As the hot debate regarding whether or not college athletes deserve to be financially compensated and receive endorsements rages on, the NCAA Board of Governors expressed support for rule changes in a meeting this week that would allow student athletes to obtain third-party endorsements and profit off their likeness while operating under the NCAA’s guidelines that were originally introduced in October.

Under the proposed rule changes, athletes seeking monetary compensation would be permitted to “identifiy themselves by sport and school” while making personal appearances, starting businesses and financially benefiting from social media opportunities. However, any use of school and conference logos is prohibited and the board emphasized that a university should never “pay student athletes for name, image and likeness activities,” the NCAA’s website said.

The board also told the three divisions of the NCAA to discuss the proposed rule changes that were recommended by the association’s Federal and State Legislation Working Group.

“Throughout our efforts to enhance support for college athletes, the NCAA has relied upon considerable feedback from and the engagement of our members, including numerous student-athletes, from all three divisions,” said Michael Drake, chair of the board and president of Ohio State. “Allowing promotions and third-party endorsements is uncharted territory.”

The three divisions are expected to implement the new rules by January and have them go into effect by the start of the 2021-22 academic year.

“The NCAA’s work to modernize name, image and likeness continues, and we plan to make these important changes on the original timeline, no later than January 2021,” said Gene Smith, Ohio State senior vice president and athletics director and working group co-chair. “The board’s decision today provides further guidance to each division as they create and adopt appropriate rules changes.”

Any rule changes made by the three divisions must correspond with the following “guiding principles,” according to the NCAA’s website:

• Ensuring student-athletes are treated similarly to nonathlete students unless a compelling reason exists to differentiate.
• Maintaining the priorities of education and the collegiate experience to provide opportunities for student-athlete success.
• Ensuring rules are transparent, focused and enforceable, and facilitating fair and balanced competition.
• Making clear the distinction between collegiate and professional opportunities.
• Making clear that compensation for athletics performance or participation is impermissible.
• Reaffirming that student-athletes are students first and not employees of the university.
• Enhancing principles of diversity, inclusion and gender equity.
• Protecting the recruiting environment and prohibiting inducements to select, remain at or transfer to a specific institution.

“As we evolve, the Association will continue to identify the guardrails to further support student-athletes within the context of college sports and higher education,” said Val Ackerman, commissioner of the Big East and working group co-chair. “In addition, we are mindful of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education, college sports and students at large. We hope that modernized name, image and likeness rules will further assist college athletes during these unprecedented times and beyond.”

CORONAVIRUS FAQ: WIKI OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

There was no secret that the Patriots needed to upgrade their special teams depth coming into last week’s NFL draft after releasing their four-time Pro Bowl kicker, Stephen Gostkowski. The 36-year-old spent all 14 seasons of his career with New England prior to his release in late March due to hip surgery that caused him to miss 12 games in 2019 as the team struggled to find an adequate replacement.

Gostkowski was originally a fourth round pick in the 2006 draft, a round which most teams would use to target a position player. But head coach Bill Belichick definitely views kicking as an integral part of his team’s success and ultimately decided to pull the trigger on Marshall kicker Justin Rohrwasser in the fifth round on Saturday.

What no one saw coming was the criticism of a tattoo Rohrwasser got when he was 18 years old that resembles the logo of a right-wing militia group known as “The Three Percenters.” Rohrwasser initially told reporters he would have the tattoo covered up, but on Monday he joined Steve Burton for an interview to address the controversy on Boston’s CBS-affiliate, WBZ TV.

Rohrwasser said he was unaware of the tattoo’s meaning and it was only brought up in the public spotlight when he was drafted as his picture circulated across social media. “I went on to Twitter and I saw the tweet,” he told WBZ TV.  “I saw that someone had taken a picture of me and put it with my tattoo and linking me to some horrific events, you know, obviously Charlottesville and these horrible things.”

When asked if it was brought to his attention while attending Marshall, Rohrwasser said, “Never. The first time I found out what it was linked to was on Saturday. That’s why it was so surprising,” he told Burton.

He later added that the tattoo “was described to me as, you know, the percentage of colonists that rose up against the authoritarian government of the British. And I was like, wow, that’s such a you know, an American sentiment, patriotic sentiment and coming from a military family, I thought that really spoke to me. I always was proud to be an American. I’m very proud.”

On Saturday after being drafted, Rohrwasser said he was going to have it covered up, but his opinion shifted after becoming aware of how it’s being interpreted.

“As soon as I saw what it was linked to on Saturday, it was exactly that time I knew I had to get it totally taken off my body. I said cover it up [to reporters], but I want to get it removed from my body. It’s shameful that I had it on there ignorantly,” an emotional Rohrwasser said. “I’m sorry for all my family that have to defend me. Putting them in that compromising position is one of the biggest regrets I’ll ever have, so to them, I’m sorry. I’m going to learn from this. No matter what, it’s not who I am, hopefully you’ll all find that out.”

SLIDESHOW: 50 GREAT SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019

NHL teams are donating sanitation machines to aid General Motors employees who have been producing medical masks for front line hospital workers in one of the company’s revamped plants in Warren, Michigan, as they attempt to stop the the spread of COVID-19. While the masks were being produced in an efficient manner, the plant was being slowed down by the disinfecting process and the U.S.-based car giant knew they needed help.

GM ended up getting in touch with Detroit Red Wings’ owner, Christopher Ilitch, who proceeded to contact the club’s head equipment manager, Paul Boyer.

“They were trying to get their hands on a sanitizing machine,” Boyer said. “What we use them in the sports industry for is killing the bacteria, and making that wonderful sports odor go away. You put anything in it that touches the skin: skates, shoulder pads, helmets. They’re designed to sanitize an entire bag of hockey equipment in one shot.”

The Red Wings were unable to donate one because their machine was built into the HVAC system inside the locker room, an upgrade the team received at the recently built Little Caesars Arena in 2017. Despite the roadblock, Boyer went a step further and reached out to five equipment managers around the league.

“The machines were just sitting idle in the locker rooms, so it was a no-brainer,” Boyer said. “Our guys are very generous. I could have gotten more. Some were willing to donate it, but they couldn’t get into their rinks.” The Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers stepped up big time and sent their sanitizing machines over right away.

Boyer personally delivered another machine to the factory that he borrowed from Precision Blades in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and connected GM with the machine manufacturers that are located in Montreal just in case any problems arose. For reference, the machines “are about the size of a suitcase.”

The Flyers and Blackhawks delivery arrived at the GM plant a few days later, much to the delight of GM’s executive director of manufacturing, Rob Portugaise.

“Of course I said to Paul, the minute you need these things back, I’ll get it back to you,” Portugaise told ESPN. “But so far, that hasn’t come up. Hockey has a reputation for this, right? For being close-knit and helping out the community. To be able to witness it firsthand was really exciting. It was all done very quickly. The only thing they asked for was a shipping address.”

GM had bought one cabinet for disinfecting similar to the NHL’s machines “but quickly we learned we would have to get more capacity,” Portugaise claimed. “Each of those units now gives us four times the capacity of the cabinets.”

The NHL’s donation will help GM make up to three million masks a month, the corporation said. Currently, GM is focusing on getting the masks to the local Michigan area because of the high demand, but hopes to supply other states as their capacity grows.

Portugaise later added that he’s a huge hockey fan and praised the league for helping out during a dire situation. “You hear stories,” said Portugaise. “But this just gave me more appreciation for the hockey community.”

Boyer echoed his sentiment. “It confirms what a tight-knit group we are,” Boyer said. “At the end of the day, our teams are playing each other, but it’s just a tight-knit group. We’re a tight-knit group of friends, that’s what we are.”

CORONAVIRUS FAQ: WIKI OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Following Drew Brees’ decision to return to the Saints for at least another season in February following rumors of retirement, the organization decided to bolster up their depth chart by re-signing backup quarterback Taysom Hill to a two-year, $21 million deal. Of the $21 million, $16 million is fully guaranteed with an additional $1 million available in incentives.

“I’ve felt a lot of love from the organization and the fan base…. My wife and I always wanted to stay in New Orleans, so this worked out perfect,” Hill said on a conference call Sunday.

He later added that the structure of a two-year deal “made the most sense for everybody” and it gives Hill the best chance to replace Brees if he decides to retire while offering flexibility if an opportunity becomes available elsewhere. The new deal positions Hill as the second-highest paid backup quarterback in the NFL despite never throwing a touchdown pass.

“This gives me a clear trajectory and opportunity for me to compete and to be the guy in New Orleans in [2021] if Drew decides to be done. And if he’s not, then we’ll figure out another contract or my role will continue to be the way it is,” Hill said. “This was a way to prevent me to get to free agency next year, and it created some structure for both me and my family, as well as the organization.”

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The 29-year-old’s athleticism gives New Orleans the ability to use him as a skills player, which was evident in the NFC Wild Card game against Minnesota where Hill completed a 50-yard pass, rushed four times for 50 yards and finished with two receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown. Because of Brees’ reliability, Hill has rarely stepped in as quarterback and is just 7-15 for 169 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, but that hasn’t stopped him from being an impact player. In 42 games including the playoffs, Hill has run for 410 yards and three touchdowns combined with 25 receptions for 265 yards and eight touchdowns.

Sources told Yahoo Sports that the Saints are also finalizing a one-year deal with former Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston, so a backup quarterback competition appears imminent.

“Coach and I had had a conversation before free agency hit, kind of what his plan was for me. I’ve had multiple conversations following that, and I knew that we were always gonna bring in another guy,” Hill said. “I didn’t know who it was gonna be. But no surprise there. I think Jameis is a good football player, and he’s a good quarterback. Nothing has changed for the New Orleans Saints. The goal always has been, and I think will always be, to win the Super Bowl. And so I trust Coach Payton, he’s created so many opportunities for me. And I think it’s great.”

Hill said in February that he views himself as a franchise quarterback and later told ESPN that New Orleans gives him the best opportunity to do so.

SLIDESHOW: 50 GREAT SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019

“As I look at my career, I have goals and I have a vision for myself as to what I can be in the NFL,” said Hill, who has always made it clear that he wants to be a starting NFL quarterback. “And there has been nothing that has been said, or I’ve never been treated in any way that would lead me to believe that the vision I have for myself is not the same vision that Coach Payton has for me, as well as the other guys on staff.”

Former NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal made a heartfelt gesture on Saturday by covering the costs of a funeral for an 11-year-old child who died in a car accident a couple weeks ago near Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Retired chief deputy officer from the Lafayette City Marshal’s Office, Phil Conrad, told TMZ sports that O’Neal paid a “few thousand” to the family once he learned they were low on funds and couldn’t afford the funeral.

The crash occurred when an adult ran a stop sign while driving with four minors. The vehicle reportedly went into a ditch and then hit a tree leaving 12-year old Trayvon Alexander and 11-year-old Keshon Batiste dead. Conrad later said  that Alexander’s funeral was covered by insurance but Batiste’s wasn’t.

O’Neal, who attended Louisiana State University, learned about the situation from local news’ outlets and asked his good friend Conrad for more details. “(Shaq) called me and asked me to reach out to the family on his behalf, and get back with him.” Conrad told Virginia news outlet WAVY-TV. “When I called him back and told him that the family had raised over $3,000 in a GoFundMe, but was still short of what they needed, he immediately stopped what he was doing and sent the money to me, and I wrote out a check.”

Conrad later mentioned that Shaq intended to pay for the expenses of both families, before he found out the Alexander’s were covered.

“He’s a big man, and his heart is even bigger,” Conrad added. “He would truly give you the shirt off his back; you probably can’t fit it, but he would give it too you anyway. I’ve seen a few of his incredible gestures and will admit a time I was brought to tears.”

Conrad recalled a recent experience at Best Buy in Acadiana, Lousiana, when Shaq bought a family of seven new TVs. “A woman and her son were standing in line to pay for an X-box that the kid had been saving his money for and Shaq struck up a conversation with the mother. He learned that her family of seven all shared a small home, with one small television.”

Conrad said Shaq paid for three TVs, one for every bedroom, and bought the kid every Xbox game in the store. “That’s just him, he knows what it’s like to window shop and so he wants to make some dreams come true.”

SLIDESHOW: 50 GREAT SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019

The tradition of booing NFL commissioner Roger Goodell continued on Thursday night even as the 2020 NFL Draft was held virtually, adhering to social distancing rules amid the coronavirus outbreak. Goodell gave his opening remarks and thanked essential workers for their tough job of treating patients infected with the disease as they attempt to combat COVID-19.

He then turned his attention to the fans who were virtually watching the draft and said, “It’s a draft tradition, and one I generally enjoy.” Behind him on a monitor were several fans “in attendance” through a video chat as Goodell egged them on to boo louder (below).

Before the draft started, Goodell appeared in a Bud Light Seltzer commercial on ESPN urging fans to use the hashtag #boothecommish. Goodell appeared on his couch with his dog and announced that the alcoholic beverage powerhouse would donate a $1 to the NFL Draft-a-Thon for every mention on social media up to $500,000 through April 25 to benefit coronavirus relief.

There was skepticism over having the draft while executives would be unable to use their team facilities, but Goodell felt the event needed to go on as scheduled. He addressed his decision in an interview with NFL.com’s Judy Battista.

“People were looking forward to it; it went way beyond interest in football,” Goodell told Battista. “It struck a chord with people. I think, I hope, it sounds like we struck the right tone of recognizing health care workers and first responders while keeping the focus on football.”

Goodell also revealed he sat down only three times throughout the evening as he interacted with fans virtually, FaceTimed with almost every player selected and conducted the Draft-A-Thon fundraiser.

“It definitely was full steam ahead,” Goodell said. “But you always have your hesitations, your concerns. I know how important this is to the clubs. If we had come out of this where they didn’t have time to make trades or if something operationally went wrong … but we heard zero of that. People were making a big deal of that, making a big deal of, is it really the right time to do this kind of event.”

He later added that the league’s next challenge is opening up team facilities.

“My assumption is we will be opening them with some restrictions as far as the number of personnel,” Goodell said. “We’re going to seek to open them all at the same time for equity. What ultimately made the football folks comfortable at the club level with the draft was they were all working with the same rules. We are going to have to get the protocol straight. We can’t move to open until the last team can, so we may have to make some accommodations. Our job is to make sure we work through the problems and try to figure out a way to stay on schedule.”

CORONAVIRUS FAQ: WIKI OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

The Cincinnati Bengals are looking ahead to the future after drafting Ohio native and the 2019 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from LSU, Joe Burrow, with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The event was held virtually Thursday night for the first time ever due to the coronavirus outbreak as team officials drafted remotely from their homes, and it was no surprise that Burrow’s name was the first to be announced.

Burrow had been connected with the Bengals since the draft order was released at the conclusion of the 2019 NFL season and his impressive performances at LSU which included a national championship win and an FBS best 60 touchdowns, heavily influenced Cincinnati’s decision. After the selection, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor claimed Burrow would be competing for the starting job next year despite his recent success.

“That’s exactly how I expect to do it as well,” Burrow said during a video chat session with local reporters. “I’m going to come in and compete and try to be the best player I can be.”

Team executives are hoping Burrow can help turn around a team that’s had a losing record for the last four seasons with no playoff appearances since 2015. “I mean for me, it doesn’t matter where you get picked,” Burrow said. “I could have been 189th pick, I could be No. 1. I’m going to work the exact same and try to be the best quarterback I can be for this city.”

Cincinnati’s starter since 2011, Andy Dalton, was benched last year for poor performance amid the worst season of his career. In 13 starts, Dalton had a career-worst quarterback rating of 78.3 and threw just 16 touchdowns to go along with 14 interceptions. Although he has been in trade talks as the organization hopes to move on from him, the plan hasn’t come to fruition yet. He is in the final year of a contract worth $17.7 million that currently puts Cincinnati over the salary cap.

Regardless of Dalton’s situation, Taylor knows Burrow has a lot to learn in order to make the transition from college football to the  NFL. “We selected him because we know he’s going to be able to handle all of that,” Taylor said. “It’s just a matter of accumulating those reps as quickly as he can.”

Because all rookie camps and OTA’s have been postponed due to the spread of COVID-19, Burrow said he will have to adapt to missing those snaps and work on learning Taylor’s playbook as well as how to call plays in the huddle.

“You have to be stern in your voice, because if you are in there wavering and wobbling and fumbling over words, all the guys are going to be like, ‘What is this guy doing in here, Coach? Get him out. Get someone else in,'” Burrow told ESPN. “So, that’s something I’m going to be really focused on.”

SLIDESHOW: 50 GREAT SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019

The Bengals haven’t won a playoff game since 1990, which is the longest drought in the NFL, and Burrow looks to turn around a franchise that has never won a Super Bowl.

Former NFL receiver Percy Harvin is eyeing a return to the NFL after a three-year absence that stemmed from the second retirement of his career in 2017 due to nagging injuries. In a conversation with ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Harvin claimed that he’s “ready to return to the NFL.”

“I thought I was done, but that itch came back,” Harvin told Anderson on Tuesday. Harvin’s first retirement was in April 2016 but he returned in November 2016 on a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills. In March 2017, however, he retired again following the team’s decision to place him on the non-football illness list due to complications with migraine headaches.

Harvin had hip surgery in August when doctors found a blockage that might have been there since he was in high school. Prior to the operation, Harvin reportedly had to lay on his floor to feel comfortable and was unable to walk upstairs without holding onto the railing. He later mentioned he’s been training with a former Olympian and now weighs 185 pounds. Harvin prefers signing with “any offense that’ll just let me go.”

“My body is feeling good,” Harvin told Anderson. “Mentally I’m better. My family is good. The timing is right.”

Harvin’s injuries were definitely the reason he hasn’t played since 2016 but he says he never officially retired. “I knew I wasn’t functioning right, not only physically, just all around the board,” he told Anderson. “I had to get in contact with myself.”

Harvin previously admitted to smoking marijuana before every game to deal with his migraines and anxiety disorder in an October interview with Bleacher Report. “The only thing that really seemed to work is when I would smoke marijuana,” Harvin said. “There’s not a game that I played in that I wasn’t high.”

Harvin added that his anxiety was at its worst upon his arrival in Seattle and was one of the main factors that contributed to him hitting former teammate Golden Tate in the locker room during the week of Super Bowl 48 in 2013. “Thinking about it now, I can’t even believe I did it,” Harvin said in October. Tate was asked about how Harvin’s return from a concussion in the previous game would impact the team going forward. He said the team was able to win without him and would be fine if he didn’t play in the Super Bowl. The altercation caused teammates and coaches to separate the two players while Marshawn Lynch acted as a “peacemaker” to reduce the tension, Harvin said.

Now, he’ll have to wait and see if teams are willing to take a chance on a player who turns 32 in May.

“The need for guys that can catch the ball and create after the catch is always at a premium in the NFL,” Harvin’s agent Alvin Keels said. “I would be shocked if he isn’t invited into someone’s camp. Wouldn’t you? It’s going to be important that he conveys to the league that he’s 100% all-in mentally,” Keels added. “I think the nagging injuries got to him in Buffalo and he checked out. He was dealing with some stuff mentally that sent him into a depression. I think the time off was actually good for him. I think he needed it and he’s ready.”

As the frenzy surrounding the highly touted Tampa Bay Buccaneers continues to ramp up, the organization pulled the trigger to acquire Tom Brady’s former New England teammate and stud tight end Rob Gronkowski on Tuesday adding to an already stacked offense.

Gronkowski retired from football 13 months ago and had signed a contract with the WWE in March leading to a Wrestlemania appearance that saw the 30-year-old win the 24/7 title on April 5. Less than a month after, it’s clear now that “Gronk” and his boisterous personality couldn’t stay away from football forever as the Patriots agreed on a trade to send him to the Buccaneers in exchange for a fourth round pick. Tampa Bay will also receive a seventh round pick.

“He tells me he feels fantastic, the best he’s ever felt,” Gronkowski’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said. “His weight’s back up to 260. He passed his physical with flying colors today. He’s just really excited about playing football again, and being in Florida is exciting for him.”

Gronk confirmed the news in a text to Fox Sports. “I’m back. I always said when I have that feeling and it feels right, I will be ready to take the field again. And I have that feeling. I’m ready.” The three-time Super Bowl champion turns 31 in May and has one year left on his contract that is worth $9 million.

Bucs’ general manager Jason Licht announced the news on the team’s website Tuesday, praising Gronkowski’s work ethic. “Rob Gronkowski is one of the best tight ends in NFL history and he plays the game with the type of passion and desire that sets him apart,” Licht said in a statement. “Rob has played his entire career alongside Tom Brady, and their accomplishments speak for themselves. Together they have developed the type of chemistry on and off the field that is crucial to success.”

According to ESPN, a league source told Adam Schefter that Gronk would only come out of retirement if he could land in Tampa Bay. Rosenhaus later mentioned that Gronk’s decision to join the Buccaneers was directly related to his good relationship with Brady. While appearing on SportsCenter, Rosenhaus said “playing with Tom Brady obviously is huge.”

“Shortly after Tom Brady went to Tampa, Rob and I had a conversation that this is a situation that would be appealing to him,” Rosenhaus said. “Obviously, this was a deal that New England had to feel good about, Tampa had to feel good about. This wasn’t just about Rob. All the parties involved had to be in agreement.”

Gronkowski joins an already star-studded offense that includes Pro Bowl receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, as well as productive tight ends O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate.

In regard to his nine years spent in New England, Rosenhaus said of Gronkowski, “He loves New England. He loves the Patriots organization, coach [Bill] Belichick, the Krafts, his teammates that are still there. He had an amazing run in New England. It was just time for him to continue his career with Tom Brady in Florida, with Tampa. It was something cool and exciting and challenging to him. He’s well-rested and looking forward to playing with Tom again.”

Consistently ranked among the best tight ends in the NFL, Gronkowski has compiled 521 catches, 79 touchdowns and 7,861 receiving yards in 115 career games.

As various major sports’ leagues across the world prepare for their seasons to resume after being postponed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, tennis star Novak Djokovic is concerned about the possibility of being required to be vaccinated before returning to action, as he disapproves of vaccines.

“Personally, I am opposed to vaccination, and I wouldn’t want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel,” Djokovic said during a Facebook live chat on Sunday with Serbian athletes. “But if it becomes compulsory, what will happen? I will have to make a decision. I have my own thoughts about the matter, and whether those thoughts will change at some point, I don’t know. Hypothetically, if the season was to resume in July, August or September, though unlikely, I understand that a vaccine will become a requirement straight after we are out of strict quarantine, and there is no vaccine yet.”

In March, former No. 1 ranked women’s tennis player Amelie Mauresmo strongly suggested in a Twitter post that the sport couldn’t resume without a vaccine. Translated from French, Mauresmo tweeted, “International circuit = players of all nationalities plus management, spectators and people from the 4 corners of the world who bring these events to life. No vaccine = no tennis,” the former 2006 Wimbledon champion wrote.

Health officials had previously stated that a vaccine will probably not be available until 2021, which could mean no more tennis this year. Wimbledon has already been cancelled and the French Open was moved from late May to a September 20 start date. Djokovic started the 2020 season with a bang winning the Australian Open in January for his 17th Grand Slam title. He was also in the midst of a 18-match winning streak before the postponement of the sport, according to ESPN.

CORONAVIRUS FAQ: WIKI OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

After postponing the English Premier League on March 11 due to the vast spread of the coronavirus, 20 clubs held a conference call on Friday to discuss their goal of returning to the pitch this season to play the remaining ten games each team has left. Because England is on lock-down until early May, the earliest possible start date would have to be in June. If and when a return date is agreed upon, the next challenge will be taking proper precautions to ensure players, media and staff are not susceptible to the virus as a minimum of 300 people will be required in stadiums logistically to conduct matches, West Ham Football Club executive Karren Brady said.

“Police officers will need to be at games even if they are behind closed doors, as some supporters will travel to the stadium, even if they cannot come in to watch,” Brady wrote Saturday in UK newspaper The Sun. “But the police will want to ensure attending matches does not drain resources away from other matters. “Everyone at the stadium – and even behind closed doors this is about 300-500 people – including security, staff, medical officers, players, referees and media, will have to have temperature checks, fill out health questionnaires and observe social distancing. All this is manageable but what if a player gets injured, where do we send him? It can’t be to an NHS hospital that is already under pressure … so then what?”

The other issue is keeping players fit. Brady later addressed concerns about how players are expected to stay in shape when social distancing rules don’t allow them to practice together.

“Players will have been able to retain some physical fitness at home, but if social-distancing rules are still in place, physical match-play training will not be allowed,” Brady wrote. “You can’t tackle from two meters away. So, how match-fit will players be if the season commences, as we all hope it will, by mid-June?”

West Ham currently sits in 16th out of 20 teams just above the relegation zone.

CORONAVIRUS FAQ: WIKI OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Following the backlash NASCAR driver Kyle Larson received after using the N-word during a virtual race on Sunday evening, Bubba Wallace, the only African-American driver in NASCAR, said Larson’s video apology posted to his Twitter account on Monday was genuine and he believes the 27-year-old should get a second chance.

“What Larson said was wrong, whether in private or public. There is no grey area,” Wallace tweeted in a statement Thursday. I am not mad at him, and I believe that he, along with most people deserve second chances, and deserve space to improve,” Wallace wrote. “And I am more than willing to work with him to address diversity and inclusion in our sport.”

CORONAVIRUS FAQ: WIKI OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

In response to Larson’s terrible mishap last week, his team, Chip Ganassi Racing, decided to cut ties with him on Tuesday after initially suspending him indefinitely. He also lost his sponsorship with McDonald’s and Credit One Bank and was suspended indefinitely by NASCAR.

“After much consideration, Chip Ganassi Racing has determined that it will end its relationship with driver Kyle Larson,” the team’s statement read. “As we said before, the comments that Kyle made were both offensive and unacceptable especially given the values of out organization. As we continue to evaluate the situation with all the relevant parties, it became obvious that this was the only appropriate course of action to take.”

Wallace later mentioned in his statement that the two drivers had a conversation via FaceTime on Monday morning to discuss the situation. “I called him back with a FaceTime to talk “face to face” and we had a good conversation, his apology was sincere,” Wallace said. “His emotions and pride were shattered. We discussed why he chose to use that language and I shared my thoughts… I told him, it was too easy for him to use the word and that he has to do better and get it out of his vocabulary.”

The 26-year-old driver also praised NASCAR’s determination to promote equality despite the majority of the sport being white.

“NASCAR has been doing what it can to get away from the ‘racist and redneck sport’ labels,” Wallace wrote. “Diversity and inclusion is a main priority for the sport across every team, every car, every crew member and employee. With that said, it hurts to see the African American community immediately throw NASCAR under the bus with the ‘I’m not shocked, it’s NASCAR.’ NASCAR has been, and will be way better than how we’ve been represented in the last couple of weeks. Can we all do a better job with inclusion? Absolutely, it’s a worldwide problem, not just in our sport. We as humans can always do better.”

The NBA and WNBA announced a partnership with non-profit company Feeding America and sports’ apparel retailer Fanatics on Friday with the plan to sell cloth facemasks that will feature logos from all NBA and WNBA teams amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The proceeds will be donated to food banks associated with Feeding America and Second Harvest, a similar non-profit organization located in Canada.

“As a global community, we can all play a role in reducing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic by following the CDC’s recommendation to cover our nose and mouth while in public,” said NBA president for social responsibility and player programs Kathy Behrens. “Through this new product offering, NBA and WNBA fans can adhere to these guidelines while joining in the league’s efforts to aid those who have been directly affected by COVID-19.”

The masks will be sold individually and in packs of three available in youth and adult sizes.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has upended food bank operations causing shifts in distribution models and volunteer opportunities,” said executive vice president and chief operating officer at Feeding America Katie Fitzgerald. “We are grateful to the NBA, WNBA and Fanatics for this partnership that will support food banks with funds but also with much needed face coverings to keep their staff, volunteers and neighbors in need safe.”

The CEO of Second Harvest, Lori Nikkel, added, “This support will help Second Harvest redistribute enough food to provide millions of meals to Canadians over the coming months.”

CORONAVIRUS FAQ: WIKI OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Denver Broncos’ star linebacker Von Miller has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19) after a statement was released on the team’s website Thursday night regarding his condition.

“After experiencing flu-like symptoms, Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller has tested positive for COVID-19,” the Broncos’ statement said. “Von has elected to share his diagnosis publicly to emphasize that anyone can be afflicted with coronavirus. Von is doing well and recovering at home in self-isolation. He remains under the care of team doctors, who are following all coronavirus treatment procedures to ensure a safe environment for Von and our community. Von is the first member of the Broncos’ organization known to have tested positive for COVID-19.”

Miller made an appearance on the “TODAY” show Friday morning via video chat from his Colorado home to discuss his experience thus far. “It all started with just a simple cough and it got worse,” Miller claimed.

Another abnormality that his girlfriend noticed was his voice sounding different. Miller has asthma so he tried using his nebulizer “but it really didn’t work like it should.”

“And my assistant said, ‘Why don’t you just get tested?'” Miller said. On Thursday, Miller received his test results and said he “was shocked.” He went to on explain that he has been taking precautions “since day one” and didn’t expect to actually contract the disease. He had previously been training in San Francisco but returned to Denver amid the bay area’s stay-at-home order. During the month spent in his Denver home, Miller said he only left the house four times but had maids and plumbers over a few times as well.

CORONAVIRUS FAQ: WIKI OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

When asked about playing NFL games behind closed doors in the fall, Miller responded, “Whatever’s safe … Whatever we have to do to get things back to normal, that’s what we have to do. We shouldn’t move too fast.”

Miller is an eight-time Pro Bowler and has recorded 490 tackles and 106 sacks in his nine years with the Broncos.

New York Yankees’ co-owner Hank Steinbrenner died at the age of 63 “from a longstanding health issue” in his Clearwater, Florida, home on Tuesday. The Yankees’ released a heartfelt statement describing what Steinbrenner meant to the winningest club in Major League Baseball.

“Hank was a genuine and gentle spirit who treasured the deep relationships he formed with those closest to him,” the Steinbrenner family said in the Yankees’ statement. “He was introduced to the Yankees organization at a very young age, and his love for sports and competition continued to burn brightly throughout his life. Hank could be direct and outspoken, but in the very same conversation show great tenderness and light-heartedness. More than anything, he set an example for all of us in how comfortably he lived enjoying his personal passions and pursuits. We are profoundly saddened to have lost him and will carry his memory with us always.”

Steinbrenner was the oldest son of former Yankees’ owner George Steinbrenner who died of a heart attack in 2010. Despite being passed over for the role of managing general partner which his younger brother Hal Steinbrenner assumed in 2008, Hank was in his 11th season as co-chairperson and was heavily involved in player recruitment and negotiations as well as managing the team’s business and baseball operations.

SLIDESHOW: 50 GREAT SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019

Steinbrenner also served on the board of the YES Network and worked with a youth baseball travel team called “Hanks Yanks” founded by former Yankees’ bat boy Ray Negron. Negron told The New York Times that Steinbrenner was very proud that kids who passed through the baseball program would eventually attend college.

“He could trust young people and open himself up to them,” Negron said. “He took so much pride in the fact that more and more of his kids were going to college.”

Negron later mentioned that Steinbrenner didn’t feel he was overlooked when Hal received full control of the franchise. “He never, ever mentioned it,” Negron said. “He was always extremely proud of his Yankee heritage and extremely proud of his brother and what his brother was doing with the team.”

Steinbrenner is survived by four children, daughters Jacqueline and Julia, and sons George Michael IV and John. One granddaughter, Anabel and his siblings, Jennifer, Jessica and Hal.

President Donald Trump brought his attention to the sports’ world during a White House press conference Tuesday night, expressing his dissatisfaction with watching games that aren’t live.

“We have to get our sports back. I’m tired of watching baseball games that are 14 years old,” Trump said. “But I haven’t actually had too much time to watch. I would say maybe I watch one batter then I get back to work.”

He then announced the formation of an advisory group consisting of sports’ commissioners from the NBA, NFL, MLB, MLS, NHL, UFC, PGA and LPGA in addition to Robert Kraft (Patriots’ owner), Jerry Jones (Mavericks’ owner) and Mark Cuban (Mavericks’ owner). Also included in the group were UFC president Dana White and WWE chairman Vince McMahon, who Trump called “great.” Both men are reportedly good friends with the president and White had previously spoke at a Trump campaign rally in 2016. White had previously attempted to host UFC 249 on a private island before the plan was shut down by executives from ESPN and Disney. The WWE hosted its annual Wrestlemania event at the company’s performance center in Orlando on April 4 and 5 which was the last sporting event held in the U.S. since the NBA postponed its season on March 11.

Trump also said that he will have conversations with the various sports’ leaders in groups and also individually. He later mentioned that the panel will work independent of the White House task force addressing the spread of coronavirus currently lead by the director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci. He did admit, however, there may be a point when both groups jointly discuss certain issues.

Fauci gave his opinion on sports returning in the summer in an interview released on Wednesday with Snapchat’s Peter Hamby.

“There’s a way of doing that,” Fauci told Hamby. “Nobody comes to the stadium. Put [the players] in big hotels, wherever you want to play, keep them very well surveilled…. Have them tested every single week and make sure they don’t wind up infecting each other or their family, and just let them play the season out.”

New York Mayor Bill De Blasio told CNN on Wednesday that he is definitely concerned with people attending games in the near future until the proper precautions are taken.

“It’s not an on-off switch [reopening] and we should get it right, one false move and we will see a resurgence , that’s the worst of all scenarios, so let’s get this right … it will be about smart, careful, staged reopening. If you put 50,000 people in Yankee stadium and see a resurgence [of COVID-19] that would be the worst thing. We have one chance to contain this thing,” De Blasio said.

Often appearing as a featured speaker for the U.S. task force handling the coronavirus, Dr. Anthony Fauci joined Snapchat’s Peter Hamby for an interview via video chat to outline the circumstances that would allow for major sports leagues to return to action. Fauci claims the only way sports resume in the summer is by holding events behind closed doors and keeping players isolated in hotels.

“There’s a way of doing that,” Fauci told Hamby during the first part of the week-long interview series. “Nobody comes to the stadium. Put [the players] in big hotels, wherever you want to play, keep them very well surveilled…. Have them tested every single week and make sure they don’t wind up infecting each other or their family, and just let them play the season out.”

Fauci was reacting to a question about Major League Baseball’s postponed season and the NFL’s opening weekend which is September 10, 2020. He feels that fans will be somewhat satisfied with the ability to watch games even if they can’t go into the stadium or arena.

CORONAVIRUS FAQ: WIKI OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Last week, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Passan that the MLB and its players were considering holding games in Arizona.

“MLB has been actively considering numerous contingency plans that would allow play to commence once the public health situation has improved to the point that it is safe to do so,” the MLB statement said. “While we have discussed the idea of staging games at one location as one potential option, we have not settled on that option or developed a detailed plan. While we continue to interact regularly with governmental and public health officials, we have not sought or received approval of any plan from federal, state and local officials, or the Players Association.”

Fauci later mentioned his desire to see his hometown Washington Nationals take the field. “I want to see them play again,” he said.

The other two parts of the interview with Fauci will be released on Thursday and Friday.

As the NBA continues to ponder when the league will return to action amid the coronavirus outbreak, executives and trainers said Monday that the league is considering a “25-day return to basketball plan” if given safety clearance by health officials. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst made an appearance on Sportscenter Monday detailing the NBA’s idea to resume the regular season if certain criteria are met.

“What they’re looking at is a 25-day return to basketball window. Hopefully at some point they can enact it,” Windhorst said. “An 11-day series of individual workouts, where there’d be social distancing for a period of time, and then hopefully, if the clearance comes that they can play five-on-five basketball, a 14-day training camp.”

Commissioner Adam Silver previously stated that the league wouldn’t be able to make any decisions until May in a conversation with Inside the NBA host Ernie Johnson on April 6.

CORONAVIRUS FAQ: WIKI OF MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

“Essentially what I’ve told my folks over the last week is we should just accept that at least for the month of April we won’t be in a position to make any decision,” Silver said. “I don’t think that necessarily means on May 1st we will be, but at least I know, just to settle everyone down a little bit, it doesn’t mean internally – both the league, and in discussions with the teams and players – that we aren’t looking at many different scenarios for restarting the season. But I think it honestly is just too early given what’s happening right now to be even able to predict or project where we’ll be in a few weeks.”

Regardless of health officials’ recommendation of how long the NBA should be suspended, once the league is given clearance an additional 25-day plan will be executed before games can resume.

In a poll conducted by the Stillman Business School at Seton Hall University last week that included 762 participants from across the country via landline and cellphone, 61% said they preferred health officials decide when the NFL regular season should start while only 18% believed the president or state governments should have a say in the league’s start date.

In a related topic, 60% of people agreed that President Trump’s conversation with league commissioners on the NFL’s September 10, 2020, start date was inappropriate. By a 46% to 36% margin, people favored the NFL postponing the season opener while 18% were undecided.

The widest margin in the poll (77% to 20%) favored postponing college football and the NFL if players weren’t provided ample time to get in shape.

The NFL has already delayed offseason workouts while they figure out a solution with the NFLPA on how to move forward amid the coronavirus pandemic. Under normal protocol, the five teams with new head coaches would have began their nine-week offseason workouts on April 6 with the rest of teams starting their workouts on April 20.

The league continues to discuss alternate scenarios including virtual workouts and virtual classes for non-football education as team facilities remain closed to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Regarding all major sports leagues, 62% of people believe the government started taking the virus more seriously after the cancelation of various sports seasons. “Americans want the health professionals to say when the time is right for sports to return,” the director of the Seton Hall Sports Poll Rick Gentile said. “And clearly, they feel that the federal government has not communicated well with the public, with the governors left to deliver mixed messages absent a unified national plan. The 38% who feel President Trump’s reaction to the virus is appropriate is consistent with his base support since he took office.”