League by league, how the COVID-19 virus affects New York Area teams

The coronavirus has done something virtually unprecedented in the history of sports. Virtually all activities are canceled. Here is a look at how COVID-19 impacts the local teams.

Almost the entire sports world is quiet today. League after league have postponed or canceled their respective seasons in order to stop the spread of COVID-19, also known as “coronavirus.” The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the virus a pandemic. Various national, state, and local municipalities in the United States are taking actions to keep people safe.

In the larger scope of life, sports aren’t particularly a necessity. They are a diversion from the real world. Still many have an avid interest, that’s why this website exists. Here is a look at how our local teams are impacted by closures and postponements.

NBA (New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets) – After two members of the Utah Jazz, Rudy Gobert, and Donovan Mitchell, tested positive for COVID-19, the National Basketball Association has suspended the 2019-20 season indefinitely. You can read the league’s statement here.

NHL (New York Islanders, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils) – The NHL followed the NBA in short order. Many teams in the two leagues share arenas. Here is NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s statement. There is no word as to whether the league will hold the scheduled disciplinary hearing scheduled tomorrow for Rangers forward Brendan Lemieux.

NFL (New York Jets, New York Giants) – Many league employees have been asked to work from home unless they are critical operational staff, per NFL.com’s Ian Rappaport. The NFL Annual Meetings in Palm Beach Florida have been canceled. There is no word about how the league will handle it’s upcoming player draft, beginning April 23 in Las Vegas.

Several teams have canceled pre-draft travel or closed facilities. As of 3:43 pm EDT on Thursday, the New York Giants are among them, here is their statement. According to Sports Illustrated’s Kristian Dyer, the New York Jets have pulled their scouts off the road and will not be attending previously scheduled pro days.

NCAA Basketball – As of 3:25 pm EDT Thursday, the NCAA announced on their website that March Madness is canceled for 2020. That came after both Duke and Kansas pulled out of the tournament. As a matter of fact, all remaining winter and spring sports championships are canceled.

Big East Conference (St. John’s, Seton Hall) – The Big East canceled it’s Men’s Basketball Tournament at half time of the St. John’s-Creighton quarterfinal game at Madison Square Garden.

Big Ten Conference (Rutgers) – Nebraska basketball coach Fred Hoiberg left last night’s conference tournament game in the second half after feeling unwell. He was taken to a local hospital and released after a flu diagnosis. Even though Hoiberg didn’t have COVID-19, the conference felt it was prudent to not only cancel the tournament but all remaining conference and non-conference sporting events for the rest of the academic year. Here is their statement.

ACC and AAC – EWB doesn’t usually cover Syracuse and UConn. We know there is plenty of alumni in the area. Both their conference tournaments have been canceled.

Rutgers football – The Scarlet Knights reluctantly canceled their scheduled pro day. Per the athletic department’s statement, released on their website Wednesday, spring practice is still on.

CHSAA (New York City Catholic High Schools – According to the New York Post, all CHSAA sports activities are suspended. All winter sports are canceled including the basketball playoffs.

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NJSIAA (New Jersey high schools) – As of now, the state basketball tournament continues with no fans. Per Northjersey.com, two schools have pulled out and the NJSIAA is moving the boy’s finals from Rutgers to a site TBD.

MLS (New York Red Bulls, FCNY) – Thursday morning MLS announced on their website that they were suspending the season for 30 days

XFL (New York Guardians) – At 19:00 Thursday evening, the XFL suspended play indefinitely. According to their statement, all players will get paid.

MLB (New York Mets, New York Yankees) – Earlier Thursday, Major league Baseball announced they have delayed opening the 2020 season by two weeks and canceled remaining spring training games. No word on practices or inter-squad games.

For more information on the coronavirus and precations to halt it’s spread. Please visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website or your state health department.