Here’s all the information we have regarding the Coronavirus Pandemic
NFL
-Earlier today, New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton told players that they will not have any off-season program this Spring. Payton was quoted as saying, “No virtual workouts, no online meetings, no workouts at the facility, even if it’s allowed… Show up in July for training camp in the best shape of your life.” GM Mickey Loomis later confirmed the comments in a pre-draft press conference. Payton is saying that the Saints will not have a team-led off-season program regardless of rule changes or facility availability.
-Roger Goodell believes the NFL is providing hope for the sports world as the league gets ready for the 2020 Draft tomorrow. On ESPN’s Get Up Goodell said, “People look to us for optimism… I think the draft is a great example of that, with restoring hope. It’s hope for our fans. It’s hope for our teams. It’s hope for our players… That’s what this is all about, and I think we need those diversions. I think we need that focus on the future and that way to bring communities together.” The format of this year’s draft with be fully virtual for the first time in league history. The first round of the 2020 NFL draft will begin tomorrow night at 8:00 PM EST.
MLB
-Yesterday, more than half the teams in the MLB made a pledge to pay baseball operations staff members through at least the end of May sources told ESPN. This report came out the same day Commissioner Rob Manfred told sports staffers, “I fully anticipate baseball will return this season…” Sources are saying that the teams that have not given employees payment assurance include the Washington Nationals, the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. So far, 18 teams have promised to pay staff members through the end of May.
NHL
-Fox Sports’ Andy Slater is saying that the NHL is hoping to restart the regular-season in July. According to Slater, Florida Panthers’ President Matt Caldwell said on a conference call that the games would be played at four or five different locations with no fans in attendance. At this time, Cladwell is saying that the plan has not yet been finalized. The plan will also need to be approved by the NHLPA for games to be played.
-Sources are telling ESPN the NHL is no longer considering neutral-site games and is instead shifting its focus on restarting the 2019-2020 regular-season at league arenas. Multiple sources told ESPN that the idea of neutral-site games never got off the drawing board due to issues like facility availability, broadcasting difficulties, and player accommodations. Sources also told ESPN that some venues being considered as current favorites are the home rinks of the Carlina Hurricanes, the Edmonton Oilers, and the Minnesota Wild. There is no reported favorite yet from the Atlantic Division.
NBA
-Milwaukee Bucks’ Guard George Hill said that his wife’s 85-year-old grandmother recently survived a battle with COVID-19. Hill said, “by the grace of God, she beat it…” Hill has been in San Antonio during the NBA’s period of self-isolation, but he has not been staying with his wife’s grandmother.
Continue checking Oddsusa.com for all the latest updates regarding COVID-19.
