyPanthers) <a href="https://twitter.com/HersheyPanthers/status/1239575459291189248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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SPVA updates its coronavirus closure



The Chadron State College High School Invitational track and field meet, which was scheduled for Saturday, March 21, has been canceled. No makeup date is set at this time.

The CSC track and field coaching staff will be in touch with high school coaches regarding any further details.

Chadron State's current Mid-Term Break was extended on Friday until March 22, in light of public health recommendations regarding the COVID-19 virus, and the NCAA placed a mandatory dead period on recruiting that extends through April 15.



Courtesy: CSC Athletics

The Chadron State College High School Invitational track and field meet, which was scheduled for Saturday, March 21, has been canceled. No makeup date is set at this time.The CSC track and field coaching staff will be in touch with high school coaches regarding any further details.Chadron State's current Mid-Term Break was extended on Friday until March 22, in light of public health recommendations regarding the COVID-19 virus, and the NCAA placed a mandatory dead period on recruiting that extends through April 15.

CSC High School Track-&-Field Invite canceled

The National Junior College Athletic Association has suspended all spring athletic competition beginning Saturday, March 14 through Friday, April 3, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.

This will affect six scheduled double headers for the North Platte Community College softball team. The next scheduled game for the Knights is now April 4 against Garden City Community College in North Platte.

<a href="https://npccknights.com/" target="_blank">https://npccknights.com/</a>

Story by Philip Senff NPCC Sports Information CoordinatorThe National Junior College Athletic Association has suspended all spring athletic competition beginning Saturday, March 14 through Friday, April 3, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.This will affect six scheduled double headers for the North Platte Community College softball team. The next scheduled game for the Knights is now April 4 against Garden City Community College in North Platte.For further updates please visit the North Platte Community College athletics web page at:<a href="https://npccknights.com/" target="_blank">https://npccknights.com/</a>

NJCAA suspends athletic events through April 3

NEW YORK (AP) - The NCAA is planning to extend the eligibility of athletes on spring sports teams by one year to make up for the season lost to the new coronavirus. The details of how the extra eligibility will work are still being ironed out. All three NCAA divisions would potentially allow another year for athletes in the 14 spring sports, which include baseball, softball, lacrosse and golf. The decision comes after the NCAA announced Thursday that its winter and spring championships would be canceled as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus. Some, but not all, conferences have announced that their spring sports teams would not continue their regular seasons. The NCAA Division I Council Coordination Committee sent an email Friday notifying schools of its intention. The proposal is expected to pass.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The cancellation of the NCAA basketball tournaments shook the nation. But more than two dozen other men's and women's championships won't be contested this winter and spring, either, and that doesn't include all the sports in Divisions II and III. The NCAA decision to cancel winter and spring sports championships means the College World Series will not be held for the first time in since 1946. The Division I baseball championship is the NCAA's No. 2 revenue producer and has been held in Omaha every year since 1950. The NCAA said the decision was based on the public health threat posed by the coronavirus.

NEW YORK (AP) - Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell's father, who works for the New York Mets, has tested negative for the coronavirus. Donovan Mitchell Sr. is the Mets' director of player relations and community outreach. The younger Mitchell confirmed Thursday he tested positive for the virus after Jazz teammate Rudy Gobert (goh-BEHR') became the first NBA player to test positive. The elder Mitchell was tested Thursday and a negative result was received Friday night, the Mets said in a statement.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) - The Chicago Bears have re-signed veteran inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (treh-VAY'-thuhn) to a three-year contract extension through the 2022 season. Trevathan has 327 tackles in four seasons with Bears and 602 overall in eight years with Chicago and Denver. He played on a Super Bowl champion with the Broncos. The Bears value his leadership and production. But he has missed 18 of 64 games for Chicago, including seven last season because of a gruesome elbow injury.

ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (AP) - The Denver Broncos have placed the franchise tag on fifth-year safety Justin Simmons. The tag is worth about $11.5 million. But chances are good the sides will agree on a long-term extension before the deadline in mid-July. General manager John Elway says the franchise tag designation buys the Broncos more time to work out a long-term contract with Simmons. The former Boston College star had a career year in 2019 when he set personal highs with four interceptions and 15 pass breakups. Simmons earned second-team All-Pro honors last season. Denver and also picked up the 2020 contract options on star pass rusher Von Miller, linebacker Todd Davis and kicker Brandon McManus.

NEW YORK (AP) - The NCAA is planning to extend the eligibility of athletes on spring sports teams by one year to make up for the season lost to the new coronavirus. The details of how the extra eligibility will work are still being ironed out. All three NCAA divisions would potentially allow another year for athletes in the 14 spring sports, which include baseball, softball, lacrosse and golf. The decision comes after the NCAA announced Thursday that its winter and spring championships would be canceled as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus. Some, but not all, conferences have announced that their spring sports teams would not continue their regular seasons. The NCAA Division I Council Coordination Committee sent an email Friday notifying schools of its intention. The proposal is expected to pass.OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - The cancellation of the NCAA basketball tournaments shook the nation. But more than two dozen other men's and women's championships won't be contested this winter and spring, either, and that doesn't include all the sports in Divisions II and III. The NCAA decision to cancel winter and spring sports championships means the College World Series will not be held for the first time in since 1946. The Division I baseball championship is the NCAA's No. 2 revenue producer and has been held in Omaha every year since 1950. The NCAA said the decision was based on the public health threat posed by the coronavirus.NEW YORK (AP) - Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell's father, who works for the New York Mets, has tested negative for the coronavirus. Donovan Mitchell Sr. is the Mets' director of player relations and community outreach. The younger Mitchell confirmed Thursday he tested positive for the virus after Jazz teammate Rudy Gobert (goh-BEHR') became the first NBA player to test positive. The elder Mitchell was tested Thursday and a negative result was received Friday night, the Mets said in a statement.LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) - The Chicago Bears have re-signed veteran inside linebacker Danny Trevathan (treh-VAY'-thuhn) to a three-year contract extension through the 2022 season. Trevathan has 327 tackles in four seasons with Bears and 602 overall in eight years with Chicago and Denver. He played on a Super Bowl champion with the Broncos. The Bears value his leadership and production. But he has missed 18 of 64 games for Chicago, including seven last season because of a gruesome elbow injury.ENGLEWOOD, Colorado (AP) - The Denver Broncos have placed the franchise tag on fifth-year safety Justin Simmons. The tag is worth about $11.5 million. But chances are good the sides will agree on a long-term extension before the deadline in mid-July. General manager John Elway says the franchise tag designation buys the Broncos more time to work out a long-term contract with Simmons. The former Boston College star had a career year in 2019 when he set personal highs with four interceptions and 15 pass breakups. Simmons earned second-team All-Pro honors last season. Denver and also picked up the 2020 contract options on star pass rusher Von Miller, linebacker Todd Davis and kicker Brandon McManus.

3/14 Sports news: NCAA eligibility, Broncos franchise tag

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The Midwest Championship Fighting event scheduled to take place this Saturday in North Platte has been postponed until June.

MCF owner Russ Jones made the following statement on the organization's Facebook page:

"We were informed by the Nebraska Athletic Commission (NAC) this morning, that they cannot allow us to have our show“St. Paddy’s Beatdown VIII” scheduled for March 21, 2020.

The event has been postponed until June 6, 2020.

Sorry for the inconvenience. The NAC is our governing body and we respect them greatly for what the do for our sport of mixed martial arts. We stand behind their decision on this global issue.

Please understand this is not our choice. We care a great deal about our fighters and fans and wanted to keep you informed as quickly as possible.

The tickets for this fight will work in June. See you then.

NORTH PLATTE, Neb.-The Midwest Championship Fighting event scheduled to take place this Saturday in North Platte has been postponed until June.MCF owner Russ Jones made the following statement on the organization's Facebook page:"We were informed by the Nebraska Athletic Commission (NAC) this morning, that they cannot allow us to have our show“St. Paddy’s Beatdown VIII” scheduled for March 21, 2020.The event has been postponed until June 6, 2020.Sorry for the inconvenience. The NAC is our governing body and we respect them greatly for what the do for our sport of mixed martial arts. We stand behind their decision on this global issue.Please understand this is not our choice. We care a great deal about our fighters and fans and wanted to keep you informed as quickly as possible.The tickets for this fight will work in June. See you then.Thanks for understanding.Russ JonesMCF President

MCF event postponed after Nebraska Athletic Commission says no go

Updated March 12, 2020 3:15pm Central time

National Junior College Athletic Association

Updated March 12, 2020 3:15pm Central time<h2>Local</h2>NSAA Boys State Basketball tournament<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Just confirmed with the Nebraska Athletic department: The NSAA has been informed state basketball can continue through Friday’s games at Devaney. Pinnacle Bank Arena is not owned by UNL, so any other facilities decisions would be separate. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/nebpreps?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#nebpreps</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Channel8ABC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Channel8ABC</a>&mdash; Matt Reynoldson (@MattReynKLKN) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattReynKLKN/status/1238154200363741184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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</div><h2>National</h2>NCAA<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NCAA cancels remaining winter and spring championships: <a href="https://t.co/p4vCzvzmvo">https://t.co/p4vCzvzmvo</a> <a href="https://t.co/yqAHak4HO5">pic.twitter.com/yqAHak4HO5</a>&mdash; Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) <a href="https://twitter.com/InsidetheNCAA/status/1238197263358464001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Major League Baseball<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Statement from Major League Baseball: <a href="https://t.co/0bWS5VTRPu">pic.twitter.com/0bWS5VTRPu</a>&mdash; MLB (@MLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1238180549174362117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Major League Soccer<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Major League Soccer Suspends Season for 30 Days <a href="https://t.co/P0HEPmsnkx">pic.twitter.com/P0HEPmsnkx</a>&mdash; Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1238128176502628353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Professional Golf Association<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Official statement from <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PGATOUR</a> Commissioner Jay Monahan. Tour events will occur without fans in attendance for the foreseeable future. <a href="https://t.co/reFkxdrVa6">pic.twitter.com/reFkxdrVa6</a>&mdash; Front Office Sports (@frntofficesport) <a href="https://twitter.com/frntofficesport/status/1238164130999070722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>National Junior College Athletic Association<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">Update - <a href="https://twitter.com/NJCAA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NJCAA</a> to postpone upcoming DI, DII basketball national championships, alter DIII tournaments currently underway. Statement | <a href="https://t.co/3IX4UjTBLt">https://t.co/3IX4UjTBLt</a> <a href="https://t.co/QfqGZjfP9D">pic.twitter.com/QfqGZjfP9D</a>&mdash; NJCAA (@NJCAA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NJCAA/status/1238162866177540097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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</div>National Lacrosse League (indoor)<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">An update from the NLL ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/f7ONEdm2PI">https://t.co/f7ONEdm2PI</a> <a href="https://t.co/Lri9C2VkFl">pic.twitter.com/Lri9C2VkFl</a>&mdash; Colorado Mammoth (@MammothLax) <a href="https://twitter.com/MammothLax/status/1238149920349016069?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>National Hockey League<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The <a href="https://twitter.com/NHL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NHL</a> pauses 2019-20 season. <a href="https://t.co/WMePei4clH">https://t.co/WMePei4clH</a> <a href="https://t.co/W5Hqmk3kX7">pic.twitter.com/W5Hqmk3kX7</a>&mdash; NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/PR_NHL/status/1238156578731294721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>National Basketball Association<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">NBA To Suspend Season Following Tonight&#39;s Games <a href="https://t.co/2PTx2fkLlW">pic.twitter.com/2PTx2fkLlW</a>&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1237917831506857989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>SEC<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ALERT: Based on the latest developments and the continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19, the Southeastern Conference today announced the cancellation of the remainder of the 2020 Men’s Basketball Tournament in Nashville.&mdash; Southeastern Conference (@SEC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEC/status/1238129386848768000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Big Ten<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Big Ten Conference announced today that it will be canceling the remainder of the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament, effective immediately.<a href="https://t.co/MeQMNScXKQ">https://t.co/MeQMNScXKQ</a>&mdash; Big Ten Conference (@bigten) <a href="https://twitter.com/bigten/status/1238130102745083904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Big 12<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The <a href="https://twitter.com/Big12Conference?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Big12Conference</a> has announced the immediate suspension of all Conference championships until April 15, resulting in the cancellation of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Basketball Championships. Conducting future Big 12 championships this season will be evaluated by April 15. <a href="https://t.co/HIGxfSrlLn">pic.twitter.com/HIGxfSrlLn</a>&mdash; Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) <a href="https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1238142825868464130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Pac-12<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Pac-12 statement on men&#39;s basketball tournament, Pac-12 sport competitions &amp; Pac-12 championship events: <a href="https://t.co/HjJvki3LOT">pic.twitter.com/HjJvki3LOT</a>&mdash; Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) <a href="https://twitter.com/pac12/status/1238137030594269184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>ACC<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A statement on the cancellation of the 2020 Men&#39;s Basketball Championship. <a href="https://t.co/62bAK0PuGn">pic.twitter.com/62bAK0PuGn</a>&mdash; The American (@American_Conf) <a href="https://twitter.com/American_Conf/status/1238129424370982912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>NASCAR<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/mmvs7SFd3Q">pic.twitter.com/mmvs7SFd3Q</a>&mdash; NASCAR (@NASCAR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1238156124727238657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Mountain West Conference<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Mountain West Suspends Spring Sports Competitions <a href="https://t.co/cpD4rAokzO">pic.twitter.com/cpD4rAokzO</a>&mdash; Mountain West (@MountainWest) <a href="https://twitter.com/MountainWest/status/1238163276829274113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Coronavirus and sports: Where do we stand? What is closed?

<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/3T3VRF3R7S">pic.twitter.com/3T3VRF3R7S</a>&mdash; Fred Hoiberg (@CoachHoiberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachHoiberg/status/1238093512941490177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Hoiberg statement on coaching with the flu

The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak's affect on sports around the globe (all times EDT):

NCAA President Mark Emmert says NCAA Division I basketball tournament games will be played without fans in the arenas because of concerns about the spread of coronavirus.

Emmert said in a statement Wednesday he made the decision to conduct both the men's and women's tournaments, which begin next week, with only essential staff and limited family in attendance.

NASCAR and IndyCar plan to race as scheduled this weekend, with IndyCar continuing to move ahead with its season-opening race through the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.

The three-day downtown street festival draws about 130,000 people. There will be additional hand-washing and sanitizing stations.

NASCAR will race at Altanta Motor Speedway, but said officials Wednesday all driver interviews will be done with the drivers either on risers or with 6-foot buffers around them. The pre-race driver meeting will be held in open-air locations and attendance will be restricted to drivers, crew chiefs, team owners and select officials and dignitaries.

The promoters of the Long Beach Grand Prix, scheduled for April outside of Los Angeles, said Wednesday the race is still planned.

Roger Penske, readying for his first Indianapolis 500 as owner of the race, told The Associated Press by text message he's approaching the scheduled May 24 race "day by day" while noting the 500 is nearly 90 days away.

A global esports league with teams in North America, Europe and Asia is canceling all matches through March and April because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Overwatch League launched an ambitious home-and-away schedule for its 20 franchises in February but already had postponed all events in China and South Korea due to the outbreak. The league announced the latest cancellations in a statement Wednesday.

The league's players come from countries around the globe. OWL says it is "considering the various options available to esports."

Blizzard Entertainment, which operates the Overwatch and Call of Duty Leagues, said scheduling considerations also are being addressed for the latter.

The World Figure Skating Championships set for next week in Montreal have been canceled due to public health concerns related to the spread of the new coronavirus.

Quebec Province Health Minister Danielle McCann made the announcement Wednesday.

The event was scheduled to bring nearly 200 skaters from more than 50 countries to Montreal. It is the premier competition of the skating season in non-Olympic years. It is scheduled for Stockholm next year.

On Saturday, the Women's World Hockey Championships in Nova Scotia were called off.

Nebraska is the latest state to limit attendance or cancel a state high school championship tournament.

The Nebraska boys' basketball tournament will be played as scheduled Thursday through Saturday, but the only fans allowed into the venues will be participants' immediate families.

The Lincoln and Lancaster County Health Department recommended limiting spectators because of concern about the spread of coronavirus. Health officials announced this week that a Crofton High School student who attended the girls' tournament in Lincoln last week was diagnosed with COVID-19.

Ohio announced that only participants' families and media will be allowed to attend winter sports postseason tournaments.

Connecticut has canceled the remainder of its winter sports seasons as well as state tournaments.

Boys' and girls' basketball tournaments in New York and Pennsylvania have been disrupted because several schools have declined to host games, forcing them to be rescheduled.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he will be issuing an order regarding "mass gatherings" due to the coronavirus that will affect NCAA Tournament games in Cleveland and Dayton.

DeWine says the order will include banning spectators from games and that he'll be asking people to make "informed decisions."

During a news conference Wednesday, DeWine said he will issue an order in the next 24 to 36 hours. Dayton will host the NCAA's First Four next week at Dayton Arena, and first- and second-round games will be held in Cleveland's Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

"The order will be that there cannot be spectators there," DeWine said. "There certainly will be people - there will be TV people, there can be radio people there, there can be sports writers, certainly can be the media there. But we're not going to have the large crowd."

DeWine applauded the Mid-American Conference for closing its tournament games to the general public this week.

A Division III college athletic conference in the northeastern United States has canceled its conference schedule for the spring season.

The New England Small College Athletic Conference says the decision comes as many NESCAC schools have told students to return home and to complete the semester remotely because of the spread of the coronavirus.

The decision relates specifically to the conference regular-season and championship schedules. It does not discuss nonconference play.

The NESCAC comprises 11 institutions. They are Bates, Bowdoin and Colby colleges in Maine; Amherst College, Tufts University and Williams College in Massachusetts; Trinity College, Connecticut College and Wesleyan University in Connecticut; Middlebury College in Vermont; and Hamilton College in New York.

Skiing officials have called off the last races of the women's Alpine skiing World Cup because of public health concerns related to the spread of the coronavirus.

The decision to call off the three-day event in Are, Sweden, hands Federica Brignone of Italy the overall title and denies Mikaela Shiffrin a return to racing this season.

Brignone becomes the first Italian women's overall champion in the 53-year history of the World Cup.

Shiffrin, the defending overall champion, had announced earlier Wednesday that she would compete at the event after taking a six-week break from the sport following the death of her father.

During her absence, Shiffrin lost her lead in the overall standings to Brignone, who is 153 points ahead of the American. There would have been a total of 300 points up for grabs in the last three races.

The International Ski Federation announced the cancellation less than 24 hours before the first race, Thursday's parallel giant slalom.

Next week's World Cup finals for both women and men in Cortina d'Ampezzo already had been canceled because of the virus outbreak in northern Italy.

The Fed Cup finals have been postponed indefinitely in response to concerns about the spread of the new coronavirus.

The 12-team women's tennis tournament was set to be played April 14-19 in Budapest, Hungary. The International Tennis Federation said it still hopes to stage the event in 2020, but did not announce a date.

The Fed Cup serves as a qualifying event for the Olympics and the ITF said it "is working closely with the IOC to address any impact this may have on athlete eligibility" for the Tokyo Games.

All playoff matches between lower-ranked teams, which were set to be played in eight locations around the world, were also postponed.

ITF President David Haggerty said "we are extremely disappointed to have to make this decision, but we will not risk the safety and welfare of players, captains, event staff or spectators."

The Fed Cup finals features a new format this year with 12 teams competing in four groups before a knockout phase. The United States is set to play Spain and Slovakia in Group C.

An exhibition baseball game in San Francisco between the Giants and Oakland Athletics has been canceled because of the virus outbreak.

The Bay Area teams were set to play at Oracle Park on March 24. That was two days before the start of the regular season in Major League Baseball.

The announcement came Wednesday after the San Francisco mayor banned gatherings of 1,000 or more people.

San Francisco is banning all large gatherings of more than 1,000 people for the next two weeks and the Golden State Warriors intend to play at least one home game without fans.

Mayor London Breed announced the ban Wednesday. She says she understands the order "is disruptive, but it is an important step to support public health." She says the Warriors are in support of the efforts, and the team announced it would host the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night with no fans, making it the first NBA game set to be played in an empty arena.

The Warriors' next home game after that is March 25 against Atlanta.

Golden State also said all events through March 21 would be canceled or postponed. The G League Santa Cruz Warriors were set to host the Austin Spurs on Saturday, but that will be moved to Santa Cruz.

Fans will receive refunds, the team said.

The Mariners will move home games from Seattle through end of March following the state of Washington's decision to ban large group events in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Seattle had been scheduled to open the season at Safeco Field with a four-game series against Texas from March 26-29, then host Minnesota in a three-game series from March 30 through April 1.

The Mariners say they are working with the commissioner's office on alternative plans.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday announced a ban on all large gatherings in the three counties of the Seattle metro area through at least the end of March.

That decision affects the Seattle Mariners' first seven games of the season, when they host the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins. It also applies to home games for the MLS Seattle Sounders, XFL Seattle Dragons and a pair of junior hockey teams in the area.

The restrictions do not include Spokane, where NCAA Tournament games are scheduled to take place next week. The men's first and second rounds are being played at the Spokane Arena, while early rounds of the women's tournament could end up being played on campus at Gonzaga.

Stanford is still willing to host the NCAA women's basketball tournament with a strict limit on spectators if selected to do so next week.

The school in Northern California said Wednesday that all sporting events on campus will be closed to the public through May 15 or until further notice in response to the spread of the new coronavirus.

Only participants, coaches, working staff, officials, credentialed media and a very limited number of family members, friends and guests of the competing teams will be allowed to attend. Santa Clara County announced a ban earlier this week of gatherings of more than 1,000 people.

The seventh-ranked Cardinal were expected to be picked as a host for the tournament that starts March 20. The top 16 teams are picked as hosts of the opening two rounds.

The NCAA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

One of college basketball's postseason invitational tournaments has been canceled.

Organizers of the College Basketball Invitational, widely known as the CBI, say they've decided to cancel this year's event because of the "uncertainty about the coronavirus and the impact it is having on college campuses across the country."

The tournament is played at campus sites for teams that aren't invited to the NCAA Tournament or the NIT.

The statement issued Wednesday says officials look forward to bringing back the CBI in 2021.

The Latest on the coronavirus outbreak's affect on sports around the globe (all times EDT):4:40 p.m.NCAA President Mark Emmert says NCAA Division I basketball tournament games will be played without fans in the arenas because of concerns about the spread of coronavirus.Emmert said in a statement Wednesday he made the decision to conduct both the men's and women's tournaments, which begin next week, with only essential staff and limited family in attendance.4:30 p.m.NASCAR and IndyCar plan to race as scheduled this weekend, with IndyCar continuing to move ahead with its season-opening race through the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.The three-day downtown street festival draws about 130,000 people. There will be additional hand-washing and sanitizing stations.NASCAR will race at Altanta Motor Speedway, but said officials Wednesday all driver interviews will be done with the drivers either on risers or with 6-foot buffers around them. The pre-race driver meeting will be held in open-air locations and attendance will be restricted to drivers, crew chiefs, team owners and select officials and dignitaries.The promoters of the Long Beach Grand Prix, scheduled for April outside of Los Angeles, said Wednesday the race is still planned.Roger Penske, readying for his first Indianapolis 500 as owner of the race, told The Associated Press by text message he's approaching the scheduled May 24 race "day by day" while noting the 500 is nearly 90 days away.- Reporting by Jenna Fryer--4:25 p.m.A global esports league with teams in North America, Europe and Asia is canceling all matches through March and April because of the coronavirus pandemic.The Overwatch League launched an ambitious home-and-away schedule for its 20 franchises in February but already had postponed all events in China and South Korea due to the outbreak. The league announced the latest cancellations in a statement Wednesday.The league's players come from countries around the globe. OWL says it is "considering the various options available to esports."Blizzard Entertainment, which operates the Overwatch and Call of Duty Leagues, said scheduling considerations also are being addressed for the latter.--4:10 p.m.The World Figure Skating Championships set for next week in Montreal have been canceled due to public health concerns related to the spread of the new coronavirus.Quebec Province Health Minister Danielle McCann made the announcement Wednesday.The event was scheduled to bring nearly 200 skaters from more than 50 countries to Montreal. It is the premier competition of the skating season in non-Olympic years. It is scheduled for Stockholm next year.On Saturday, the Women's World Hockey Championships in Nova Scotia were called off.--4 p.m.Nebraska is the latest state to limit attendance or cancel a state high school championship tournament.The Nebraska boys' basketball tournament will be played as scheduled Thursday through Saturday, but the only fans allowed into the venues will be participants' immediate families.The Lincoln and Lancaster County Health Department recommended limiting spectators because of concern about the spread of coronavirus. Health officials announced this week that a Crofton High School student who attended the girls' tournament in Lincoln last week was diagnosed with COVID-19.Ohio announced that only participants' families and media will be allowed to attend winter sports postseason tournaments.Connecticut has canceled the remainder of its winter sports seasons as well as state tournaments.Boys' and girls' basketball tournaments in New York and Pennsylvania have been disrupted because several schools have declined to host games, forcing them to be rescheduled.- Reporting by Eric Olson--3:45 p.m.Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he will be issuing an order regarding "mass gatherings" due to the coronavirus that will affect NCAA Tournament games in Cleveland and Dayton.DeWine says the order will include banning spectators from games and that he'll be asking people to make "informed decisions."During a news conference Wednesday, DeWine said he will issue an order in the next 24 to 36 hours. Dayton will host the NCAA's First Four next week at Dayton Arena, and first- and second-round games will be held in Cleveland's Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse."The order will be that there cannot be spectators there," DeWine said. "There certainly will be people - there will be TV people, there can be radio people there, there can be sports writers, certainly can be the media there. But we're not going to have the large crowd."DeWine applauded the Mid-American Conference for closing its tournament games to the general public this week.- Reporting by Tom Withers--3:35 p.m.A Division III college athletic conference in the northeastern United States has canceled its conference schedule for the spring season.The New England Small College Athletic Conference says the decision comes as many NESCAC schools have told students to return home and to complete the semester remotely because of the spread of the coronavirus.The decision relates specifically to the conference regular-season and championship schedules. It does not discuss nonconference play.The NESCAC comprises 11 institutions. They are Bates, Bowdoin and Colby colleges in Maine; Amherst College, Tufts University and Williams College in Massachusetts; Trinity College, Connecticut College and Wesleyan University in Connecticut; Middlebury College in Vermont; and Hamilton College in New York.--3:20 p.m.Skiing officials have called off the last races of the women's Alpine skiing World Cup because of public health concerns related to the spread of the coronavirus.The decision to call off the three-day event in Are, Sweden, hands Federica Brignone of Italy the overall title and denies Mikaela Shiffrin a return to racing this season.Brignone becomes the first Italian women's overall champion in the 53-year history of the World Cup.Shiffrin, the defending overall champion, had announced earlier Wednesday that she would compete at the event after taking a six-week break from the sport following the death of her father.During her absence, Shiffrin lost her lead in the overall standings to Brignone, who is 153 points ahead of the American. There would have been a total of 300 points up for grabs in the last three races.The International Ski Federation announced the cancellation less than 24 hours before the first race, Thursday's parallel giant slalom.Next week's World Cup finals for both women and men in Cortina d'Ampezzo already had been canceled because of the virus outbreak in northern Italy.--2:45 p.m.The Fed Cup finals have been postponed indefinitely in response to concerns about the spread of the new coronavirus.The 12-team women's tennis tournament was set to be played April 14-19 in Budapest, Hungary. The International Tennis Federation said it still hopes to stage the event in 2020, but did not announce a date.The Fed Cup serves as a qualifying event for the Olympics and the ITF said it "is working closely with the IOC to address any impact this may have on athlete eligibility" for the Tokyo Games.All playoff matches between lower-ranked teams, which were set to be played in eight locations around the world, were also postponed.ITF President David Haggerty said "we are extremely disappointed to have to make this decision, but we will not risk the safety and welfare of players, captains, event staff or spectators."The Fed Cup finals features a new format this year with 12 teams competing in four groups before a knockout phase. The United States is set to play Spain and Slovakia in Group C.--2:35 p.m.An exhibition baseball game in San Francisco between the Giants and Oakland Athletics has been canceled because of the virus outbreak.The Bay Area teams were set to play at Oracle Park on March 24. That was two days before the start of the regular season in Major League Baseball.The announcement came Wednesday after the San Francisco mayor banned gatherings of 1,000 or more people.___2:30 p.m.San Francisco is banning all large gatherings of more than 1,000 people for the next two weeks and the Golden State Warriors intend to play at least one home game without fans.Mayor London Breed announced the ban Wednesday. She says she understands the order "is disruptive, but it is an important step to support public health." She says the Warriors are in support of the efforts, and the team announced it would host the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night with no fans, making it the first NBA game set to be played in an empty arena.The Warriors' next home game after that is March 25 against Atlanta.Golden State also said all events through March 21 would be canceled or postponed. The G League Santa Cruz Warriors were set to host the Austin Spurs on Saturday, but that will be moved to Santa Cruz.Fans will receive refunds, the team said.- Reporting by Janie McCauley--2:05 p.m.The Mariners will move home games from Seattle through end of March following the state of Washington's decision to ban large group events in response to the coronavirus outbreak.Seattle had been scheduled to open the season at Safeco Field with a four-game series against Texas from March 26-29, then host Minnesota in a three-game series from March 30 through April 1.The Mariners say they are working with the commissioner's office on alternative plans.Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday announced a ban on all large gatherings in the three counties of the Seattle metro area through at least the end of March.That decision affects the Seattle Mariners' first seven games of the season, when they host the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins. It also applies to home games for the MLS Seattle Sounders, XFL Seattle Dragons and a pair of junior hockey teams in the area.The restrictions do not include Spokane, where NCAA Tournament games are scheduled to take place next week. The men's first and second rounds are being played at the Spokane Arena, while early rounds of the women's tournament could end up being played on campus at Gonzaga.___1:35 p.m.Stanford is still willing to host the NCAA women's basketball tournament with a strict limit on spectators if selected to do so next week.The school in Northern California said Wednesday that all sporting events on campus will be closed to the public through May 15 or until further notice in response to the spread of the new coronavirus.Only participants, coaches, working staff, officials, credentialed media and a very limited number of family members, friends and guests of the competing teams will be allowed to attend. Santa Clara County announced a ban earlier this week of gatherings of more than 1,000 people.The seventh-ranked Cardinal were expected to be picked as a host for the tournament that starts March 20. The top 16 teams are picked as hosts of the opening two rounds.The NCAA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.-- Reporting by Josh Dubow___1:20 p.m.One of college basketball's postseason invitational tournaments has been canceled.Organizers of the College Basketball Invitational, widely known as the CBI, say they've decided to cancel this year's event because of the "uncertainty about the coronavirus and the impact it is having on college campuses across the country."The tournament is played at campus sites for teams that aren't invited to the NCAA Tournament or the NIT.The statement issued Wednesday says officials look forward to bringing back the CBI in 2021.___1 p.m.The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases told a congressional committee Wednesday that he would recommend the NBA not allow fans at games in response to the coronavirus.That answer by Dr. Anthony Fauci came hours before NBA owners are scheduled to meet to discuss the next steps in responding to the growing concern about the virus.Fauci was responding to a question from Rep. Glenn Grothman, a Wisconsin Republican, during a meeting of the House Oversight Committee. Grothman asked, "Is the NBA underreacting or is the Ivy League overreacting?" He was referencing how the Ivy League recently canceled its basketball tournaments, instead of having them played without fans in attendance or keeping the status quo."We would recommend that there not be large crowds," Fauci said. "If that means not having any people in the audience when the NBA plays, so be it. But as a public health official, anything that has crowds is something that would give a risk to spread."

Coronavirus affects sporting events around the globe

Lincoln, NE – March 11, 2020 – Based on the recommendations made by the Mayor’s Office of the City of Lincoln, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department and the Nebraska Department of Education, the 2020 NSAA Boys State Basketball Championships will proceed as scheduled, but fan attendance will be limited.&nbsp; The tournament venues and game times remain the same.

Attendance will be limited to the varsity players, coaches, team support personnel (athletic trainers and student managers) and school administrators of the qualifying schools and their immediate families.&nbsp; Immediate family includes parents, stepparents, guardians, siblings, other members living in the athlete’s household, and grandparents.&nbsp; School administrators will be required to provide a list of those persons meeting the qualifications for entry.&nbsp; School administrators will be at the entrance of each venue to identify and grant entry to those persons on the list.&nbsp; Those entering the venue will be required to purchase a ticket or may use previously purchased tickets or passes.&nbsp; Pre-purchased online tickets will not be honored.

We regret that non-varsity boys’ basketball participants, cheerleaders, dance teams, school mascots and pep bands may not attend the games.&nbsp; In addition, the US Bank Believers and Achievers award and NSAA Distinguished Service Awards will not be presented at this event but will be rescheduled.

Anyone not on the approved list who previously purchased a ticket will not be allowed entry.&nbsp; Passes will not be honored including NCA Gold Card, NSAA Courtesy Passes and Lifetime passes.&nbsp; This measure is to protect the health and safety of the student athletes, their families and the public at large.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Members of the media with NSAA issued credentials will be allowed entry at all venues.&nbsp; The NSAA is working with local media outlets to video stream and/or televise the games.&nbsp; More information will be posted on the NSAA website as it becomes available.

This is an unprecedented event, the NSAA Board of Directors and staff understand the hardship this has created for our membership.&nbsp; But we felt that our student-athletes should have the opportunity to compete while also complying with the recommendations of our local health and government officials.&nbsp; We look forward to providing the best possible experience for our member schools, student-athletes and their families.

Lincoln, NE – March 11, 2020 – Based on the recommendations made by the Mayor’s Office of the City of Lincoln, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department and the Nebraska Department of Education, the 2020 NSAA Boys State Basketball Championships will proceed as scheduled, but fan attendance will be limited.&nbsp; The tournament venues and game times remain the same.Attendance will be limited to the varsity players, coaches, team support personnel (athletic trainers and student managers) and school administrators of the qualifying schools and their immediate families.&nbsp; Immediate family includes parents, stepparents, guardians, siblings, other members living in the athlete’s household, and grandparents.&nbsp; School administrators will be required to provide a list of those persons meeting the qualifications for entry.&nbsp; School administrators will be at the entrance of each venue to identify and grant entry to those persons on the list.&nbsp; Those entering the venue will be required to purchase a ticket or may use previously purchased tickets or passes.&nbsp; Pre-purchased online tickets will not be honored.We regret that non-varsity boys’ basketball participants, cheerleaders, dance teams, school mascots and pep bands may not attend the games.&nbsp; In addition, the US Bank Believers and Achievers award and NSAA Distinguished Service Awards will not be presented at this event but will be rescheduled.Anyone not on the approved list who previously purchased a ticket will not be allowed entry.&nbsp; Passes will not be honored including NCA Gold Card, NSAA Courtesy Passes and Lifetime passes.&nbsp; This measure is to protect the health and safety of the student athletes, their families and the public at large.&nbsp;&nbsp;Members of the media with NSAA issued credentials will be allowed entry at all venues.&nbsp; The NSAA is working with local media outlets to video stream and/or televise the games.&nbsp; More information will be posted on the NSAA website as it becomes available.This is an unprecedented event, the NSAA Board of Directors and staff understand the hardship this has created for our membership.&nbsp; But we felt that our student-athletes should have the opportunity to compete while also complying with the recommendations of our local health and government officials.&nbsp; We look forward to providing the best possible experience for our member schools, student-athletes and their families.

NSAA Boys Basketball announcement 

By Scott Carlson-NP Post LINCOLN, Neb.-To play or not to play is not necessarily the question being asked in reference to the Nebraska Boys State Basketball Tournament in Lincoln. Rather, the question is who will be allowed to watch.

Health officials in the City of Lincoln held a news conference this morning and recommended that the tournament, which starts tomorrow, be played with immediate family only allowed to spectate.

According to the NSAA, teams will construct a "pass list" that they will turn over to NSAA. Anyone on the new pass list will have to buy new tickets to the events.&nbsp;

The recommendation comes after confirmation of a fifth case of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Nebraska.

Officials say a high-school-aged student who tested positive for COVID-19 attended two games at the Girls State Basketball Tournament last weekend and went down onto the floor after the game to hug family members, potentially exposing hundreds of people to the virus, according to officials.

The woman reportedly stayed with family members in Lincoln, and those family members are now in self-quarantine.

The Nebraska School Activities Association is meeting to discuss what the tournament this weekend will look like and who will be allowed in venues during the tournament.

This is a developing story. We will have more details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1583715028344.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By Scott Carlson-NP Post LINCOLN, Neb.-To play or not to play is not necessarily the question being asked in reference to the Nebraska Boys State Basketball Tournament in Lincoln. Rather, the question is who will be allowed to watch.Health officials in the City of Lincoln held a news conference this morning and recommended that the tournament, which starts tomorrow, be played with immediate family only allowed to spectate.According to the NSAA, teams will construct a "pass list" that they will turn over to NSAA. Anyone on the new pass list will have to buy new tickets to the events.&nbsp;The recommendation comes after confirmation of a fifth case of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Nebraska.Officials say a high-school-aged student who tested positive for COVID-19 attended two games at the Girls State Basketball Tournament last weekend and went down onto the floor after the game to hug family members, potentially exposing hundreds of people to the virus, according to officials.The woman reportedly stayed with family members in Lincoln, and those family members are now in self-quarantine.The Nebraska School Activities Association is meeting to discuss what the tournament this weekend will look like and who will be allowed in venues during the tournament.This is a developing story. We will have more details as they become available.

Health Officials: Boys state basketball tournament should be played with no fans

Nebraska men's basketball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1500">Fred Hoiberg</a>&nbsp;announced Tuesday afternoon that Husker football players Brant Banks and Noah Vedral have been added the basketball program. Both players will accompany the team to the Big Ten Tournament and will be available for&nbsp; Wednesday's first-round game against Indiana.

No. Name&nbsp;Pos.&nbsp;Ht.&nbsp;Wt.&nbsp;Yr.&nbsp;Hometown&nbsp;Previous School

2 Noah Vedral&nbsp;G&nbsp;6-1&nbsp;200&nbsp;So.&nbsp;Wahoo, Neb.&nbsp;UCF

32 Brant Banks&nbsp;F&nbsp;6-7&nbsp;300&nbsp;Fr.&nbsp;Houston, Texas&nbsp;Westbury Christian

• Served as Nebraska's backup quarterback in 2019, playing in six games with a pair of starts

• Completed 14-of-16 passes for 201 yards and rushed seven times for 21 yards and two scores vs. Indiana

• Started his career at UCF under Coach Frost, playing in eight games as a true freshman as the Knights went a perfect 13-0

• Named the Lincoln Journal Star Co-Athlete of the Year in 2017, as he played football, basketball and track at Bishop Neumann High School

• Played four years of basketball, helping the school to three C-1 state titles and a 98-16 record

• Two-time all-state pick who totaled 1,286 points and 267 career steals

• Averaged 13.6 ppg as a senior and 14.1 ppg as a junior, leading Bishop Neumann HS to back-to-back state titles

• Redshirted in football in 2019, but took advantage of the rule allowing up to four games, as he saw action at offensive tackle in NU's win

• Was a first-team all-district honoree at offensive tackle as well as a second-team all-district pick on the defensive side of the ball at

• Averaged 11.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game as a junior, as he did not play as a senior as he enrolled at Nebraska in January of 2019



Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska men's basketball coach&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/coaches.aspx?rc=1500">Fred Hoiberg</a>&nbsp;announced Tuesday afternoon that Husker football players Brant Banks and Noah Vedral have been added the basketball program. Both players will accompany the team to the Big Ten Tournament and will be available for&nbsp; Wednesday's first-round game against Indiana.No. Name&nbsp;Pos.&nbsp;Ht.&nbsp;Wt.&nbsp;Yr.&nbsp;Hometown&nbsp;Previous School2 Noah Vedral&nbsp;G&nbsp;6-1&nbsp;200&nbsp;So.&nbsp;Wahoo, Neb.&nbsp;UCF32 Brant Banks&nbsp;F&nbsp;6-7&nbsp;300&nbsp;Fr.&nbsp;Houston, Texas&nbsp;Westbury ChristianNoah Vedral• Served as Nebraska's backup quarterback in 2019, playing in six games with a pair of starts• Completed 14-of-16 passes for 201 yards and rushed seven times for 21 yards and two scores vs. Indiana• Started his career at UCF under Coach Frost, playing in eight games as a true freshman as the Knights went a perfect 13-0• Named the Lincoln Journal Star Co-Athlete of the Year in 2017, as he played football, basketball and track at Bishop Neumann High School• Played four years of basketball, helping the school to three C-1 state titles and a 98-16 record• Two-time all-state pick who totaled 1,286 points and 267 career steals• Averaged 13.6 ppg as a senior and 14.1 ppg as a junior, leading Bishop Neumann HS to back-to-back state titlesBrant Banks• Redshirted in football in 2019, but took advantage of the rule allowing up to four games, as he saw action at offensive tackle in NU's winover Maryland• Was a first-team all-district honoree at offensive tackle as well as a second-team all-district pick on the defensive side of the ball atWestbury Christian High School in 2018• Averaged 11.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game as a junior, as he did not play as a senior as he enrolled at Nebraska in January of 2019

Two Added to Husker Roster for Big Ten Tournament

Husker men's basketball players Cam Mack and Haanif Cheatham were recognized by the Big Ten, as the conference announced its 2019-20 awards Monday afternoon.

Mack was an honorable-mention selection by the media after averaging 11.6 points, 6.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game in Big Ten play. He ranked second in the conference in assists per game and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.7-to-1). He totaled four double-doubles in conference play, highlighted by the first triple-double in school history in a win over Purdue on Dec. 15.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsHusker men's basketball players Cam Mack and Haanif Cheatham were recognized by the Big Ten, as the conference announced its 2019-20 awards Monday afternoon.Mack was an honorable-mention selection by the media after averaging 11.6 points, 6.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game in Big Ten play. He ranked second in the conference in assists per game and assist-to-turnover ratio (2.7-to-1). He totaled four double-doubles in conference play, highlighted by the first triple-double in school history in a win over Purdue on Dec. 15.Cheatham was Nebraska's nominee for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award for his contributions on and off the court this season. One of only two seniors on the 2019-20 roster, Cheatham led the Huskers and ranked 14th in scoring in Big Ten play at 13.1 points per game. He also ranked third in the Big Ten in steals (1.3 spg) in conference play while adding 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, as he started all 20 Big Ten contests. Cheatham reached double figures in 15 of 20 conference games, including a trio of 20-point efforts.The Huskers open Big Ten Tournament action on Wednesday evening, as Nebraska takes on Indiana. Tipoff is set for 25 minutes following the conclusion of the first-round game between Northwestern and Minnesota. The game can be seen on BTN and heard on the Learfield IMG College Husker Sports Network.