The sports world’s reaction to the coronavirus pandemic has been fluid and seemingly changing by the minute. What was initially going to go forward as events being held behind closed doors has turned into mass cancellations and postponements.
In college basketball, specifically, the major conferences canceled their tournaments on Thursday, pointing to the likely cancellation of the NCAA tournament.
Well, two of the tournament’s leading contenders weren’t going to wait on the NCAA to make a decision. Kansas and Duke have decided to not participate in the NCAA tournament should it even go forward. In separate statements, Kansas — the unanimous No. 1 team in the country — announced that it would be suspending all athletic-related travel indefinitely.
Duke Athletics also suspended all sports indefinitely.
It’s also important to note that Duke athletic director Kevin White is on the chair of the NCAA Tournament committee — a sign that March Madness’ cancellation is inevitable.
Arizona State — another tournament team — also suspended its athletic activities.
While it’s unclear exactly where the NCAA stands, these schools are acting independently in the absence of the NCAA’s decision. And honestly, it’s difficult to see how the NCAA tournament goes forward without Duke and Kansas.
These schools are taking the coronavirus pandemic seriously. Let’s hope the NCAA follows suit.
Update: Kansas has not ruled out participating in the NCAA tournament despite its statement.
