A limited number of NFL teams are reopening their training facilities Tuesday, while many are prohibited by government restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Commissioner Roger Goodell gave the 32 clubs the go-ahead for limited reopenings as long as state and local municipalities allow them. Coaching staffs and all players except those undergoing injury rehabilitation are barred from the facilities in the first phase of the league’s plan.

With such states as California, New York, New Jersey, Washington, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts and Virginia still under heavy restrictions, that immediately leaves 12 franchises unable to use their facilities. The Raiders, headed for Las Vegas for the upcoming season, still have their training complex in Alameda, California.

The Packers, Ravens, Dolphins, Vikings, Titans, Buccaneers, Browns, Panthers, Saints, Eagles and Packers have chosen not to reopen Tuesday. Cincinnati expects to reopen on Wednesday. Jacksonville has set May 26 for its reopening, and Denver also is targeting next week.

Among the teams taking advantage of using their buildings on the first day they are allowed are the Cowboys, Falcons, Texans, Cardinals, Chiefs and Colts.

“We’ve spent the entire quarantine period preparing to reopen,” the Colts said in a statement, ”... but it will be very gradual and deliberate. And of course we’re taking steps to make sure we’re in compliance with state and local regulations, and NFL and CDC guidelines.”

That means primarily employees that must be in the office to do their jobs: people who need to access files that are only at the office; maintenance workers; trainers; and technology workers.

Those people will have their temperature taken when entering the building and must wear personal protective equipment. The Colts have set up one-way hallways with arrows on the carpet pointing to the proper direction, and there will be limits on how many people can be in rooms at the same time.

Coach Frank Reich was realistic about a full return to the training complex.

“The guys who have been hurt, who have been coming into the building, keep coming in and rehabbing and doing their thing,” he said.

“Other than that, as soon as we can get more players in the building — we want that to make up for a little bit of lost time. The sooner we can get together and get out there working, the better it will be.”

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones took part in an owners conference call from the team’s practice facility, The Star. About two dozen staffers were present at the complex.

The Steelers are doing a soft reopening Tuesday mainly for medical personnel and rehabbing players. They expect to ramp up use of their facility next week under league guidelines.

As the Cardinals reopen, only essential staffers will be involved, far fewer than the 75 allowed at the facility. The Super Bowl champion Chiefs also opted for a soft opening, as did the Falcons, with only about 15 people at their complex on Tuesday. Those numbers will increase over the next week.

“The fact that some teams can get in today with limited staff in non-football functions, we didn’t think in any way, shape or form that created a competitive balance issue,” said Falcons President Rich McKay, who also is co-chairman of the league’s powerful competition committee.

The Falcons train in Flowery Branch, Georgia, about 45 miles from their downtown Atlanta stadium.

“There’s one entrance to come in and out of. There’s all the social distancing to be complied with,” McKay added. “Everyone’s temperature is checked at the door and you’re asked a series of questions. Everyone must put gloves on and wear a mask the whole time unless they’re alone in a closed office. We don’t have the cafeteria open. We don’t have the team meeting rooms open.

“As we move around building, we’ll see if there are areas that give us a challenge and go from there.”

The Texans sent less than 10 people to their facility, and said, “We are considering this Phase Zero which will lead in to Phase 1 (up to 70 to 75 people) in the future.”

The Vikings are one of the teams to delay their return to their facility. Star receiver Adam Thielen notes it’s important not to rush things.

“When they say it’s OK,” he said of when he anticipates players being approved to enter team facilities.

“I’m not paid to know when that is, but when they say it’s OK to be back and the facilities open up to players, I’ll be there, and I’ll be comfortable with it. I’m trying to control what I can control. That is not one of those things that I can control.

“For me, I’m leaving it up to the professionals, and when they say we can go back and we can start practicing, I’ll be there and I’ll be excited to be back.”

Goodell has extended virtual workouts for teams through most of June. All of the clubs normally would be having organized team activities (OTAs, which are voluntarily, at this time.

“That protocol was developed with a lot of input from not only infectious disease and public health expects, but the CDC and others,” Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officers, said of the league’s phased program for reopenings.

“I’ve used the phrase that we want to walk, then jog, then run as we talk about how we reopen our facilities.”

According to the Tampa Bay Times, though, new Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady worked out with teammates at a local high school Tuesday morning.

A limited number of NFL teams are reopening their training facilities Tuesday, while many are prohibited by government restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.Commissioner Roger Goodell gave the 32 clubs the go-ahead for limited reopenings as long as state and local municipalities allow them. Coaching staffs and all players except those undergoing injury rehabilitation are barred from the facilities in the first phase of the league’s plan.With such states as California, New York, New Jersey, Washington, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts and Virginia still under heavy restrictions, that immediately leaves 12 franchises unable to use their facilities. The Raiders, headed for Las Vegas for the upcoming season, still have their training complex in Alameda, California.The Packers, Ravens, Dolphins, Vikings, Titans, Buccaneers, Browns, Panthers, Saints, Eagles and Packers have chosen not to reopen Tuesday. Cincinnati expects to reopen on Wednesday. Jacksonville has set May 26 for its reopening, and Denver also is targeting next week.Among the teams taking advantage of using their buildings on the first day they are allowed are the Cowboys, Falcons, Texans, Cardinals, Chiefs and Colts.“We’ve spent the entire quarantine period preparing to reopen,” the Colts said in a statement, ”... but it will be very gradual and deliberate. And of course we’re taking steps to make sure we’re in compliance with state and local regulations, and NFL and CDC guidelines.”That means primarily employees that must be in the office to do their jobs: people who need to access files that are only at the office; maintenance workers; trainers; and technology workers.Those people will have their temperature taken when entering the building and must wear personal protective equipment. The Colts have set up one-way hallways with arrows on the carpet pointing to the proper direction, and there will be limits on how many people can be in rooms at the same time.Coach Frank Reich was realistic about a full return to the training complex.“The guys who have been hurt, who have been coming into the building, keep coming in and rehabbing and doing their thing,” he said.“Other than that, as soon as we can get more players in the building — we want that to make up for a little bit of lost time. The sooner we can get together and get out there working, the better it will be.”Cowboys owner Jerry Jones took part in an owners conference call from the team’s practice facility, The Star. About two dozen staffers were present at the complex.The Steelers are doing a soft reopening Tuesday mainly for medical personnel and rehabbing players. They expect to ramp up use of their facility next week under league guidelines.As the Cardinals reopen, only essential staffers will be involved, far fewer than the 75 allowed at the facility. The Super Bowl champion Chiefs also opted for a soft opening, as did the Falcons, with only about 15 people at their complex on Tuesday. Those numbers will increase over the next week.“The fact that some teams can get in today with limited staff in non-football functions, we didn’t think in any way, shape or form that created a competitive balance issue,” said Falcons President Rich McKay, who also is co-chairman of the league’s powerful competition committee.The Falcons train in Flowery Branch, Georgia, about 45 miles from their downtown Atlanta stadium.“There’s one entrance to come in and out of. There’s all the social distancing to be complied with,” McKay added. “Everyone’s temperature is checked at the door and you’re asked a series of questions. Everyone must put gloves on and wear a mask the whole time unless they’re alone in a closed office. We don’t have the cafeteria open. We don’t have the team meeting rooms open.“As we move around building, we’ll see if there are areas that give us a challenge and go from there.”The Texans sent less than 10 people to their facility, and said, “We are considering this Phase Zero which will lead in to Phase 1 (up to 70 to 75 people) in the future.”The Vikings are one of the teams to delay their return to their facility. Star receiver Adam Thielen notes it’s important not to rush things.“When they say it’s OK,” he said of when he anticipates players being approved to enter team facilities.“I’m not paid to know when that is, but when they say it’s OK to be back and the facilities open up to players, I’ll be there, and I’ll be comfortable with it. I’m trying to control what I can control. That is not one of those things that I can control.“For me, I’m leaving it up to the professionals, and when they say we can go back and we can start practicing, I’ll be there and I’ll be excited to be back.”Goodell has extended virtual workouts for teams through most of June. All of the clubs normally would be having organized team activities (OTAs, which are voluntarily, at this time.“That protocol was developed with a lot of input from not only infectious disease and public health expects, but the CDC and others,” Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officers, said of the league’s phased program for reopenings.“I’ve used the phrase that we want to walk, then jog, then run as we talk about how we reopen our facilities.”According to the Tampa Bay Times, though, new Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady worked out with teammates at a local high school Tuesday morning.

NFL teams can reopen training facilities with government OK

Fans who had been starving for live sporting events had their appetites somewhat sated last weekend.

Network executives knew the first weekend with multiple live events would draw good numbers but for the most part they exceeded expectations. The Bundesliga’s return drew record numbers on Fox Sports 1, Saturday night’s UFC card on ESPN was one of the top shows on cable television and Sunday’s NASCAR race on Fox was the most-viewed non-Daytona race in three years.

“It was fun being able to watch everything and not knowing what was going to happen. The good thing is people can see a little bit of the pieces of the sports world being able to restart,” said NBC’s Mike Tirico, who called Sunday’s TaylorMade Driving Relief exhibition match.

ESPN dominated the weekend. According to Nielsen, the network won Sunday night’s cable ratings with the final two episodes of “The Last Dance,” while Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card was the third-most viewed program on cable, averaging 1.20 million. Saturday’s card was the eighth-most viewed UFC telecast on an ESPN network since the network started airing bouts last January.

It was also the second-most viewed ESPN Fight Night. The record remains 1.5 million for the first card aired last February.

Bundesliga games on Fox Sports 1 posted their best numbers on the network since it began airing the German professional soccer league in 2015. The Bundesliga is the first of Europe’s first-division soccer leagues to resume play.

Saturday’s matches averaged 365,000 viewers while Sunday’s games, which featured seven-time champion Bayern Munich, averaged 361,000. Fox Sports Senior Vice President Michael Mulvihill said that is a 725% increase over the last Bundesliga match on FS1 prior to the shutdown.

It is also only the second weekend this season that Bundesliga matches were viewed by over 100,000 fans on Fox Sports 1.

“What we’ve seen over the last six weeks is that any time a fan has been given the opportunity to show how much they miss live sports, they have. The appetite is extremely strong,” Mulvihill said.

Fox’s strong weekend continued with the NASCAR race at Darlington, South Carolina, averaging 6.32 million. It was the most-watched race outside of the Daytona 500 since the March 2017 race in Atlanta.

Having a late afternoon East Coast window and shelter-in-place measures still in place led to audience increases over 100% in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia.

NASCAR could continue to see big audiences over the next two weeks. The race Wednesday night at Darlington will be on FS1 and Sunday’s race at Charlotte will be the first big sporting event to take place on its regularly scheduled date in over two months.

“We’re optimistic to see what the numbers will be over the next couple weeks. It might be six or more weeks where NASCAR has the stage to itself,” Mulvihill said.

What encourages Mulvihill even more is that Fox’s NASCAR ratings are down only 2% from last year.

NBC Sports Group said TaylorMade Driving Relief on Sunday averaged 2.35 million viewers across all platforms, which included NBC, Golf Channel and NBCSN as well as the network and PGA Tour’s streaming apps. The network said the broadcast was on par with final-round events on CBS (2.32M) and NBC (2.35M) aired last spring.

Tirico said the highlight for him was seeing the golfers in shorts and carrying their own clubs as the team of Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson defeated Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff.

The golf and NASCAR broadcasts also showed what challenges could lie ahead for network crews over the next couple of months. Tirico anchored the golf coverage from his home in Michigan, while Mike Joy and Jeff Gordon called the NASCAR race from Charlotte. NBC had a pair of on-course reporters while Fox had only one pit reporter at Darlington.

With announcers spread out over the country, the first hour of broadcasts can be challenging.

“The TV viewer is going to understand delays and glitches. We learned a lot, though, which should help over the next couple months,” Tirico said.

Fans who had been starving for live sporting events had their appetites somewhat sated last weekend.Network executives knew the first weekend with multiple live events would draw good numbers but for the most part they exceeded expectations. The Bundesliga’s return drew record numbers on Fox Sports 1, Saturday night’s UFC card on ESPN was one of the top shows on cable television and Sunday’s NASCAR race on Fox was the most-viewed non-Daytona race in three years.“It was fun being able to watch everything and not knowing what was going to happen. The good thing is people can see a little bit of the pieces of the sports world being able to restart,” said NBC’s Mike Tirico, who called Sunday’s TaylorMade Driving Relief exhibition match.ESPN dominated the weekend. According to Nielsen, the network won Sunday night’s cable ratings with the final two episodes of “The Last Dance,” while Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card was the third-most viewed program on cable, averaging 1.20 million. Saturday’s card was the eighth-most viewed UFC telecast on an ESPN network since the network started airing bouts last January.It was also the second-most viewed ESPN Fight Night. The record remains 1.5 million for the first card aired last February.Bundesliga games on Fox Sports 1 posted their best numbers on the network since it began airing the German professional soccer league in 2015. The Bundesliga is the first of Europe’s first-division soccer leagues to resume play.Saturday’s matches averaged 365,000 viewers while Sunday’s games, which featured seven-time champion Bayern Munich, averaged 361,000. Fox Sports Senior Vice President Michael Mulvihill said that is a 725% increase over the last Bundesliga match on FS1 prior to the shutdown.It is also only the second weekend this season that Bundesliga matches were viewed by over 100,000 fans on Fox Sports 1.“What we’ve seen over the last six weeks is that any time a fan has been given the opportunity to show how much they miss live sports, they have. The appetite is extremely strong,” Mulvihill said.Fox’s strong weekend continued with the NASCAR race at Darlington, South Carolina, averaging 6.32 million. It was the most-watched race outside of the Daytona 500 since the March 2017 race in Atlanta.Having a late afternoon East Coast window and shelter-in-place measures still in place led to audience increases over 100% in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia.NASCAR could continue to see big audiences over the next two weeks. The race Wednesday night at Darlington will be on FS1 and Sunday’s race at Charlotte will be the first big sporting event to take place on its regularly scheduled date in over two months.“We’re optimistic to see what the numbers will be over the next couple weeks. It might be six or more weeks where NASCAR has the stage to itself,” Mulvihill said.What encourages Mulvihill even more is that Fox’s NASCAR ratings are down only 2% from last year.NBC Sports Group said TaylorMade Driving Relief on Sunday averaged 2.35 million viewers across all platforms, which included NBC, Golf Channel and NBCSN as well as the network and PGA Tour’s streaming apps. The network said the broadcast was on par with final-round events on CBS (2.32M) and NBC (2.35M) aired last spring.Tirico said the highlight for him was seeing the golfers in shorts and carrying their own clubs as the team of Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson defeated Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff.The golf and NASCAR broadcasts also showed what challenges could lie ahead for network crews over the next couple of months. Tirico anchored the golf coverage from his home in Michigan, while Mike Joy and Jeff Gordon called the NASCAR race from Charlotte. NBC had a pair of on-course reporters while Fox had only one pit reporter at Darlington.With announcers spread out over the country, the first hour of broadcasts can be challenging.“The TV viewer is going to understand delays and glitches. We learned a lot, though, which should help over the next couple months,” Tirico said.

Networks have strong showing during busy sports weekend

AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Tuesday

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A year ago, Tyreek Hill was a pariah, accused by his fiancee of abusing his son. Now, he’s a Super Bowl champion raising money to help with the COVID-19 response and handing out free food to front-line workers. And with the world gripped by pandemic, the great irony is that Hill finally has found a certain amount of peace in his life. He’s spent more time than he thought possible with his four kids. He's getting a room added to his house. He speaks frequently with his mom. He's financially secure. And more than anything, he's happy.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Vanderbilt has signed guard Isaac McBride as a transfer from Kansas. Coach Jerry Stackhouse announced Monday that McBride will join the roster for the 2020-21 season. The 6-foot-1 guard from Little Rock was the 2019 Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year out of Baptist Preparatory School and rated a four-star player by Rivals.com for the 2019 class. McBride signed with Kansas but left school last September. He reportedly committed to Vanderbilt last December. Stackhouse just finished his first season with Vanderbilt going 11-21.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — There is an extra level of anxiety these days for college football players who are NFL prospects and hoping for a big season to boost their exposure with pro scouts. The coronavirus pandemic did away with spring football and in-person workouts at on-campus facilities. Nobody can say yet what the 2020 season will look like, or if there will be one at all. The NFL is filled with examples of how important one season can be. That includes Joe Burrow, the LSU quarterback who won the Heisman Trophy and national championship in 2019 after transferring from Ohio State and became the top NFL draft pick.

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Starling Marte says his wife Noelia has died of a heart attack. Marte wrote on Instagram Monday, “It is a moment of indescribable pain. On behalf of my family, I am grateful for the expressions of esteem and solidarity in this difficult time.” The 31-year-old Marte has played his entire eight-year big league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the Diamondbacks during the offseason.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a lower-court ruling prohibiting the NCAA from limiting compensation for education-related expenses for student-athletes. The decision upholds an injunction approved by U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken on behalf of a nationwide class of student-athletes. The appeals court ruling clears the way for Division I conferences to independently set rules for education-related compensation provided to student-athletes.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has given the go ahead for professional sports teams in the state to play without spectators soon. The Democratic governor said Monday that sports could return in the “first week or so of June without spectators and modifications and very prescriptive conditions.” That is extremely welcome news for teams, who were wondering if they would have to make contingency plans to play elsewhere. Los Angeles County officials said last week there was the possibility that their stay-at-home order could be extended through the summer.

UNDATED (AP) — LeBron James reiterated Monday that he is hopeful the NBA season can resume, with the caveat that the health and well-being of players won’t be jeopardized by a return to play. The Los Angeles Lakers star said it remains his wish that the season comes back “sooner than later.” The NBA suspended the season on March 11 because of the coronavirus pandemic, and two unidentified members of the Lakers were among the league’s players who subsequently tested positive for the virus.

UNDATED (AP) — The final episodes of “The Last Dance” have aired, yet ESPN has one more program to show about the Chicago Bulls’ sixth championship. ESPN will show “Game 6: The Movie” on Wednesday night at 9 p.m. EDT, following a rebroadcast of episodes nine and 10 of “The Last Dance.” The game will feature game footage captured by five NBA Entertainment cameras. It marks the first time that the game has been available to watch in high definition. The Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz 87–86 as Michael Jordan hit the game-winning basket with 5.2 seconds remaining to cap their sixth championship in eight seasons.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The return of live golf to television had a total audience delivery of 2.35 million viewers. Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson defeated Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff in the TaylorMade Driving Relief. The exhibition has raised at least $5.5 million for COVID-19 relief funds. NBC Sports says the total audience delivery was 16% higher than the final of the Dell Match Play last year in Texas. It used that as a comparison because only four players were on the course. It was roughly the same as network coverage of PGA Tour events from the second quarter of 2019.

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — A person familiar with the decision says the Miami Marlins will allow players on their 40-man roster access to their spring training complex to pitch off a mound or hit in batting cages beginning Tuesday.

The person confirmed the decision to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Marlins made no announcement.

The person says the rest of the complex in Jupiter, Florida, will remain closed.

According to the source, the optional workouts will be individual, with a staff member present, and those involved will abide by social distancing guidelines.&nbsp;

D-backs OF Starling Marte says wife dies of heart attack

PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Starling Marte has announced on social media that his wife Noelia has died of a heart attack.

Marte wrote on Instagram Monday, “Today I go through the great pain of making public the unfortunate death of my wife Noelia, due to a heart attack.” He said, “It is a moment of indescribable pain. On behalf of my family, I am grateful for the expressions of esteem and solidarity in this difficult time.”

The 31-year-old Marte has played his entire eight-year big league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the Diamondbacks during the offseason.

The Pirates also responded on social media, saying “the entire Pirates family extend our deepest condolences to Starling Marte and family during this terrible time.”

Angry ump: Garcia says he kept quiet to protect son-in-law

NEW YORK (AP) — Former umpire Richie Garcia ended a decade of silence over his firing as a Major League Baseball supervisor, telling The Associated Press he kept quiet to protect his son-in-law and daughter.

Garcia says he feels impugned by former colleague Randy Marsh, who testified in a deposition that Garcia was let go because he attended minor league games umped by son-in-law Vic Carapazza.

Marsh retracted that comment in an interview with the AP, saying he doesn't know why Garcia was dismissed. Jimmie Lee Solomon, then in charge of umpires, says MLB wanted new supervisors with new ideas.

Carapazza is a top umpire now, just like Garcia was.

AP Sources: Rooney Rule to require for more interviews

UNDATED (AP) — The NFL is amending the Rooney Rule to require more interviews of minority candidates for head coaching and coordinator positions. That’s what two people familiar with the decision tell The Associated Press. Reacting to a lack of diversity progress in hiring for those jobs, the league will require teams to interview at least two minority candidates from outside the organization for head coach openings.

The two people say that at least one minority candidate must be interviewed for a coordinator’s spot. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the NFL has not announced the additions.

The rule is named after the late Dan Rooney, who owned the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was adopted in 2003. It has had some impact, but in the recent spate of coach hiring, few have gone to minority candidates.

World Team Tennis plans three-week season

UNDATED (AP) — World TeamTennis CEO Carlos Silva says the league is “still on track for July 12” to open its three-week season and is hoping to select a site this week.

Silva said in a telephone interview Monday with The AP that four cities are “in the mix.” He mentioned Texas and Florida as possible host states.

The International Tennis Federation and the ATP and WTA tours said Friday they were extending their suspensions of play into late July because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But World TeamTennis is not sanctioned by those three groups and doesn’t need to follow their guidelines.

In other coronavirus-related sports news:

— California Gov. Gavin Newsom has given the go ahead for professional sports teams in the state to play without spectators soon. The Democratic governor said Monday that sports could return in the “first week or so of June without spectators and modifications and very prescriptive conditions.” That is extremely welcome news for teams, who were wondering if they would have to make contingency plans to play elsewhere. Los Angeles County officials said last week there was the possibility that their stay-at-home order could be extended through the summer.

—LeBron James reiterated Monday that he is hopeful the NBA season can resume, with the caveat that the health and well-being of players won’t be jeopardized by a return to play. The Los Angeles Lakers star said it remains his wish that the season comes back “sooner than later.” The NBA suspended the season on March 11 because of the coronavirus pandemic, and two unidentified members of the Lakers were among the league’s players who subsequently tested positive for the virus.

— Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says pro sports leagues and entities in baseball, basketball, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, football, and car racing can apply to the state to hold events without spectators starting May 31. Abbott also says Little League baseball can resume play with parents watching under social distancing guidelines. Youth sports camps may also open in June.

—USA Baseball has tentatively scheduled July 24 as the start date for its 2020 schedule of summer events. The nation’s sport governing body says the first event would be the 14U Cup from July 24-26 at the national training complex in Cary, North Carolina. Eight other age-group competitions will be held from late July through August.

— The odds were against NASCAR flawlessly executing its reopening. But the stock car series successfully got back on track Sunday at Darlington Raceway without a slip. Participants all passed a health screening to enter the facility, no one was scolded for not socially distancing and everyone wore a mask. It was all NASCAR could hope for as it desperately tries to recover from a 10-week shutdown during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

— Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf says NASCAR can hold its races at Pocono Raceway in late June if the coronavirus situation improves in the area, though the races might have to go off without fans. Pocono Raceway is in Monroe County, which currently is under Wolf’s strictest pandemic orders, or a red designation. But Wolf said Monday that if the county moves to yellow, then NASCAR may hold the two races as long as there are no spectators present and guidelines are followed to keep competitors safe.

— Notre Dame is planning to allow students back on campus for the fall semester beginning in early August. University President, Rev. John I. Jenkins made the announcement in letters to the campus community. There was no mention of sports. The school’s reopening plan includes comprehensive testing for COVID-19, contact tracing, quarantine and isolation protocols, social distancing and mask requirements, and enhanced cleaning of all campus spaces. The Irish are scheduled to open the football season against Navy in Ireland on Aug. 29. Students were sent home in mid-March to complete the spring semester remotely because of the new coronavirus pandemic.

—Premier League soccer teams have agreed on the measures that will allow non-contact training sessions to resume this week amid the coronavirus pandemic. The protocols for socially distanced training in small groups were signed off by the clubs during a conference call following a government decision to ease lockdown restrictions in England. The Premier League has been told by government experts that coronavirus restrictions could endure for at least a year in English soccer, with players allowed to resume only non-contact training from Tuesday.

—The Spanish soccer player who threatened to quit his team rather than risk being infected by the coronavirus has returned to training. Cádiz defender Fali Giménez rejoined his teammates at the second-division club about a month after saying he wouldn’t play again unless there was a vaccine for COVID-19 or if he was assured 100% that he wouldn’t get infected after being back on the field.

— A soccer player in Germany for third-division club Chemnitz has tested positive for the coronavirus. Chemnitz did not name the player, but the club says he is “completely symptom-free.” That player and two other players who had contact with him will spend 14 days in isolation.

UNDATED (AP) — The U.S. Open won't have qualifying for the first time since 1924. Chalk that up to the COVID-19 pandemic that already has postponed the U.S. Open from June to Sept. 17-20 at Winged Foot in New York.

Qualifying is the hallmark of the U.S. Open. The USGA likes to point out that roughly half of the 156-man field has to go through some form of qualifying. But not this year.

Still to be determined is how the exemptions are created for the rest of the players. Among those not already exempt is Phil Mickelson, who has said he won't ask for an invitation.

—The return of live golf to television had a total audience delivery of 2.35 million viewers. Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson defeated Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff in the TaylorMade Driving Relief. The exhibition has raised at least $5.5 million for COVID-19 relief funds. NBC Sports says the total audience delivery was 16% higher than the final of the Dell Match Play last year in Texas. It used that as a comparison because only four players were on the course. It was roughly the same as network coverage of PGA Tour events from the second quarter of 2019.

ESPN to show film about Game 6 of 1998 NBA Finals

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — The Indiana Hoosiers have signed Khristian Lander, who was expected to be one of the nation's top-rated point guards in next season's recruiting class. But coach Archie Miller says the 6-foot-2, point guard will reclassify so he can play basketball this fall.

Lander is from Evansville and joins Anthony Leal and Trey Galloway as the third major in-state recruit in the 2020 recruiting class. Leal was named the IndyStar Mr. Basketball last month. Galloway and Lander were both second-team selections on The Associated Press all-state team.

Indiana also has signed Jordan Geronimo of New Hampshire.

— San Diego State has signed forward Joshua Tomaić as a grad transfer from Maryland and will be eligible to play next season. Coach Brian Dutcher said 6-foot-10, 235-pound Tomaić can play multiple positions but is most comfortable at the stretch four, preferring to play facing the basket.

— The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a lower-court ruling prohibiting the NCAA from limiting compensation for education-related expenses for student-athletes. The decision upholds an injunction approved by U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken on behalf of a nationwide class of student-athletes. The appeals court ruling clears the way for Division I conferences to independently set rules for education-related compensation provided to student-athletes.

Bills, Ole Miss lineman "Gentle Ben" Williams, 65, dies

OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Robert Jerry “Ben” Williams Jr., former Buffalo Bills defensive end and the first African American player to appear in a game at Mississippi, has died. He was 65. Ole Miss announced in a release that Williams died Monday from natural causes at a Jackson, Mississippi, hospital. Affectionately known as “Gentle Ben,” he was the Rebels’ first black player to earn All-America honors as a first-team selection in 1975 and was a three-time first team All-Southeastern Conference selection.

Williams was drafted by Buffalo in the third round in 1976 and spent his entire 10-year career with the Bills during which he had 140 starts in 147 games.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Williams earned his nickname because of his friendly off-field personality.

Jordan, Magic, Pippen Dream Team sneakers being auctioned

NEW YORK (AP) — Sneakers worn by Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Scottie Pippen while they played for the Dream Team are being auctioned.

The sneakers, each signed by the Hall of Fame wearer, are part of the Lelands 2020 Spring Classic Auction that runs through June 19. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the sneakers will benefit COVID-19 relief efforts.

Jordan, Johnson and Pippen wore the sneakers during the Tournament of Americas, which the U.S. team won to qualify for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. The Americans won gold there in the first Olympics to feature NBA players.

The sneakers were given to a team staff member in the locker room after the tournament championship game in Portland, Oregon.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A year ago, Tyreek Hill was a pariah, accused by his fiancee of abusing his son. Now, he’s a Super Bowl champion raising money to help with the COVID-19 response and handing out free food to front-line workers. And with the world gripped by pandemic, the great irony is that Hill finally has found a certain amount of peace in his life. He’s spent more time than he thought possible with his four kids. He's getting a room added to his house. He speaks frequently with his mom. He's financially secure. And more than anything, he's happy.NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Vanderbilt has signed guard Isaac McBride as a transfer from Kansas. Coach Jerry Stackhouse announced Monday that McBride will join the roster for the 2020-21 season. The 6-foot-1 guard from Little Rock was the 2019 Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year out of Baptist Preparatory School and rated a four-star player by Rivals.com for the 2019 class. McBride signed with Kansas but left school last September. He reportedly committed to Vanderbilt last December. Stackhouse just finished his first season with Vanderbilt going 11-21.COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — There is an extra level of anxiety these days for college football players who are NFL prospects and hoping for a big season to boost their exposure with pro scouts. The coronavirus pandemic did away with spring football and in-person workouts at on-campus facilities. Nobody can say yet what the 2020 season will look like, or if there will be one at all. The NFL is filled with examples of how important one season can be. That includes Joe Burrow, the LSU quarterback who won the Heisman Trophy and national championship in 2019 after transferring from Ohio State and became the top NFL draft pick.PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Starling Marte says his wife Noelia has died of a heart attack. Marte wrote on Instagram Monday, “It is a moment of indescribable pain. On behalf of my family, I am grateful for the expressions of esteem and solidarity in this difficult time.” The 31-year-old Marte has played his entire eight-year big league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the Diamondbacks during the offseason.SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a lower-court ruling prohibiting the NCAA from limiting compensation for education-related expenses for student-athletes. The decision upholds an injunction approved by U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken on behalf of a nationwide class of student-athletes. The appeals court ruling clears the way for Division I conferences to independently set rules for education-related compensation provided to student-athletes.LOS ANGELES (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has given the go ahead for professional sports teams in the state to play without spectators soon. The Democratic governor said Monday that sports could return in the “first week or so of June without spectators and modifications and very prescriptive conditions.” That is extremely welcome news for teams, who were wondering if they would have to make contingency plans to play elsewhere. Los Angeles County officials said last week there was the possibility that their stay-at-home order could be extended through the summer.UNDATED (AP) — LeBron James reiterated Monday that he is hopeful the NBA season can resume, with the caveat that the health and well-being of players won’t be jeopardized by a return to play. The Los Angeles Lakers star said it remains his wish that the season comes back “sooner than later.” The NBA suspended the season on March 11 because of the coronavirus pandemic, and two unidentified members of the Lakers were among the league’s players who subsequently tested positive for the virus.UNDATED (AP) — The final episodes of “The Last Dance” have aired, yet ESPN has one more program to show about the Chicago Bulls’ sixth championship. ESPN will show “Game 6: The Movie” on Wednesday night at 9 p.m. EDT, following a rebroadcast of episodes nine and 10 of “The Last Dance.” The game will feature game footage captured by five NBA Entertainment cameras. It marks the first time that the game has been available to watch in high definition. The Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz 87–86 as Michael Jordan hit the game-winning basket with 5.2 seconds remaining to cap their sixth championship in eight seasons.ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The return of live golf to television had a total audience delivery of 2.35 million viewers. Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson defeated Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff in the TaylorMade Driving Relief. The exhibition has raised at least $5.5 million for COVID-19 relief funds. NBC Sports says the total audience delivery was 16% higher than the final of the Dell Match Play last year in Texas. It used that as a comparison because only four players were on the course. It was roughly the same as network coverage of PGA Tour events from the second quarter of 2019.JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — A person familiar with the decision says the Miami Marlins will allow players on their 40-man roster access to their spring training complex to pitch off a mound or hit in batting cages beginning Tuesday.The person confirmed the decision to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Marlins made no announcement.The person says the rest of the complex in Jupiter, Florida, will remain closed.According to the source, the optional workouts will be individual, with a staff member present, and those involved will abide by social distancing guidelines.&nbsp;DIAMONDBACKS-MARTED-backs OF Starling Marte says wife dies of heart attackPHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Starling Marte has announced on social media that his wife Noelia has died of a heart attack.Marte wrote on Instagram Monday, “Today I go through the great pain of making public the unfortunate death of my wife Noelia, due to a heart attack.” He said, “It is a moment of indescribable pain. On behalf of my family, I am grateful for the expressions of esteem and solidarity in this difficult time.”The 31-year-old Marte has played his entire eight-year big league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates before being traded to the Diamondbacks during the offseason.The Pirates also responded on social media, saying “the entire Pirates family extend our deepest condolences to Starling Marte and family during this terrible time.”MLB UMPIRES-GARCIAAngry ump: Garcia says he kept quiet to protect son-in-lawNEW YORK (AP) — Former umpire Richie Garcia ended a decade of silence over his firing as a Major League Baseball supervisor, telling The Associated Press he kept quiet to protect his son-in-law and daughter.Garcia says he feels impugned by former colleague Randy Marsh, who testified in a deposition that Garcia was let go because he attended minor league games umped by son-in-law Vic Carapazza.Marsh retracted that comment in an interview with the AP, saying he doesn't know why Garcia was dismissed. Jimmie Lee Solomon, then in charge of umpires, says MLB wanted new supervisors with new ideas.Carapazza is a top umpire now, just like Garcia was.NFL-ROONEY RULEAP Sources: Rooney Rule to require for more interviewsUNDATED (AP) — The NFL is amending the Rooney Rule to require more interviews of minority candidates for head coaching and coordinator positions. That’s what two people familiar with the decision tell The Associated Press. Reacting to a lack of diversity progress in hiring for those jobs, the league will require teams to interview at least two minority candidates from outside the organization for head coach openings.The two people say that at least one minority candidate must be interviewed for a coordinator’s spot. They spoke on condition of anonymity because the NFL has not announced the additions.The rule is named after the late Dan Rooney, who owned the Pittsburgh Steelers, and was adopted in 2003. It has had some impact, but in the recent spate of coach hiring, few have gone to minority candidates.VIRUS OUTBREAK-WORLD TEAM TENNISWorld Team Tennis plans three-week seasonUNDATED (AP) — World TeamTennis CEO Carlos Silva says the league is “still on track for July 12” to open its three-week season and is hoping to select a site this week.Silva said in a telephone interview Monday with The AP that four cities are “in the mix.” He mentioned Texas and Florida as possible host states.The International Tennis Federation and the ATP and WTA tours said Friday they were extending their suspensions of play into late July because of the coronavirus pandemic.But World TeamTennis is not sanctioned by those three groups and doesn’t need to follow their guidelines.In other coronavirus-related sports news:— California Gov. Gavin Newsom has given the go ahead for professional sports teams in the state to play without spectators soon. The Democratic governor said Monday that sports could return in the “first week or so of June without spectators and modifications and very prescriptive conditions.” That is extremely welcome news for teams, who were wondering if they would have to make contingency plans to play elsewhere. Los Angeles County officials said last week there was the possibility that their stay-at-home order could be extended through the summer.—LeBron James reiterated Monday that he is hopeful the NBA season can resume, with the caveat that the health and well-being of players won’t be jeopardized by a return to play. The Los Angeles Lakers star said it remains his wish that the season comes back “sooner than later.” The NBA suspended the season on March 11 because of the coronavirus pandemic, and two unidentified members of the Lakers were among the league’s players who subsequently tested positive for the virus.— Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says pro sports leagues and entities in baseball, basketball, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, football, and car racing can apply to the state to hold events without spectators starting May 31. Abbott also says Little League baseball can resume play with parents watching under social distancing guidelines. Youth sports camps may also open in June.—USA Baseball has tentatively scheduled July 24 as the start date for its 2020 schedule of summer events. The nation’s sport governing body says the first event would be the 14U Cup from July 24-26 at the national training complex in Cary, North Carolina. Eight other age-group competitions will be held from late July through August.— The odds were against NASCAR flawlessly executing its reopening. But the stock car series successfully got back on track Sunday at Darlington Raceway without a slip. Participants all passed a health screening to enter the facility, no one was scolded for not socially distancing and everyone wore a mask. It was all NASCAR could hope for as it desperately tries to recover from a 10-week shutdown during the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;— Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf says NASCAR can hold its races at Pocono Raceway in late June if the coronavirus situation improves in the area, though the races might have to go off without fans. Pocono Raceway is in Monroe County, which currently is under Wolf’s strictest pandemic orders, or a red designation. But Wolf said Monday that if the county moves to yellow, then NASCAR may hold the two races as long as there are no spectators present and guidelines are followed to keep competitors safe.— Notre Dame is planning to allow students back on campus for the fall semester beginning in early August. University President, Rev. John I. Jenkins made the announcement in letters to the campus community. There was no mention of sports. The school’s reopening plan includes comprehensive testing for COVID-19, contact tracing, quarantine and isolation protocols, social distancing and mask requirements, and enhanced cleaning of all campus spaces. The Irish are scheduled to open the football season against Navy in Ireland on Aug. 29. Students were sent home in mid-March to complete the spring semester remotely because of the new coronavirus pandemic.—Premier League soccer teams have agreed on the measures that will allow non-contact training sessions to resume this week amid the coronavirus pandemic. The protocols for socially distanced training in small groups were signed off by the clubs during a conference call following a government decision to ease lockdown restrictions in England. The Premier League has been told by government experts that coronavirus restrictions could endure for at least a year in English soccer, with players allowed to resume only non-contact training from Tuesday.—The Spanish soccer player who threatened to quit his team rather than risk being infected by the coronavirus has returned to training. Cádiz defender Fali Giménez rejoined his teammates at the second-division club about a month after saying he wouldn’t play again unless there was a vaccine for COVID-19 or if he was assured 100% that he wouldn’t get infected after being back on the field.— A soccer player in Germany for third-division club Chemnitz has tested positive for the coronavirus. Chemnitz did not name the player, but the club says he is “completely symptom-free.” That player and two other players who had contact with him will spend 14 days in isolation.GOLF-US OPENNo qualifying for US OpenUNDATED (AP) — The U.S. Open won't have qualifying for the first time since 1924. Chalk that up to the COVID-19 pandemic that already has postponed the U.S. Open from June to Sept. 17-20 at Winged Foot in New York.Qualifying is the hallmark of the U.S. Open. The USGA likes to point out that roughly half of the 156-man field has to go through some form of qualifying. But not this year.Still to be determined is how the exemptions are created for the rest of the players. Among those not already exempt is Phil Mickelson, who has said he won't ask for an invitation.In other golfing news,—The return of live golf to television had a total audience delivery of 2.35 million viewers. Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson defeated Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff in the TaylorMade Driving Relief. The exhibition has raised at least $5.5 million for COVID-19 relief funds. NBC Sports says the total audience delivery was 16% higher than the final of the Dell Match Play last year in Texas. It used that as a comparison because only four players were on the course. It was roughly the same as network coverage of PGA Tour events from the second quarter of 2019.ESPN-LAST DANCEESPN to show film about Game 6 of 1998 NBA FinalsUNDATED (AP) — The final episodes of “The Last Dance” have aired, yet ESPN has one more program to show about the Chicago Bulls’ sixth championship. ESPN will show “Game 6: The Movie” on Wednesday night at 9 p.m. EDT, following a rebroadcast of episodes nine and 10 of “The Last Dance.” The game will feature game footage captured by five NBA Entertainment cameras. It marks the first time that the game has been available to watch in high definition. The Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz 87–86 as Michael Jordan hit the game-winning basket with 5.2 seconds remaining to cap their sixth championship in eight seasons.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-INDIANA RECRUITHoosiers sign LanderBLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — The Indiana Hoosiers have signed Khristian Lander, who was expected to be one of the nation's top-rated point guards in next season's recruiting class. But coach Archie Miller says the 6-foot-2, point guard will reclassify so he can play basketball this fall.Lander is from Evansville and joins Anthony Leal and Trey Galloway as the third major in-state recruit in the 2020 recruiting class. Leal was named the IndyStar Mr. Basketball last month. Galloway and Lander were both second-team selections on The Associated Press all-state team.Indiana also has signed Jordan Geronimo of New Hampshire.Elsewhere in college hoops news:— San Diego State has signed forward Joshua Tomaić as a grad transfer from Maryland and will be eligible to play next season. Coach Brian Dutcher said 6-foot-10, 235-pound Tomaić can play multiple positions but is most comfortable at the stretch four, preferring to play facing the basket.— The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a lower-court ruling prohibiting the NCAA from limiting compensation for education-related expenses for student-athletes. The decision upholds an injunction approved by U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken on behalf of a nationwide class of student-athletes. The appeals court ruling clears the way for Division I conferences to independently set rules for education-related compensation provided to student-athletes.OBIT-BILLS-BEN WILLIAMSBills, Ole Miss lineman "Gentle Ben" Williams, 65, diesOXFORD, Miss. (AP) — Robert Jerry “Ben” Williams Jr., former Buffalo Bills defensive end and the first African American player to appear in a game at Mississippi, has died. He was 65. Ole Miss announced in a release that Williams died Monday from natural causes at a Jackson, Mississippi, hospital. Affectionately known as “Gentle Ben,” he was the Rebels’ first black player to earn All-America honors as a first-team selection in 1975 and was a three-time first team All-Southeastern Conference selection.Williams was drafted by Buffalo in the third round in 1976 and spent his entire 10-year career with the Bills during which he had 140 starts in 147 games.Listed at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Williams earned his nickname because of his friendly off-field personality.DREAM TEAM-SNEAKER AUCTIONJordan, Magic, Pippen Dream Team sneakers being auctionedNEW YORK (AP) — Sneakers worn by Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Scottie Pippen while they played for the Dream Team are being auctioned.The sneakers, each signed by the Hall of Fame wearer, are part of the Lelands 2020 Spring Classic Auction that runs through June 19. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the sneakers will benefit COVID-19 relief efforts.Jordan, Johnson and Pippen wore the sneakers during the Tournament of Americas, which the U.S. team won to qualify for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. The Americans won gold there in the first Olympics to feature NBA players.The sneakers were given to a team staff member in the locker room after the tournament championship game in Portland, Oregon.

Tuesday Sports Headlines

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Vanderbilt has signed guard Isaac McBride as a transfer from Kansas.

Coach Jerry Stackhouse announced Monday that McBride will join the roster for the 2020-21 season.

“He is a quick and explosive athlete who can play both guard positions, and is a young man who can really score the basketball,” Stackhouse said. “He is a tremendous leader, both on and off the court, and we look forward to having him as a Commodore.”

The 6-foot-1 guard from Little Rock was the 2019 Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year out of Baptist Preparatory School and rated a four-star player by Rivals.com for the 2019 class. McBride signed with Kansas but left school last September. He reportedly committed to Vanderbilt last December.

Stackhouse just finished his first season with Vanderbilt, going 11-21.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Vanderbilt has signed guard Isaac McBride as a transfer from Kansas.Coach Jerry Stackhouse announced Monday that McBride will join the roster for the 2020-21 season.“He is a quick and explosive athlete who can play both guard positions, and is a young man who can really score the basketball,” Stackhouse said. “He is a tremendous leader, both on and off the court, and we look forward to having him as a Commodore.”The 6-foot-1 guard from Little Rock was the 2019 Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year out of Baptist Preparatory School and rated a four-star player by Rivals.com for the 2019 class. McBride signed with Kansas but left school last September. He reportedly committed to Vanderbilt last December.Stackhouse just finished his first season with Vanderbilt, going 11-21.

Vanderbilt adds guard Isaac McBride as transfer from Kansas

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The steady stream of nurses filing out of St. Luke’s Hospital for close to an hour was finally slowing down, which was altogether fortunate, because the young man with thighs like tree trunks was running out of food to give them.

It may have been the most impressive thing Tyreek Hill had done since running 2-3 Jet Chip Wasp.

The Pro Bowl wide receiver, who caught a 44-yard pass at the end of that route the first week of February to spur a Super Bowl comeback for the Kansas City Chiefs, had been talking to his mother about how much the world had changed. Hill had not run another route since that night in Miami, or caught another pass from Patrick Mahomes, after the outbreak of the coronavirus changed the daily life of pro football players and nurses, and everyone in between.

“My mom, she’s actually a nurse,” Hill explained, “and she always comes home and talks about how some people don’t care about them risking their lives every day. So I was like, ‘Mom, maybe there’s something I can do here in Kansas City for the health care workers, you know?’ It can be small. It can be big.”

So, they came up with the idea of delivering food to St. Luke’s last week. The little boxes of sandwiches were a welcome improvement from their usual fare, but it was the delivery guy behind the white mask that made the moment so special.

Just over a year ago, the record setter was a league-wide pariah. He had been suspended by the Chiefs and the NFL after audio surfaced on the night of the draft in which his then-fiancee accused him of hurting his 3-year-old son. The district attorney launched an investigation, the Kansas Department for Children and Families became involved, and the odds appeared no better than 50-50 that Hill would ever step foot on an NFL field again.

“It was hard,” Hill said the week before the Super Bowl. “I’m not going to lie.”

The churlish nightmare eventually turned into a positive outcome.

First, the district attorney declined to press charges after he was unable to determine who caused injuries to the child. Then the league lifted its suspension and the team followed suit — not only welcoming Hill back for training camp but tying up the details of a $54 million, three-year contract extension.

Hill proceeded to break his collarbone in Week 1 against Jacksonville, but that was merely a four-game sidetrack on what turned out to be another sublime season. He caught 58 passes for 860 yards and seven scores. He helped lead dramatic comebacks each round of the playoffs. And ultimately, he caught a pass at the end of the now-famous 2-3 Jet Chip Wasp to help the long-suffering Chiefs win their first Super Bowl championship in five decades.

“I mean, I just feel like I’m blessed with being able to play the game of football,” Hill said. “My job is just to win. I want to win. I’ve always been part of a winning culture. I’ve always been taught team is first. There is no ‘I’ in team.”

That’s another reason he was so keen to deliver food to front-line workers: For one day, Hill wanted to join their team.

“Me and my mom talk a lot about giving back,” he said. “That’s the way I was raised.”

With the world gripped by the worst pandemic in generations, it is exceedingly ironic that Hill seems at such peace.

He’s spent more time than he thought possible with his four kids: baby twins, a 1-year-old and his 5-year-old son. He’s getting a room added onto his house, the hammering providing the staccato-like soundtrack to a Zoom call last week. He’s financially secure — his whole family is, for that matter — and he’s a Super Bowl champion.

“It’s been great. I’ve had a chance to have all four of my kids, which is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Hill said. “It is fun. It’s challenging. But it’s also like, a process of me bettering myself, so I’m enjoying it. Every step of it.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The steady stream of nurses filing out of St. Luke’s Hospital for close to an hour was finally slowing down, which was altogether fortunate, because the young man with thighs like tree trunks was running out of food to give them.It may have been the most impressive thing Tyreek Hill had done since running 2-3 Jet Chip Wasp.The Pro Bowl wide receiver, who caught a 44-yard pass at the end of that route the first week of February to spur a Super Bowl comeback for the Kansas City Chiefs, had been talking to his mother about how much the world had changed. Hill had not run another route since that night in Miami, or caught another pass from Patrick Mahomes, after the outbreak of the coronavirus changed the daily life of pro football players and nurses, and everyone in between.“My mom, she’s actually a nurse,” Hill explained, “and she always comes home and talks about how some people don’t care about them risking their lives every day. So I was like, ‘Mom, maybe there’s something I can do here in Kansas City for the health care workers, you know?’ It can be small. It can be big.”So, they came up with the idea of delivering food to St. Luke’s last week. The little boxes of sandwiches were a welcome improvement from their usual fare, but it was the delivery guy behind the white mask that made the moment so special.It was special for Hill, too.Just over a year ago, the record setter was a league-wide pariah. He had been suspended by the Chiefs and the NFL after audio surfaced on the night of the draft in which his then-fiancee accused him of hurting his 3-year-old son. The district attorney launched an investigation, the Kansas Department for Children and Families became involved, and the odds appeared no better than 50-50 that Hill would ever step foot on an NFL field again.“It was hard,” Hill said the week before the Super Bowl. “I’m not going to lie.”The churlish nightmare eventually turned into a positive outcome.First, the district attorney declined to press charges after he was unable to determine who caused injuries to the child. Then the league lifted its suspension and the team followed suit — not only welcoming Hill back for training camp but tying up the details of a $54 million, three-year contract extension.Hill proceeded to break his collarbone in Week 1 against Jacksonville, but that was merely a four-game sidetrack on what turned out to be another sublime season. He caught 58 passes for 860 yards and seven scores. He helped lead dramatic comebacks each round of the playoffs. And ultimately, he caught a pass at the end of the now-famous 2-3 Jet Chip Wasp to help the long-suffering Chiefs win their first Super Bowl championship in five decades.“I mean, I just feel like I’m blessed with being able to play the game of football,” Hill said. “My job is just to win. I want to win. I’ve always been part of a winning culture. I’ve always been taught team is first. There is no ‘I’ in team.”That’s another reason he was so keen to deliver food to front-line workers: For one day, Hill wanted to join their team.“Me and my mom talk a lot about giving back,” he said. “That’s the way I was raised.”With the world gripped by the worst pandemic in generations, it is exceedingly ironic that Hill seems at such peace.He’s spent more time than he thought possible with his four kids: baby twins, a 1-year-old and his 5-year-old son. He’s getting a room added onto his house, the hammering providing the staccato-like soundtrack to a Zoom call last week. He’s financially secure — his whole family is, for that matter — and he’s a Super Bowl champion.“It’s been great. I’ve had a chance to have all four of my kids, which is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Hill said. “It is fun. It’s challenging. But it’s also like, a process of me bettering myself, so I’m enjoying it. Every step of it.”

Chiefs' Hill completes year-long reclamation of himself

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The return of live golf to television brought 2.35 million viewers across all platforms, which NBC Sports says was 16% higher than the final of the Dell Match Play last year.

The TaylorMade Driving Relief on Sunday from Seminole Golf Club was shown from 2 p.m. to just after 6:30 p.m. on NBC, Golf Channel, NBCSN, along with NBC Sports and PGA Tour streaming outlets.

Rory McIlroy won a closest-to-the-pin playoff worth six skins valued at $1.1 million as he and Dustin Johnson defeated Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff. More than $5.5 million was raised for COVID-19 relief funds, with more donations being accepted through Tuesday.

NBC used the Match Play as a comparison because only four players were on the course in both formats. Kevin Kisner beat Matt Kuchar in the Match Play last year that had a total audience delivery of 2.03 million.

The Seminole exhibition was up against the official return of NASCAR. The Match Play last year on March 31, however, was part of a TV lineup filled with sports, including NCAA basketball tournament, Major League Baseball and a NASCAR race.

NBC says the Skins game at Seminole was roughly the same as viewership for network coverage of the PGA Tour in the second quarter of 2019.

NBC says there were 762,000 average viewers from the 25-54 age group, which was two-thirds more than the same age group watching Match Play last year, and 44% more than PGA Tour coverage from the second quarter last year.

The Sunday exhibition also had linear coverage on Sky Sports and other PGA Tour global media partners. Streaming was available on NBC Sports Gold and Amazon Prime Video, GolfPass, GolfChannel.com and GolfTV

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The return of live golf to television brought 2.35 million viewers across all platforms, which NBC Sports says was 16% higher than the final of the Dell Match Play last year.The TaylorMade Driving Relief on Sunday from Seminole Golf Club was shown from 2 p.m. to just after 6:30 p.m. on NBC, Golf Channel, NBCSN, along with NBC Sports and PGA Tour streaming outlets.Rory McIlroy won a closest-to-the-pin playoff worth six skins valued at $1.1 million as he and Dustin Johnson defeated Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff. More than $5.5 million was raised for COVID-19 relief funds, with more donations being accepted through Tuesday.NBC used the Match Play as a comparison because only four players were on the course in both formats. Kevin Kisner beat Matt Kuchar in the Match Play last year that had a total audience delivery of 2.03 million.The Seminole exhibition was up against the official return of NASCAR. The Match Play last year on March 31, however, was part of a TV lineup filled with sports, including NCAA basketball tournament, Major League Baseball and a NASCAR race.NBC says the Skins game at Seminole was roughly the same as viewership for network coverage of the PGA Tour in the second quarter of 2019.NBC says there were 762,000 average viewers from the 25-54 age group, which was two-thirds more than the same age group watching Match Play last year, and 44% more than PGA Tour coverage from the second quarter last year.The Sunday exhibition also had linear coverage on Sky Sports and other PGA Tour global media partners. Streaming was available on NBC Sports Gold and Amazon Prime Video, GolfPass, GolfChannel.com and GolfTV

NBC says 2.35 million viewers for live golf’s return to TV

AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Monday

DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — Kevin Harvick was the winner as NASCAR resumed its Cup schedule following a 10-week layoff caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Harvick took the lead from Alex Bowman on a late restart and pulled away over the final 30 laps in front of empty stands at Darlington Raceway. Bowman finished second, followed by Kurt Busch, Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin. The event was run without fans and with an emphasis on masks and social distancing.

JUNO BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Rory McIlroy delivered the money shot in the TaylorMade Driving Relief exhibition that raised $5 million for COVID-19 relief funds. With the match down to a closest-to-the-pin contest after regulation, McIlroy barely stayed on the shelf left of the pin, measured at 13 feet to beat Matthew Wolff’s attempt by five feet. The final carryover gave McIlroy and Dustin Johnson $1.85 million for the American Nurses Foundation.

HOUSTON (AP) — A 5-year-old boy and a woman drowned in the backyard pool of former major league outfielder Carl Crawford's Houston home Saturday afternoon. That’s according to reports from The Houston Chronicle. The paper says Houston police were called for a reported drowning at a north Houston home that property and business records list as belonging to Crawford. A police spokeswoman told the Chronicle that the boy was swimming in the pool when he began to have trouble breathing, and the woman jumped in to save him.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker and Seattle corner Quinton Dunbar have been released from Broward County Jail after surrendering Saturday on felony charges stemming from a cookout at a Miramar home. Baker posted a $200,000 bond and is charged with four counts of armed robbery with a firearm and four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Dunbar posted a $100,000 bond and is charged with four felony counts of armed robbery.

HOUSTON (AP) — Authorities say Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver was arrested during a traffic stop in the Houston area and charged with drunken driving and illegally carrying a handgun. Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies pulled Oliver over Saturday night after receiving reports of someone driving recklessly in a construction area. The Montgomery County Constables say that Oliver failed a sobriety test and deputies found a small caliber pistol in his truck.

Cal. State teams could play football as scheduled

UNDATED (AP) — The California State University system’s plan for a mostly virtual fall semester due to the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t necessarily close the door on football at its three schools that play in the far-flung Mountain West Conference.

San Diego State athletic director John David Wicker says the school is looking at having football players return to campus no earlier than July 7 and is making plans to play the season as scheduled. SDSU is proceeding because it envisions a fall schedule that includes a hybrid model of classes, in which some students will be on campus for in-person instruction such as labs while other classes will be held online.

The Mountain West also includes Cal. State schools Fresno State and San Jose State. Fresno State AD Terry Tumey says it’s too early to determine when athletes could return to campus, adding that the safety of the community, the players and support staff is paramount. San Jose State said in a statement that it continues to work on timelines.

NCAA President Mark Emmert said recently that campuses must be open “in one fashion or another” in order to have sports this fall.

In other developments related to the coronavirus pandemic:

— Former major league manager and infielder Art Howe has been released from a Houston hospital after a stay in intensive care because of the pandemic. The 73-year-old Howe will be isolated at home for another week or two.

— English Premier League clubs will try on Monday to agree on protocols to allow a return to training during the pandemic. Teams already have started checking players and coaches for COVID-19, with a total of 1,600 weekly tests anticipated across the 20 clubs in England's top division. Monday’s meeting comes two days after the German league resumed its schedule.

— All Spanish league clubs can begin group training sessions this week despite stricter lockdown restrictions remaining in place in parts of Spain because of the pandemic. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have not been allowed to loosen confinement measures like most of the country, but teams such as Real Madrid and Barcelona have been given the go-ahead to move into the second phase of training. The league has told clubs that on Monday all players can start small group sessions regardless of the lockdown phase in their regions. Players had only been allowed to train individually across Spain until now.

— Park Hyun-kung shot a final-round 67 to win the Korean Ladies Professional Golf tournament by one stroke. Park had a four-round total of 17-under 271 on the Lakewood Country Club course. Lim Hee-jeong carried a three-stroke lead into the final round before falling into a second-place tie with Bae Seon-woo. The tournament was played without fans and with players using hand sanitizers and following social-distancing rules. Caddies wore masks but players were allowed to play without them.

— Russia has relaxed border restrictions for athletes and coaches in a move that will help soccer to restart in the country next month. Russia has barred most foreign arrivals since March in a bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Now the government says athletes and coaches will be allowed in if they have a contract with a Russian sports team or organization. They will have to spend 14 days in isolation on arrival and will be observed by doctors.

Two drown at property owned by ex-outfielder Carl Crawford

HOUSTON (AP) — A 5-year-old boy and a woman drowned in the backyard pool of former LA Dodger player Carl Crawford's Houston home Saturday afternoon. That’s according to reports from The Houston Chronicle.

The paper says Houston police were called for a reported drowning at a north Houston home that property and business records list as belonging to Crawford. A police spokeswoman told the Chronicle that the boy was swimming in the pool when he began to have trouble breathing, and the woman jumped in to save him. Both were unresponsive when police arrived and later declared dead at a hospital, according to the spokeswoman.

No further details were immediately available.

The police department did not immediately respond Sunday to a request for comment from The Associated Press. Contact information for Crawford could not be immediately found.

Baker, Dunbar released after posting bond

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — NFL cornerbacks DeAndre Baker and Quinton Dunbar were released from Broward County Jail on Sunday, a day after surrendering on felony charges stemming from a cookout at a Miramar home.

Baker posted a $200,000 bond after a Zoom hearing with Broward Circuit Judge Michael Davis. The New York Giants defender is charged with four counts of armed robbery with a firearm and four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm.

Dunbar is charged with four felony counts of armed robbery. The Seattle Seahawks player posted a $100,000 bond.

The warrant said Baker and Dunbar were attending the cookout Wednesday night when a fight broke out and Baker pulled out a handgun. Witnesses told investigators that Baker, Dunbar and two other men began robbing people of thousands of dollars, watches and other valuables.

The players’ lawyers say they have witnesses who will clear them.

Buffalo Bills player charged with drunken driving in Texas

HOUSTON (AP) — Authorities say Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver was arrested during a traffic stop in the Houston area and charged with drunken driving and illegally carrying a handgun.

Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies pulled Oliver over Saturday night after receiving reports of someone driving recklessly in a construction area. Oliver failed a sobriety test and deputies found a small caliber pistol in his truck, according to a statement from the Montgomery County Constables.

The Houston Chronicle reports that he was released from jail after posting bond.

Oliver was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2019 draft.

Korean soccer club apologizes for putting sex dolls in seats

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A South Korean professional soccer club has apologized after being accused of putting sex dolls in empty stands during a match in Seoul.

In a statement, FC Seoul expresses “sincere remorse” over the controversy. It insists that it used mannequins, not sex dolls, to mimic a crowd at the Seoul World Cup stadium.

The country’s top-flight K-League returned to action on May 8 without spectators following weeks-long postponements because of the coronavirus.

Professional baseball has resumed under similar conditions. The leagues plan to ban fans until the risks of infections are meaningfully lowered.

DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — Kevin Harvick was the winner as NASCAR resumed its Cup schedule following a 10-week layoff caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Harvick took the lead from Alex Bowman on a late restart and pulled away over the final 30 laps in front of empty stands at Darlington Raceway. Bowman finished second, followed by Kurt Busch, Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin. The event was run without fans and with an emphasis on masks and social distancing.JUNO BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Rory McIlroy delivered the money shot in the TaylorMade Driving Relief exhibition that raised $5 million for COVID-19 relief funds. With the match down to a closest-to-the-pin contest after regulation, McIlroy barely stayed on the shelf left of the pin, measured at 13 feet to beat Matthew Wolff’s attempt by five feet. The final carryover gave McIlroy and Dustin Johnson $1.85 million for the American Nurses Foundation.HOUSTON (AP) — A 5-year-old boy and a woman drowned in the backyard pool of former major league outfielder Carl Crawford's Houston home Saturday afternoon. That’s according to reports from The Houston Chronicle. The paper says Houston police were called for a reported drowning at a north Houston home that property and business records list as belonging to Crawford. A police spokeswoman told the Chronicle that the boy was swimming in the pool when he began to have trouble breathing, and the woman jumped in to save him.FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker and Seattle corner Quinton Dunbar have been released from Broward County Jail after surrendering Saturday on felony charges stemming from a cookout at a Miramar home. Baker posted a $200,000 bond and is charged with four counts of armed robbery with a firearm and four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. Dunbar posted a $100,000 bond and is charged with four felony counts of armed robbery.HOUSTON (AP) — Authorities say Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver was arrested during a traffic stop in the Houston area and charged with drunken driving and illegally carrying a handgun. Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies pulled Oliver over Saturday night after receiving reports of someone driving recklessly in a construction area. The Montgomery County Constables say that Oliver failed a sobriety test and deputies found a small caliber pistol in his truck.VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTSCal. State teams could play football as scheduledUNDATED (AP) — The California State University system’s plan for a mostly virtual fall semester due to the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t necessarily close the door on football at its three schools that play in the far-flung Mountain West Conference.San Diego State athletic director John David Wicker says the school is looking at having football players return to campus no earlier than July 7 and is making plans to play the season as scheduled. SDSU is proceeding because it envisions a fall schedule that includes a hybrid model of classes, in which some students will be on campus for in-person instruction such as labs while other classes will be held online.The Mountain West also includes Cal. State schools Fresno State and San Jose State. Fresno State AD Terry Tumey says it’s too early to determine when athletes could return to campus, adding that the safety of the community, the players and support staff is paramount. San Jose State said in a statement that it continues to work on timelines.NCAA President Mark Emmert said recently that campuses must be open “in one fashion or another” in order to have sports this fall.In other developments related to the coronavirus pandemic:— Former major league manager and infielder Art Howe has been released from a Houston hospital after a stay in intensive care because of the pandemic. The 73-year-old Howe will be isolated at home for another week or two.— English Premier League clubs will try on Monday to agree on protocols to allow a return to training during the pandemic. Teams already have started checking players and coaches for COVID-19, with a total of 1,600 weekly tests anticipated across the 20 clubs in England's top division. Monday’s meeting comes two days after the German league resumed its schedule.— All Spanish league clubs can begin group training sessions this week despite stricter lockdown restrictions remaining in place in parts of Spain because of the pandemic. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have not been allowed to loosen confinement measures like most of the country, but teams such as Real Madrid and Barcelona have been given the go-ahead to move into the second phase of training. The league has told clubs that on Monday all players can start small group sessions regardless of the lockdown phase in their regions. Players had only been allowed to train individually across Spain until now.— Park Hyun-kung shot a final-round 67 to win the Korean Ladies Professional Golf tournament by one stroke. Park had a four-round total of 17-under 271 on the Lakewood Country Club course. Lim Hee-jeong carried a three-stroke lead into the final round before falling into a second-place tie with Bae Seon-woo. The tournament was played without fans and with players using hand sanitizers and following social-distancing rules. Caddies wore masks but players were allowed to play without them.— Russia has relaxed border restrictions for athletes and coaches in a move that will help soccer to restart in the country next month. Russia has barred most foreign arrivals since March in a bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Now the government says athletes and coaches will be allowed in if they have a contract with a Russian sports team or organization. They will have to spend 14 days in isolation on arrival and will be observed by doctors.MLB-CRAWFORD-POOL DROWNINGTwo drown at property owned by ex-outfielder Carl CrawfordHOUSTON (AP) — A 5-year-old boy and a woman drowned in the backyard pool of former LA Dodger player Carl Crawford's Houston home Saturday afternoon. That’s according to reports from The Houston Chronicle.The paper says Houston police were called for a reported drowning at a north Houston home that property and business records list as belonging to Crawford. A police spokeswoman told the Chronicle that the boy was swimming in the pool when he began to have trouble breathing, and the woman jumped in to save him. Both were unresponsive when police arrived and later declared dead at a hospital, according to the spokeswoman.No further details were immediately available.The police department did not immediately respond Sunday to a request for comment from The Associated Press. Contact information for Crawford could not be immediately found.NFL-ROBBERYBaker, Dunbar released after posting bondFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — NFL cornerbacks DeAndre Baker and Quinton Dunbar were released from Broward County Jail on Sunday, a day after surrendering on felony charges stemming from a cookout at a Miramar home.Baker posted a $200,000 bond after a Zoom hearing with Broward Circuit Judge Michael Davis. The New York Giants defender is charged with four counts of armed robbery with a firearm and four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm.Dunbar is charged with four felony counts of armed robbery. The Seattle Seahawks player posted a $100,000 bond.The warrant said Baker and Dunbar were attending the cookout Wednesday night when a fight broke out and Baker pulled out a handgun. Witnesses told investigators that Baker, Dunbar and two other men began robbing people of thousands of dollars, watches and other valuables.The players’ lawyers say they have witnesses who will clear them.NFL-BILLS PLAYER ARRESTEDBuffalo Bills player charged with drunken driving in TexasHOUSTON (AP) — Authorities say Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver was arrested during a traffic stop in the Houston area and charged with drunken driving and illegally carrying a handgun.Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies pulled Oliver over Saturday night after receiving reports of someone driving recklessly in a construction area. Oliver failed a sobriety test and deputies found a small caliber pistol in his truck, according to a statement from the Montgomery County Constables.The Houston Chronicle reports that he was released from jail after posting bond.Oliver was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2019 draft.SOUTH KOREA-SEX DOLLSKorean soccer club apologizes for putting sex dolls in seatsSEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A South Korean professional soccer club has apologized after being accused of putting sex dolls in empty stands during a match in Seoul.In a statement, FC Seoul expresses “sincere remorse” over the controversy. It insists that it used mannequins, not sex dolls, to mimic a crowd at the Seoul World Cup stadium.The country’s top-flight K-League returned to action on May 8 without spectators following weeks-long postponements because of the coronavirus.Professional baseball has resumed under similar conditions. The leagues plan to ban fans until the risks of infections are meaningfully lowered.

Monday Sports Headlines

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball will look somewhat like high school ball this year under protocols to deal with the new coronavirus, with showers at ballparks discouraged and players possibly arriving in uniform, like they did when they were teenagers.

Team personnel will be banned from eating at restaurants on road trips.

Even the Phillie Phantic and Mr. Met will be missing, banned from the field along with all other team mascots.

The traditional exchange of lineup cards would be eliminated, along with high-fives, fist bumps, and bat boys and girls, according to a 67-page draft of Major League Baseball’s proposed 2020 Operations Manual. A copy was sent to teams Friday and obtained by The Associated Press. The guidelines, first reported by The Athletic, are subject to negotiation with the players’ association.

Teams will be allowed to have 50 players each under the plan, with the number active for each game still be negotiated.

Spitting is prohibited along with water jugs and the use of saunas, steam rooms, pools and cryotherapy chambers. Hitting in indoor cages is discouraged, batting gloves encouraged.

Batting practice pitchers are to wear masks, dugout telephones disinfected after each use. Players may not touch their face to give signs, and they’re not allowed to lick their fingers. Teams are encouraged to hold meetings outdoors, players spread apart.

Teams were asked to respond with their suggested input by May 22. The protocols were written by MLB senior vice presidents Patrick Houlihan, Bryan Seeley and Chris Young, and vice president Jon Coyles. Young is a former pitcher who retired after the 2017 season.

Protocols include details on testing for team staff, who are divided into three tiers. All others may not enter clubhouses, dugouts and the field.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball will look somewhat like high school ball this year under protocols to deal with the new coronavirus, with showers at ballparks discouraged and players possibly arriving in uniform, like they did when they were teenagers.Team personnel will be banned from eating at restaurants on road trips.Even the Phillie Phantic and Mr. Met will be missing, banned from the field along with all other team mascots.The traditional exchange of lineup cards would be eliminated, along with high-fives, fist bumps, and bat boys and girls, according to a 67-page draft of Major League Baseball’s proposed 2020 Operations Manual. A copy was sent to teams Friday and obtained by The Associated Press. The guidelines, first reported by The Athletic, are subject to negotiation with the players’ association.Teams will be allowed to have 50 players each under the plan, with the number active for each game still be negotiated.Spitting is prohibited along with water jugs and the use of saunas, steam rooms, pools and cryotherapy chambers. Hitting in indoor cages is discouraged, batting gloves encouraged.Batting practice pitchers are to wear masks, dugout telephones disinfected after each use. Players may not touch their face to give signs, and they’re not allowed to lick their fingers. Teams are encouraged to hold meetings outdoors, players spread apart.Teams were asked to respond with their suggested input by May 22. The protocols were written by MLB senior vice presidents Patrick Houlihan, Bryan Seeley and Chris Young, and vice president Jon Coyles. Young is a former pitcher who retired after the 2017 season.Protocols include details on testing for team staff, who are divided into three tiers. All others may not enter clubhouses, dugouts and the field.Seats in the empty stands near the dugout should be used to maintain distance, according to diagrams in the manual, and the next day’s starting pitcher can’t sit in the dugout. Everyone must keep their distance during “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America,”Fielders are “encouraged to retreat several steps away from the baserunner” between pitches. First and third base coaches are not to approach baserunners or umpires, and players should not socialize with opponents.Managers and coaches must wear masks while in the dugouts. The entire traveling party -- including players -- must wear personal protective equipment while on buses and flights. Restaurants are off limits on the road, including the ones in hotels, as are hotel fitness centers.“We emphasize that this is a first draft, and will undergo several rounds of changes as we collect comments and suggestions from the clubs, the players’ association, players, and government officials,” deputy commissioner Dan Halem wrote in an email to owners, team presidents and CEOs, and general managers that accompanied the protocols.“The document is designed to set minimum standards and identify best practices, but we have attempted to provide clubs with enough flexibility to achieve the desired health and safety objectives in a manner that is tailored to their particular circumstances, including ballpark configuration, location, and the nature of any local governmental regulations or restrictions,” Halem wrote.Scoreboard video is prohibited but music allowed. While there won’t be fans, at least not at the start, it will provide a familiar background audio for the telecasts critical to MLB’s bottom line.A ball will be thrown away after it is touched by multiple players, and throwing the ball around the infield will be discouraged. Personnel who rub baseballs with mud for the umpires must use gloves.“Individuals must avoid any physical interactions (such as high-fives, fist bumps, or hugs) while at club facilities,” the manual says.Tier 1 people in the plan include players, managers and coaches plus two each from among physicians, athletics trainers and bullpen catchers plus one strength and conditioning coach.Tier 2 includes clubhouse staff, additional coaches, medical and training staff, traveling staff, owners, front office, translators, communications staff, video personnel, the head groundskeeper and security plus players’ union and MLB staff along with contractors.Tier 3 covers broadcast personnel and other event services.Players must wear masks while in restricted areas “except while on the field or engaging in other strenuous activities” and lockers must have at least 6 feet between them. If needed, temporary clubhouse space will be added, preferably outdoors or areas with better ventilation.“Showering in club facilities should be discouraged,” the plan says. “To the extent showering occurs, clubs should explore modifications to facilities to allow for physical distancing and hygiene” such as installing partitions and limiting the number of players using the showers at the same time.Teams “should consider requiring (on-field staff) to arrive at club facilities dressed for the day’s activities in order to limit time spent in the clubhouse or locker room.”Only medical personnel allowed near injured players.There will be staggered reporting dates for the resumption of spring training. When pitchers and catchers arrive, only five players may work out at a time. Then come full team workouts, with small groups encouraged but not required, followed by exhibition games. There will be intake screening upon arrival followed a self-quarantine for 24-48 hours until results are available. Players not assigned to big league team when the season starts will remain at spring training or another separate facility.All games at spring training facilities in Florida and Arizona, whether exhibition or regular season, must be scheduled for 7-9 p.m. local time unless MLB gives specific consent.A fifth umpire would be allowed when the temperature reaches a certain level, allowing for rotation, including sharing of plate umpire duties, Teams should take batting practice on back fields.Among the road trip changes:—Use of Uber, subways and public buses is banned.—Private airports encouraged and if not available, teams are to use private aviation facilities to board and exit.—Transportation Security Administration screen should take place at ballparks if it can be arranged.—In-flight catering is limited.—Lower floors are to be used if possible at hotels, so stairs can be used instead of elevators, and private areas arranged for entrances, exits and check-in.—Six staggered bus trips will be scheduled to and from the ballpark.Team staff, including players, will be given thermometers for self screening and are to take two tests in quick succession each morning.At the ballpark, people will be given temperature checks twice a day and multiple fluid swabs each week. Comprehensive Drug Testing will collect samples and Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory in Salt Lake City is to provide results within 24 hours.Family members of players, umpires and the households of anyone covered under the plan will be offered access to testing and PPE. The individuals are encouraged to avoid crowd when away from ballpark.Anyone with a temperature of 100 or higher or who exhibits COVID-19 symptoms or has come in contact with someone confirmed to be infected will be subject to rapid testing at a nearby site. A person cannot rejoin the team until testing negative twice in tests taken at least 24 hours apart. The person also must not exhibit symptoms or COVID-19, and the team physician and MLB medical staff must determine the person not at risk.If an individual is exposed to a person with an infection, that person must show no signs of disease, be tested daily for at least seven consecutive days and undergo more frequent temperature checks. The person also must wear a mask at all times except while on the field.Each spring training and regular season ballpark must have dedicated testing and isolation areas. MLB also will offer testing of people who live in same household as covered individuals and to health care workers/first responders in big league cities.Most tests will take saliva but there may be oral or nasal swabs. Blood samples will be collected less frequently for serology testing used to detect antibodies.