As the country and various governing bodies grapple with how to handle the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the NCAA has released a statement that will send shockwaves through the sporting community.
NCAA President Mark Emmert released a statement today announcing extremely limited attendance for the governing body’s championship events, including the Division 1 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments. In effect, it limits those in attendance to just essential staff and family.
“The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel,” Emmert said in the statement. “Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance. While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes.”
This announcement comes in the wake of several sports leagues and governing bodies scaling back on media coverage in person, attendance — and in some cases — all-out cancellation of events. It’s the first measure of its kind in NCAA history.
So at least the party will go on, it’ll just be done without the madness that goes along with having rabid fans in attendance. We’ll have more on this story if and when it develops.
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