POSITIVE IS NEGATIVE: COVID IN SPORTS
Talk'OH! Tuesday
Written by Glenn Javier
Yes, vaccines are now being distributed and used in different countries but this is still not a sign to be complacent. Everyone needs to abide by the protocols and preventive measures to stop the spread of the virus. Regardless of your financial status [or popularity in the media], you can never be sure of your health and safety in a pandemic. During these unprecedented times, organizers in the world of Sports are trying their best to show some normalcy in the new normal.
“We’re putting our bodies on the line not only for each other but the fans.”
- said Connor McDavid [Canadian professional ice hockey centre and captain of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers] in an interview with Josh Clipperton of the Canadian Press.
With that in mind, we list down some of the latest news in sports where COVID-19 has been the talking point, specifically with athletes, staff members, and coaches testing positive for coronavirus.
Philadelphia 76ers' Seth Curry; Photo from ESPN
NFL
Just two days ago (January 10, 2021), SB Nation explained team Cleveland Browns’ COVID-19 outbreak. Starting off on a positive note, The Browns has qualified for the playoff tournament for the first time in 18 years. However, just a few days after their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the virus spread like wildfire in the organization. Initially, it targeted the coaches with Head coach Kevin Stefanski, tight ends coach Drew Petzing, and defensive backs coach Jeff Howard all testing positive for COVID-19.
The spread also reached the players. The Browns were forced to send wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, and cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Kevin Johnson to the Reserve/Covid-19 list. Also included on that list is veteran guard Joel Bitonio.
Also in NFL, Hall of Famer and Network analyst Kurt Warner won't be present during the pregame presentation because he has COVID-19.
More details here.
NBA
Just a few days ago (January 7, 2021), ESPN's senior NBA insider reported that Philadelphia 76ers' Seth Adam Curry tested positive for coronavirus. What's worse is that they just found about the point and shooting guard's case near the start of the team's 122-109 loss to the Nets in Brooklyn last Thursday night. After finding out about it, Curry, who was on the bench with left ankle soreness, immediately left the court during the first quarter and headed into isolation. There was no sign of him for the remainder of the game.
The team is now is currently doing rounds of testing in accordance with the NBA's health and safety protocols and contact tracing has been done by the organization to prevent any further issues.
More details here.
NHL
According to Yardbarker and Pro Hockey Rumors, six Dallas Stars players tested positive for COVID-19, delaying their start of the season. The National Hockey League announced it on January 8, 2021, where, apart from the six players, two staff members have also been recently confirmed as positive for the virus. Because of this, the team’s training facilities have been closed effective immediately and will remain closed for several days while further testing and contract tracing is conducted.
Those people are now self-isolating and following the protocols and precautions of CDC and the league. Regarding the delay, the NHL is in the process of reviewing the Stars’ regular-season schedule with a likely conclusion that they will not open the 2020-21 season against the Florida Panthers.
More details here.
In Canada, The Vancouver Canucks have cancelled their practices and workouts due to potential exposure of COVID-19. Read the whole story here.
Other Sports
Soccer: One of the players of the Celtic F.C. had tested positive for COVID-19, two days after the team returned from their warm-weather training camp in Dubai, UAE. More details here.
MMA: USA Today's MMA Junkie reported that Nik Lentz's plans in Abu Dhabi have changed because intended opponent Mike Grundy backed out for safety reasons after a member of his team tested positive for COVID-19, keeping him from competing on the card. More details here.
Swimming: Swim Swam publishes an article stating that Swimming Canada is temporarily closing its Ontario High-Performance Centre, one of three centres in Canada, after a member of its training group tested positive for COVID-19. More details here.
Sources:
- NFL: SB Nation/USA Today
- NBA: ESPN
- Others: National Post, MMA Junkie, Swim Swam
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