WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — This year’s Little League World Series and the championship tournaments in six other Little League divisions have been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Little League President Stephen Keener announced the cancellations in a Facebook Live broadcast Thursday afternoon from league headquarters in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, saying it would be “impossible” to hold the events amid ongoing restrictions on large gatherings and travel.

The Little League World Series has been held every August since 1947 and had never been canceled before. Next year was to be the 75th playing of the tournament; that milestone has been pushed back to 2022.

“Let me tell the folks in all those communities and all the sites where we have regional qualifying tournaments how disappointed we are to have to do this, but it was inevitable,” Keener said. “It would be irresponsible and impossible to bring teams and thousands of people from all over the world into the community of Williamsport as well as those six other communities that have been such great friends and supporters of ours over the years.”

He added that travel restrictions would make it equally impossible to hold qualifying tournaments for international teams and to bring those teams safely to the United States.

Little League has not, however, called off the 2020 regular season. Keener said there was reason for optimism that teams could play this spring and summer, depending on restrictions in states and localities.

The annual major league game in Williamsport, which this year was to feature the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 23, has been canceled, MLB said.

“While the cancellation of the 2020 Little League World Series is extremely disappointing, the health and safety of all of the people involved must be the paramount consideration. We look forward to our return to Williamsport for the 2021 MLB Little League Classic,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.

Little League announced in March that the season was on hold until at least May 11 because of guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention against gatherings of 50 people or more.

After that date, Keener said, districts and leagues should look to states and localities for guidance on when or if the season can resume. He also urged districts to hold all-star tournaments to give kids at least a taste of the competition they’ll be missing missing with World Series qualifying scrapped.

“We will be very amenable to (changing) eligibility requirements and be very flexible to allow as many kids the opportunity to play as possible for whatever can remain of the 2020 Little League season,” he said.

Along with the Little League World Series, which is held in South Williamsport, the other events canceled were the World Series of Little League Softball in Greenville, North Carolina; Junior League Baseball in Taylor, Michigan; Junior League Softball in Kirkland, Washington; Senior League Baseball in Easley, South Carolina; and Senior League Softball in Sussex County, Delaware.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) — This year’s Little League World Series and the championship tournaments in six other Little League divisions have been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.Little League President Stephen Keener announced the cancellations in a Facebook Live broadcast Thursday afternoon from league headquarters in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, saying it would be “impossible” to hold the events amid ongoing restrictions on large gatherings and travel.The Little League World Series has been held every August since 1947 and had never been canceled before. Next year was to be the 75th playing of the tournament; that milestone has been pushed back to 2022.“Let me tell the folks in all those communities and all the sites where we have regional qualifying tournaments how disappointed we are to have to do this, but it was inevitable,” Keener said. “It would be irresponsible and impossible to bring teams and thousands of people from all over the world into the community of Williamsport as well as those six other communities that have been such great friends and supporters of ours over the years.”He added that travel restrictions would make it equally impossible to hold qualifying tournaments for international teams and to bring those teams safely to the United States.Little League has not, however, called off the 2020 regular season. Keener said there was reason for optimism that teams could play this spring and summer, depending on restrictions in states and localities.The annual major league game in Williamsport, which this year was to feature the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 23, has been canceled, MLB said.“While the cancellation of the 2020 Little League World Series is extremely disappointing, the health and safety of all of the people involved must be the paramount consideration. We look forward to our return to Williamsport for the 2021 MLB Little League Classic,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.Little League announced in March that the season was on hold until at least May 11 because of guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention against gatherings of 50 people or more.After that date, Keener said, districts and leagues should look to states and localities for guidance on when or if the season can resume. He also urged districts to hold all-star tournaments to give kids at least a taste of the competition they’ll be missing missing with World Series qualifying scrapped.“We will be very amenable to (changing) eligibility requirements and be very flexible to allow as many kids the opportunity to play as possible for whatever can remain of the 2020 Little League season,” he said.Along with the Little League World Series, which is held in South Williamsport, the other events canceled were the World Series of Little League Softball in Greenville, North Carolina; Junior League Baseball in Taylor, Michigan; Junior League Softball in Kirkland, Washington; Senior League Baseball in Easley, South Carolina; and Senior League Softball in Sussex County, Delaware.

Little League World Series canceled for first time

Denver Broncos star linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/VonMiller/status/1256027289013420033?s=20" target="_blank">Von Miller tweeted Thursday night</a>&nbsp;that he tested negative for the coronavirus two weeks after announcing he had been diagnosed with COVID-19.

“Got my results back. Im ‘negative’ for Covid-19,” Miller tweeted.

Miller went public with his diagnosis on April 16, saying he wanted to show that the virus could affect anybody, even a young, world-class athlete in tip-top shape.

Miller, who has asthma, was under the care of Broncos team doctors and quarantined at his Denver area home over the last two weeks.

Through a broadcast on Instagram Live during the NFL draft last weekend, Miller offered some entertaining draft analysis through an N95 mask from his home.

Miller is the second active NFL player to acknowledge testing positive during the coronavirus pandemic that has sickened more than 3 million people globally and killed over 230,000 people worldwide, including about 63,000 confirmed deaths in the U.S.

The Super Bowl 50 MVP is the highest-profile American athlete to announce he’s contracted COVID-19. In March, NBA star Kevin Durant was among several members of the Brooklyn Nets to test positive.

Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen said last month that he tested positive for COVID-19 several weeks earlier. New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton revealed in March that he also tested positive for the virus.

Before the draft, Broncos general manager John Elway said, “I’m proud that Von’s coming out and helping everybody with the seriousness of the COVID-19 virus. It goes to show you that it can affect anybody. I’m glad Von’s doing fine, which is good, but also hopefully it brought more attention to it.”

Denver Broncos star linebacker&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/VonMiller/status/1256027289013420033?s=20" target="_blank">Von Miller tweeted Thursday night</a>&nbsp;that he tested negative for the coronavirus two weeks after announcing he had been diagnosed with COVID-19.“Got my results back. Im ‘negative’ for Covid-19,” Miller tweeted.Miller went public with his diagnosis on April 16, saying he wanted to show that the virus could affect anybody, even a young, world-class athlete in tip-top shape.Miller, who has asthma, was under the care of Broncos team doctors and quarantined at his Denver area home over the last two weeks.Through a broadcast on Instagram Live during the NFL draft last weekend, Miller offered some entertaining draft analysis through an N95 mask from his home.Miller is the second active NFL player to acknowledge testing positive during the coronavirus pandemic that has sickened more than 3 million people globally and killed over 230,000 people worldwide, including about 63,000 confirmed deaths in the U.S.The Super Bowl 50 MVP is the highest-profile American athlete to announce he’s contracted COVID-19. In March, NBA star Kevin Durant was among several members of the Brooklyn Nets to test positive.Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen said last month that he tested positive for COVID-19 several weeks earlier. New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton revealed in March that he also tested positive for the virus.Before the draft, Broncos general manager John Elway said, “I’m proud that Von’s coming out and helping everybody with the seriousness of the COVID-19 virus. It goes to show you that it can affect anybody. I’m glad Von’s doing fine, which is good, but also hopefully it brought more attention to it.”

Broncos’ Von Miller says he’s recovered from COVID-19

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR plans to restart its engines with a flurry of races at two historic tracks.

NASCAR said Thursday it is set to return May 17 with an elite Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, the first of seven events in an 11-day stretch across the top three series.

There will be no practice, no qualifying and drivers will jump into their cars for the first time since March 8 and attempt to tackle “The Track Too Tough To Tame.”

“Events are going to look different than they have in the past,” said John Bobo, NASCAR vice president of racing operations.

NASCAR has set guidelines to safely hold the events using CDC guidelines on social distancing and personal protective equipment. The entire venue will be used to maintain distancing in garage stalls and where the haulers are parked, while drivers will have to self-isolate in their motorhomes as they prepare to compete.

“Our priority right now is to try and get back racing in a safe way,” said Steve O’Donnell, chief racing development officer.

<a href="https://apnews.com/1a9c8c7bd2b5d40decc7fe70e3d1ad2f">NASCAR follows the UFC</a>&nbsp;as the first major sports organizations to get back to work since the coronavirus pandemic shut down U.S. sports in mid-March. The Professional Bull Racing Series resumed competition last weekend and there has been some horse racing.

NASCAR’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2020/04/30/nascar-announces-revised-may-schedule-as-racing-returns-beginning-at-darlington-raceway/" target="_blank">revised schedule</a>&nbsp;goes only through May and has a pair of Wednesday Cup races, fulfilling fans’ longtime plea for midweek events. The first of those races will be at Darlington, three days after the return race at the 70-year-old, egg-shaped oval.

Charlotte Motor Speedway will then host the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24 to mark 60 consecutive years the longest race on the NASCAR schedule will be held on Memorial Day weekend. The track in Concord, outside NASCAR’s home base of Charlotte, will then host a Wednesday race three days later.

There also will be lower-tier Xfinity and Truck series races at the two tracks. The North Carolina governor has said the the Charlotte races can be held as long as health conditions in the area do not deteriorate.

“This has been a proactive effort to put our motorsports industry back to work and boost the morale of sports fans around the world,” said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. He said “sports fans around the world need this, a return to some sense of normalcy with live sports on TV, and NASCAR is uniquely positioned to deliver it from a competition standpoint.”

NASCAR suspended its season March 13 with only four of its 36 scheduled races completed. The stock car series, heavily reliant on television money and sponsor payments, has vowed to complete its full schedule. The revised schedule for now stays at tracks within driving distance of Charlotte-based race teams and in states that have started reopening.

O’Donnell said NASCAR wanted to get seven events completed within driving distance of North Carolina before it resumes competition in states that require air travel and hotels.

NASCAR has completed a fully revised schedule but would not reveal it Thursday as so much relies on the pandemic and guidelines in different states.

Darlington will now have three coveted Cup races for the first time in track history. It is also scheduled to open the playoffs with the Southern 500 on Sept. 6. Because the track now has two additional dates, NASCAR will lose two Cup races from its other properties. The same goes for Speedway Motorsports, which gained one additional race so far and will have to forfeit one at another facility.

“For the couple tracks where we need to move an event, we want to do that in the right way,” O’Donnell said. “We just want to take a little time here before we’re able to announce that.”

Almost all teams began returning to their shops this week with either a reduced initial workforce or in split shifts. Now that NASCAR has told the teams where it will be racing this month, they can start preparing cars suitable for the two tracks.

Although Florida and Texas invited NASCAR to compete in those states without spectators, the sanctioning body is holding off on announcing races in those states because of the travel required.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR plans to restart its engines with a flurry of races at two historic tracks.NASCAR said Thursday it is set to return May 17 with an elite Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, the first of seven events in an 11-day stretch across the top three series.There will be no practice, no qualifying and drivers will jump into their cars for the first time since March 8 and attempt to tackle “The Track Too Tough To Tame.”“Events are going to look different than they have in the past,” said John Bobo, NASCAR vice president of racing operations.NASCAR has set guidelines to safely hold the events using CDC guidelines on social distancing and personal protective equipment. The entire venue will be used to maintain distancing in garage stalls and where the haulers are parked, while drivers will have to self-isolate in their motorhomes as they prepare to compete.“Our priority right now is to try and get back racing in a safe way,” said Steve O’Donnell, chief racing development officer.<a href="https://apnews.com/1a9c8c7bd2b5d40decc7fe70e3d1ad2f">NASCAR follows the UFC</a>&nbsp;as the first major sports organizations to get back to work since the coronavirus pandemic shut down U.S. sports in mid-March. The Professional Bull Racing Series resumed competition last weekend and there has been some horse racing.NASCAR’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2020/04/30/nascar-announces-revised-may-schedule-as-racing-returns-beginning-at-darlington-raceway/" target="_blank">revised schedule</a>&nbsp;goes only through May and has a pair of Wednesday Cup races, fulfilling fans’ longtime plea for midweek events. The first of those races will be at Darlington, three days after the return race at the 70-year-old, egg-shaped oval.Charlotte Motor Speedway will then host the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24 to mark 60 consecutive years the longest race on the NASCAR schedule will be held on Memorial Day weekend. The track in Concord, outside NASCAR’s home base of Charlotte, will then host a Wednesday race three days later.There also will be lower-tier Xfinity and Truck series races at the two tracks. The North Carolina governor has said the the Charlotte races can be held as long as health conditions in the area do not deteriorate.“This has been a proactive effort to put our motorsports industry back to work and boost the morale of sports fans around the world,” said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. He said “sports fans around the world need this, a return to some sense of normalcy with live sports on TV, and NASCAR is uniquely positioned to deliver it from a competition standpoint.”NASCAR suspended its season March 13 with only four of its 36 scheduled races completed. The stock car series, heavily reliant on television money and sponsor payments, has vowed to complete its full schedule. The revised schedule for now stays at tracks within driving distance of Charlotte-based race teams and in states that have started reopening.O’Donnell said NASCAR wanted to get seven events completed within driving distance of North Carolina before it resumes competition in states that require air travel and hotels.NASCAR has completed a fully revised schedule but would not reveal it Thursday as so much relies on the pandemic and guidelines in different states.Darlington will now have three coveted Cup races for the first time in track history. It is also scheduled to open the playoffs with the Southern 500 on Sept. 6. Because the track now has two additional dates, NASCAR will lose two Cup races from its other properties. The same goes for Speedway Motorsports, which gained one additional race so far and will have to forfeit one at another facility.“For the couple tracks where we need to move an event, we want to do that in the right way,” O’Donnell said. “We just want to take a little time here before we’re able to announce that.”Almost all teams began returning to their shops this week with either a reduced initial workforce or in split shifts. Now that NASCAR has told the teams where it will be racing this month, they can start preparing cars suitable for the two tracks.Although Florida and Texas invited NASCAR to compete in those states without spectators, the sanctioning body is holding off on announcing races in those states because of the travel required.

NASCAR to resume season May 17 with seven races in 10 days

Wake Forest basketball moved quickly and now has a new head coach.

Former Wichita State assistant and head coach at Northwest Florida State as well as Barton Community College coach Steve Forbes is headed to Wake Forest.

Steve Forbes and Wake Forest have agreed to a deal in principle pending final approval that will make him the school’s next head basketball coach, a source tells 247Sports.&nbsp;

Forbes, 55, became the front-runner for the job late Wednesday evening, and&nbsp;the two sides began working towards a deal early Thursday morning.&nbsp;

After letting go of&nbsp;<a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/Danny-Manning-2339" target="_blank">Danny Manning</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, Wake Forest Athletic Directors John Currie and his search committee moved quickly setting up Zoom interviews on Sunday and Monday with their top candidates. By Tuesday evening, Forbes and UNC Greensboro’s&nbsp;<a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/Wes-Miller-4089" target="_blank">Wes Miller</a>&nbsp;emerged as the favorites.

Wake Forest’s most distinguished basketball alumni — Chris Paul and&nbsp;<a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Tim-Duncan-86942" target="_blank">Tim Duncan</a>&nbsp;— were involved in the school’s head coaching search and participated in Zoom interview calls with potential candidates.

There’s a familiarity between Currie and Forbes. The two worked together at Tennessee during a three-year span. Forbes was an assistant coach for&nbsp;<a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/Bruce-Pearl-1196" target="_blank">Bruce Pearl</a>&nbsp;and Currie was the school's executive associate Athletic Director at the time.

Forbes accumulated a record of 130-43 in five seasons at ETSU. Forbes led ETSU&nbsp;to a league title twice and finished no worse than third in the conference. ETSU was slated to make its second NCAA Tournament appearance of his tenure this year.

Prior to his time at ETSU, Forbes was an assistant at Wichita State for&nbsp;<a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/Gregg-Marshall-1391" target="_blank">Gregg Marshall</a>, the head coach at Northwest Florida State, where he finished DI National Runner-Up in his only two seasons, and had assistant coaching stints at UT, Texas A&amp;M, Illinois State and others.

Forbes is a native of Lone Tree, Iowa and graduated from Southern Arkansas in 1988.

Wake Forest basketball moved quickly and now has a new head coach.Former Wichita State assistant and head coach at Northwest Florida State as well as Barton Community College coach Steve Forbes is headed to Wake Forest.Steve Forbes and Wake Forest have agreed to a deal in principle pending final approval that will make him the school’s next head basketball coach, a source tells 247Sports.&nbsp;Forbes, 55, became the front-runner for the job late Wednesday evening, and&nbsp;the two sides began working towards a deal early Thursday morning.&nbsp;After letting go of&nbsp;<a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/Danny-Manning-2339" target="_blank">Danny Manning</a>&nbsp;on Saturday, Wake Forest Athletic Directors John Currie and his search committee moved quickly setting up Zoom interviews on Sunday and Monday with their top candidates. By Tuesday evening, Forbes and UNC Greensboro’s&nbsp;<a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/Wes-Miller-4089" target="_blank">Wes Miller</a>&nbsp;emerged as the favorites.Wake Forest’s most distinguished basketball alumni — Chris Paul and&nbsp;<a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Tim-Duncan-86942" target="_blank">Tim Duncan</a>&nbsp;— were involved in the school’s head coaching search and participated in Zoom interview calls with potential candidates.There’s a familiarity between Currie and Forbes. The two worked together at Tennessee during a three-year span. Forbes was an assistant coach for&nbsp;<a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/Bruce-Pearl-1196" target="_blank">Bruce Pearl</a>&nbsp;and Currie was the school's executive associate Athletic Director at the time.Forbes accumulated a record of 130-43 in five seasons at ETSU. Forbes led ETSU&nbsp;to a league title twice and finished no worse than third in the conference. ETSU was slated to make its second NCAA Tournament appearance of his tenure this year.Prior to his time at ETSU, Forbes was an assistant at Wichita State for&nbsp;<a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/Gregg-Marshall-1391" target="_blank">Gregg Marshall</a>, the head coach at Northwest Florida State, where he finished DI National Runner-Up in his only two seasons, and had assistant coaching stints at UT, Texas A&amp;M, Illinois State and others.Forbes is a native of Lone Tree, Iowa and graduated from Southern Arkansas in 1988.

Wake Forest hires Steve Forbes from East Tennessee State

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AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Thursday

Baseball Hall pushes back 2020 induction ceremony

UNDATED (AP) — Derek Jeter was a first-ballot Hall of Famer a few months ago, but he’ll have to wait an extra year to be inducted at Cooperstown.

The Hall of Fame has announced that it has canceled the July 26 induction ceremony because of the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the class will be included with any additional new choices at next year’s induction festivities.

Jeter’s class includes outfielder Larry Walker and catcher Ted Simmons, along with former union head Marvin Miller.

A record crowd of over 70,000 had been expected this summer at the small town in upstate New York to honor Jeter, the former Yankees captain who came within one vote of unanimous election in January.

This will be the first year without an induction ceremony since 1960.

NCAA board supports name, image and likeness compensation

UNDATED (AP) — The NCAA has announced that its Board of Governors supports a plan that gives athletes the ability to cash in on their names, images and likenesses as never before and without involvement from the association, schools or conferences. Ohio State President and board chairman Michael Drake called it an “unprecedented” move by the NCAA.

The next step is for membership to draft legislation by Oct. 30. Plenty of details still need to be worked out, including how to ensure that these sponsorship deals aren't being used as improper inducements to recruits. A formal vote will be taken by schools at the next convention in January and new rules will go into effect no later than the 2021-22 academic year.

UNDATED (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has reduced his salary to zero, according to a person familiar with the move. The person told The Associated Press that Goodell voluntarily had his salary reduced this month. He makes upward of $30 million a year from salaries and bonuses.

Other NFL employees will be taking pay cuts or furloughs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The league is implementing tiered reductions in base salary, beginning with the pay period ending May 22. The reduction will be 5% for workers up to the manager's level, 7% for directors, 10% for vice presidents, 12% for senior vice presidents, and 15% for executive vice presidents.

In a memo sent to league office staffers, Goodell also said no employee earning a base salary of less than $100,000 will be affected by these reductions, and no employee’s salary will be reduced below $100,000 by the reductions.

— Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland faces a total of five charges, including resisting arrest and drug possession, after he was seen smoking marijuana in South Carolina. A York County sheriff's deputy drew his gun on Breeland, who is also charged with resisting arrest. He was released on $2,362.50 bond after spending more than nine hours in jail. He had an interception and a team-high seven tackles in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win over San Francisco in February.

— Former Packers quarterback Brett Favre (fahrv) says Aaron Rodgers was surprised by Green Bay’s decision to draft a quarterback in the first round. Favre said Wednesday on “The Rich Eisen Show” that he had spoken with Rodgers since the Packers traded up four spots in the first round to take Utah State’s Jordan Love with the 26th overall pick in the draft Thursday. Rodgers has four years remaining on his contract, but Favre also told Eisen that “my gut tells me” the two-time MVP won’t finish his career in Green Bay.

— The Falcons say they are taking a “wait-and-see approach” with defensive end Takk McKinley's future with the team. For now, the Falcons say they are declining their fifth-year option with McKinley for 2021. McKinley, a first-round pick in 2017, has 16 1/2 sacks through three seasons.

— The Ravens have exercised the fifth-year option on All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey, keeping him under contract through 2021. Humphrey was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2019 after a season in which he reached career highs with 65 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

— The Cowboys have agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Daryl Worley after grabbing two corners in last week’s draft. Worley spent the past two seasons with the Oakland Raiders after playing his first two NFL seasons with Carolina.

— Bryan Cox. Jr. has inked a one-year contract with the Bulls after splitting last season between Carolina and Cleveland. Bryan Cox Sr. was a 12-year NFL linebacker and best known in Buffalo for antagonizing the Bills and their fans during his five seasons with the Dolphins.

— The Colts now have two kickers under contract for next season while the NFL's career scoring leader, Adam Vinatieri, remains a free agent. Indianapolis signed Rodrigo Blankenship to join fellow kicker Chase McLaughlin.

— Former Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith has been arrested on a charge of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors. The 29-year-old Smith was booked into the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Jail Wednesday and was being held on a $50,003 bond. No details or police report was immediately available.

— The NFL has renewed its streaming deal with Amazon for Thursday night games for three years. Amazon Prime Video and Twitch also will have exclusive streaming rights to one additional regular-season game in 2020. Amazon Prime Video and Twitch will stream 11 Thursday night games broadcast by Fox, giving access to more than 150 million paid Prime members.

UNDATED (AP) — The list of underclassmen interested in the upcoming NBA draft continues to swell.

Alonzo Verge Jr. has become the third Arizona State player to declare for the draft. The junior guard joined Remy Martin and Romello White among the 205 underclassmen so far on the league's official list. Players have until June 3 to remove their names from the June 25 draft.

Verge played 28 games and made nine starts for the Sun Devils last season, averaging 14.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Also declaring Wednesday were Utah sophomore guard Timmy Allen, Creighton forward Damien Jefferson and Southern California guard Elijah Weaver. The 6-foot-6 Allen earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors from the AP after averaging 17.3 points, 7.3 boards and 3.0 assists for the Utes last season.

UNDATED (AP) — The Detroit Red Wings have signed left wing Mathias Brome to a one-year contract, adding one of the leading scorers from the Swedish Hockey League last season.

The 25-year-old Brome had a career-high 43 points last season, leading Orebro HK with 17 goals and 26 assists. Brome averaged 33 points over three seasons in the SHL.

Leading plan for NHL return includes empty rinks

UNDATED (AP) — The leading plan for hockey coming back this summer involves playing at a few empty NHL arenas to finish the season and award the Stanley Cup.

Unknowns about the coronavirus have kept the league working on multiple scenarios. A person familiar with discussions tells The Associated Press the most aggressive timetable would have players returning to their home rinks as early as May 15, followed by a training camp in June. The regular season, featuring some if not all 31 teams would then begin in July, with the Cup awarded in September.

In other developments related to the coronavirus pandemic:

— Several Major League Baseball teams have announced ticket refund policies for games not played through May because of the virus outbreak. The Cleveland Indians have offered a 10% bonus credit for fans who want to apply what they've paid to future games. The Boston Red Sox extended a similar bonus credit to season ticket holders. Spring training was suspended on March 12 and the regular season was delayed from its scheduled March 26 start because of the new coronavirus pandemic. A revised schedule has not been announced. MLB is exploring many options to play this year if it’s deemed safe.

— The Tampa Bay Rays are the first Major League Baseball team known to plan furloughs of some full-time employees because of the coronavirus pandemic. That’s according to a person familiar with the decision who told The Associated Press they temporary cost-cutting measures will take effect on Saturday.

— The LPGA Tour is pushing back the restart of its season at least another month. The target now is a tournament in Michigan on July 15-18, and that depends on whether it's safe to return. The tour was hopeful of resuming June 19-21 in Arkansas. Commissioner Mike Whan says it's not about being the first sport to be back but being safe. And he says the next three events on the new schedule — in Michigan, Ohio and New Jersey — will only be played if the coronavirus situation allows for it. The season-ending event in Florida would end on Dec. 20.

— International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach says the future of sports after the coronavirus pandemic might mean fewer international events. In a letter to Olympic officials and athletes worldwide, Bach says “the current health crisis will lead to a long and deep economic crisis” which will affect sports. He says “governments must include sport in their economic support programs” so it can be part of a worldwide recovery.

— The head of the IOC’s coordination commission for the Tokyo Olympics says he disagrees with suggestions by some scientists and doctors that a vaccine for COVID-19 is needed to hold the games. John Coates says the advice from the World Health Organization is to continue to plan for the 2021 Olympics, and he says, “that is what we’re doing.” The president of the Japan Medical Association president said Tuesday that it would only be possible for the Olympics to go ahead in July 2021 if the infections were under control, not only in Japan, but globally.

— Switzerland’s federal government says professional sports teams can resume training on May 11, with a view to playing games in empty stadiums four weeks later. The government is set to make a final decision on May 27 as to whether games can resume in June.

— Italy’s sports minister says it is increasingly unlikely the soccer season will resume. He says even though professional sports teams have been given the go-ahead to resume training on May 18, “resuming training absolutely does not mean resuming the season.” The French government called off the season in that country Tuesday.

— UEFA’s (yoo-AY’-fahz) leading medical official at the Union of European Football Associations says soccer competitions should be able to resume this season. Tim Meyer says all soccer organizations planning for resumptions need to produce “comprehensive protocols dictating sanitary and operational conditions” to ensure the health of those involved in the games is protected. Meyer says “it is definitely possible to plan the restart of competitions suspended during the 2019-20 season” under these conditions and if local legislation is respected.

— Serena and Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova are scheduled to compete in a video game tennis tournament for charity called the “Stay at Home Slam.” The IMG agency says Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori (kay nee-shee-KOHR’-ee) are also participating Sunday. Participants will each pick a charity to receive a $25,000 donation and the winner will choose who gets an additional $1 million donation.

UNDATED (AP) — Oregon women’s basketball star Sabrina Ionescu and Iowa wrestler Spencer Lee shared the Sullivan Award as the country’s top amateur athlete.

Ionescu swept every major women’s basketball award, including being a unanimous choice as the AP player of the year. She had an NCAA-record 26 career triple-doubles and was the first NCAA player - men’s or women’s - to reach 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists.

Lee was 18-0 for the Hawkeyes this year as a junior before the season was stopped. The 125-pounder won NCAA titles his first two seasons.

MLB-HALL OF FAME-POSTPONEMENTBaseball Hall pushes back 2020 induction ceremonyUNDATED (AP) — Derek Jeter was a first-ballot Hall of Famer a few months ago, but he’ll have to wait an extra year to be inducted at Cooperstown.The Hall of Fame has announced that it has canceled the July 26 induction ceremony because of the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the class will be included with any additional new choices at next year’s induction festivities.Jeter’s class includes outfielder Larry Walker and catcher Ted Simmons, along with former union head Marvin Miller.A record crowd of over 70,000 had been expected this summer at the small town in upstate New York to honor Jeter, the former Yankees captain who came within one vote of unanimous election in January.This will be the first year without an induction ceremony since 1960.NCAA-COMPENSATING ATHLETESNCAA board supports name, image and likeness compensationUNDATED (AP) — The NCAA has announced that its Board of Governors supports a plan that gives athletes the ability to cash in on their names, images and likenesses as never before and without involvement from the association, schools or conferences. Ohio State President and board chairman Michael Drake called it an “unprecedented” move by the NCAA.The next step is for membership to draft legislation by Oct. 30. Plenty of details still need to be worked out, including how to ensure that these sponsorship deals aren't being used as improper inducements to recruits. A formal vote will be taken by schools at the next convention in January and new rules will go into effect no later than the 2021-22 academic year.NFL-NEWSAP Source: Goodell reduces salary to $0UNDATED (AP) — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has reduced his salary to zero, according to a person familiar with the move. The person told The Associated Press that Goodell voluntarily had his salary reduced this month. He makes upward of $30 million a year from salaries and bonuses.Other NFL employees will be taking pay cuts or furloughs due to the coronavirus pandemic.The league is implementing tiered reductions in base salary, beginning with the pay period ending May 22. The reduction will be 5% for workers up to the manager's level, 7% for directors, 10% for vice presidents, 12% for senior vice presidents, and 15% for executive vice presidents.In a memo sent to league office staffers, Goodell also said no employee earning a base salary of less than $100,000 will be affected by these reductions, and no employee’s salary will be reduced below $100,000 by the reductions.In other NFL news:— Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland faces a total of five charges, including resisting arrest and drug possession, after he was seen smoking marijuana in South Carolina. A York County sheriff's deputy drew his gun on Breeland, who is also charged with resisting arrest. He was released on $2,362.50 bond after spending more than nine hours in jail. He had an interception and a team-high seven tackles in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win over San Francisco in February.— Former Packers quarterback Brett Favre (fahrv) says Aaron Rodgers was surprised by Green Bay’s decision to draft a quarterback in the first round. Favre said Wednesday on “The Rich Eisen Show” that he had spoken with Rodgers since the Packers traded up four spots in the first round to take Utah State’s Jordan Love with the 26th overall pick in the draft Thursday. Rodgers has four years remaining on his contract, but Favre also told Eisen that “my gut tells me” the two-time MVP won’t finish his career in Green Bay.— The Falcons say they are taking a “wait-and-see approach” with defensive end Takk McKinley's future with the team. For now, the Falcons say they are declining their fifth-year option with McKinley for 2021. McKinley, a first-round pick in 2017, has 16 1/2 sacks through three seasons.— The Ravens have exercised the fifth-year option on All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey, keeping him under contract through 2021. Humphrey was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2019 after a season in which he reached career highs with 65 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.— The Cowboys have agreed to terms with free agent cornerback Daryl Worley after grabbing two corners in last week’s draft. Worley spent the past two seasons with the Oakland Raiders after playing his first two NFL seasons with Carolina.— Bryan Cox. Jr. has inked a one-year contract with the Bulls after splitting last season between Carolina and Cleveland. Bryan Cox Sr. was a 12-year NFL linebacker and best known in Buffalo for antagonizing the Bills and their fans during his five seasons with the Dolphins.— The Colts now have two kickers under contract for next season while the NFL's career scoring leader, Adam Vinatieri, remains a free agent. Indianapolis signed Rodrigo Blankenship to join fellow kicker Chase McLaughlin.— Former Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith has been arrested on a charge of unlawful sexual activity with certain minors. The 29-year-old Smith was booked into the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Jail Wednesday and was being held on a $50,003 bond. No details or police report was immediately available.— The NFL has renewed its streaming deal with Amazon for Thursday night games for three years. Amazon Prime Video and Twitch also will have exclusive streaming rights to one additional regular-season game in 2020. Amazon Prime Video and Twitch will stream 11 Thursday night games broadcast by Fox, giving access to more than 150 million paid Prime members.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-NBAVerge turning proUNDATED (AP) — The list of underclassmen interested in the upcoming NBA draft continues to swell.Alonzo Verge Jr. has become the third Arizona State player to declare for the draft. The junior guard joined Remy Martin and Romello White among the 205 underclassmen so far on the league's official list. Players have until June 3 to remove their names from the June 25 draft.Verge played 28 games and made nine starts for the Sun Devils last season, averaging 14.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists.Also declaring Wednesday were Utah sophomore guard Timmy Allen, Creighton forward Damien Jefferson and Southern California guard Elijah Weaver. The 6-foot-6 Allen earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors from the AP after averaging 17.3 points, 7.3 boards and 3.0 assists for the Utes last season.NHL-RED WINGS MOVESRed Wings sign high-scoring SwedeUNDATED (AP) — The Detroit Red Wings have signed left wing Mathias Brome to a one-year contract, adding one of the leading scorers from the Swedish Hockey League last season.The 25-year-old Brome had a career-high 43 points last season, leading Orebro HK with 17 goals and 26 assists. Brome averaged 33 points over three seasons in the SHL.VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTSLeading plan for NHL return includes empty rinksUNDATED (AP) — The leading plan for hockey coming back this summer involves playing at a few empty NHL arenas to finish the season and award the Stanley Cup.Unknowns about the coronavirus have kept the league working on multiple scenarios. A person familiar with discussions tells The Associated Press the most aggressive timetable would have players returning to their home rinks as early as May 15, followed by a training camp in June. The regular season, featuring some if not all 31 teams would then begin in July, with the Cup awarded in September.In other developments related to the coronavirus pandemic:— Several Major League Baseball teams have announced ticket refund policies for games not played through May because of the virus outbreak. The Cleveland Indians have offered a 10% bonus credit for fans who want to apply what they've paid to future games. The Boston Red Sox extended a similar bonus credit to season ticket holders. Spring training was suspended on March 12 and the regular season was delayed from its scheduled March 26 start because of the new coronavirus pandemic. A revised schedule has not been announced. MLB is exploring many options to play this year if it’s deemed safe.— The Tampa Bay Rays are the first Major League Baseball team known to plan furloughs of some full-time employees because of the coronavirus pandemic. That’s according to a person familiar with the decision who told The Associated Press they temporary cost-cutting measures will take effect on Saturday.— The LPGA Tour is pushing back the restart of its season at least another month. The target now is a tournament in Michigan on July 15-18, and that depends on whether it's safe to return. The tour was hopeful of resuming June 19-21 in Arkansas. Commissioner Mike Whan says it's not about being the first sport to be back but being safe. And he says the next three events on the new schedule — in Michigan, Ohio and New Jersey — will only be played if the coronavirus situation allows for it. The season-ending event in Florida would end on Dec. 20.— International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach says the future of sports after the coronavirus pandemic might mean fewer international events. In a letter to Olympic officials and athletes worldwide, Bach says “the current health crisis will lead to a long and deep economic crisis” which will affect sports. He says “governments must include sport in their economic support programs” so it can be part of a worldwide recovery.— The head of the IOC’s coordination commission for the Tokyo Olympics says he disagrees with suggestions by some scientists and doctors that a vaccine for COVID-19 is needed to hold the games. John Coates says the advice from the World Health Organization is to continue to plan for the 2021 Olympics, and he says, “that is what we’re doing.” The president of the Japan Medical Association president said Tuesday that it would only be possible for the Olympics to go ahead in July 2021 if the infections were under control, not only in Japan, but globally.— Switzerland’s federal government says professional sports teams can resume training on May 11, with a view to playing games in empty stadiums four weeks later. The government is set to make a final decision on May 27 as to whether games can resume in June.— Italy’s sports minister says it is increasingly unlikely the soccer season will resume. He says even though professional sports teams have been given the go-ahead to resume training on May 18, “resuming training absolutely does not mean resuming the season.” The French government called off the season in that country Tuesday.— UEFA’s (yoo-AY’-fahz) leading medical official at the Union of European Football Associations says soccer competitions should be able to resume this season. Tim Meyer says all soccer organizations planning for resumptions need to produce “comprehensive protocols dictating sanitary and operational conditions” to ensure the health of those involved in the games is protected. Meyer says “it is definitely possible to plan the restart of competitions suspended during the 2019-20 season” under these conditions and if local legislation is respected.— Serena and Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova are scheduled to compete in a video game tennis tournament for charity called the “Stay at Home Slam.” The IMG agency says Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori (kay nee-shee-KOHR’-ee) are also participating Sunday. Participants will each pick a charity to receive a $25,000 donation and the winner will choose who gets an additional $1 million donation.COLLEGE SPORTS-SULLIVAN AWARDIonescu, Lee share SullivanUNDATED (AP) — Oregon women’s basketball star Sabrina Ionescu and Iowa wrestler Spencer Lee shared the Sullivan Award as the country’s top amateur athlete.Ionescu swept every major women’s basketball award, including being a unanimous choice as the AP player of the year. She had an NCAA-record 26 career triple-doubles and was the first NCAA player - men’s or women’s - to reach 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 assists.Lee was 18-0 for the Hawkeyes this year as a junior before the season was stopped. The 125-pounder won NCAA titles his first two seasons.

Update on the latest in sports:

Churchill Downs will open stables at the track and training center in phases starting May 11 before races are run during its spring meet without spectators.

The historic track postponed the Kentucky Derby last month from May 2 to Sept. 5 because of the coronavirus pandemic. It will mark the first time since 1945 that horse racing’s marquee event will not be run on the first Saturday in May.

The opening of stables closed since Dec. 31 for winter renovations has been delayed several times. The spring meet was scheduled to start last Saturday.

A statement from Churchill Downs said Kentucky state officials approved opening the stables under strict guidelines to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Racing will begin after track officials evaluate its incoming horse population and load-in procedures, and will be free of spectators until government officials approve their return.&nbsp;

The New York Racing Association is seeking to resume live racing at Belmont Park without fans, and it wants to do the same thing this summer at Saratoga Race Course.

NYRA says returning to racing would “provide a small sense of normalcy for fans across the country who can watch on television and online.”

The state has been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic. There’s been no live racing in New York since March 15, although training has continued at Belmont Park.&nbsp;

NYRA says that by racing without fans, adding more health and safety measures to what’s already in place, and reducing the number of employees on-site, the sport can be safely staged.

NYRA says thoroughbred racing provides $3 billion in annual economic impact and over 19,000 jobs in the state.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has voted unanimously to cancel the induction ceremony due to safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The Class of 2020 consisting of Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker will be inducted July 25 of next year alongside any new members elected as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2021. The awards presentation also will recognize the Hall of Fame’s 2020 and 2021 winners. This year’s honorees include J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Nick Cafardo, Ford C. Frick Award winner Ken Harrelson, and Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award winner David Montgomery.&nbsp;

Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark says the board took the advice of government officials as well as federal, state and local medical and scientific experts. Hall of Famer Joe Morgan called it a very difficult decision, but with so many unknowns facing the world, he says the board felt strongly it was the right decision.&nbsp;

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association has declared co-state champions for boys and girls basketball after the title games were canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The NCHSAA announced the decision Wednesday after a meeting by its board of directors.

Last week the NCHSAA canceled remaining winter championships and spring sports for the 2019-20 season. That followed the announcement from Gov. Roy Cooper that public schools in the state would remain closed for in-person instruction for the rest of the school year.

The basketball championship games were originally scheduled for March 14.&nbsp;

Serena and Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova are scheduled to compete in a video game tennis tournament for charity called the “Stay at Home Slam.”

The IMG agency says Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori are also among the tennis players participating Sunday.

Other competitors include Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, model Gigi Hadid and singer Seal.

Participants will each pick a charity to receive a $25,000 donation. The winner of the tournament will choose who gets an additional $1 million donation.

The Madrid Open set up a video game tournament for this week, with Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Angelique Kerber among the entrants.

All professional tennis tournaments have been postponed or canceled until at least mid-July.

Switzerland’s federal government says professional sports teams can resume training on May 11, with a view to playing games in empty stadiums four weeks later.&nbsp;

The government is set to make a final decision on May 27 as to whether games can resume in June. That will depend on the coronavirus pandemic. Games will have to be played in empty stadiums because of a federal order banning gatherings of more than 1,000 people through August.

The Swiss top-tier soccer league was paused in February with 13 rounds left. St. Gallen leads defending champion Young Boys on goal difference.&nbsp;

It is still unclear whether the Aug. 20 Diamond League track meet in Lausanne or the European Masters golf tournament at the end of August at Crans-Montana in the heart of the Swiss Alps can be staged.

A leading medical official at UEFA says soccer competitions should be able to resume this season.

Soccer has been brought to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic, with some leagues — including France and the Netherlands — canceling their 2019-20 seasons following government orders. FIFA’s medical committee chair has also expressed doubts about completing this season.

Tim Meyer, chairman of UEFA’s medical committee, says all soccer organizations planning for resumptions need to produce “comprehensive protocols dictating sanitary and operational conditions” to ensure the health of those involved in the games is protected.

Meyer says “it is definitely possible to plan the restart of competitions suspended during the 2019-20 season” under these conditions and if local legislation is respected.

Meyer also is chairing the newly established UEFA medical sub group which is examining the health issues surrounding a return to football.

The Women’s PGA Championship has been rescheduled for Oct. 6-11 because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The major championship was to be played from June 23-28 at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.

The ANA Inspiration and the U.S. Women’s Open are the other U.S.-based majors in the women’s game. They have already been rescheduled.

There are five women’s majors. The Evian Championship and the Women’s British Open are both scheduled for August and have yet to be postponed.

Sebastian Coe says he is “genuinely hoping that the pandemic will have been curtailed” by next year so the Tokyo Olympics can open in July 2021.

Coe is the president of World Athletics. He says “it’s pretty clear though that you couldn’t go on forever postponing an Olympic Games. There comes a point where you do have to start posing questions. I hope we’re a little way off that yet.”

IOC President Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said last month when the delay was announced that the Tokyo Games would not be held beyond the summer of 2021.

Coe also says he doesn’t “know enough to even speculate about vaccines.”

Japan Medical Association president Yoshitake Yokokura said Tuesday it would be difficult to hold the Olympics unless effective vaccines are developed.

IOC President Thomas Bach says the future of sports after the coronavirus pandemic might mean fewer international events.

Bach cited “financial pressure” on organizers and the need to address climate change and says “we may also have to look more closely into the proliferation of sports events.”

The IOC president cautions in a letter to Olympic officials and athletes worldwide “the current health crisis will lead to a long and deep economic crisis” which will affect sports.

Bach says “governments must include sport in their economic support programs” so it can be part of a worldwide recovery.

The IOC has proposed saving money on staging the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 to help offset the Olympic body’s extra costs of hundreds of millions of dollars because of the postponement.

The Italian sports minister says it is increasingly unlikely the soccer season will resume.

Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte announced Sunday that professional sports teams can resume training on May 18. That means Serie A could resume playing games in June.

But Vincenzo Spadafora tells Italian television channel LA7 that “resuming training absolutely does not mean resuming the season.”

He adds that he sees “the path to restarting Serie A getting ever narrower” and that if he was among the presidents of soccer teams “I would be thinking about next season.”

The French government called off the season in that country on Tuesday and Spadafora says that could push Italy to do the same.

The Spanish Vuelta cycling race will not start in the Netherlands as originally planned.

This year’s race was set to begin in the Dutch regions of Utrecht and North Brabant but the changes in the cycling calendar because of the coronavirus pandemic forced organizers in the Netherlands to cancel the country’s participation.

Dutch organizers say the project “had been designed as a big summer party” which would not be able to happen because of the changes in the Vuelta’s original dates. They say they “preferred to request the official departure’s cancellation.”

Spanish organizers say they hope to plan a new start in the Netherlands “in the very near future.”

This year’s Vuelta was set to start on Aug. 14. New dates have not been announced.

Churchill Downs will open stables at the track and training center in phases starting May 11 before races are run during its spring meet without spectators.The historic track postponed the Kentucky Derby last month from May 2 to Sept. 5 because of the coronavirus pandemic. It will mark the first time since 1945 that horse racing’s marquee event will not be run on the first Saturday in May.The opening of stables closed since Dec. 31 for winter renovations has been delayed several times. The spring meet was scheduled to start last Saturday.ADVERTISEMENTA statement from Churchill Downs said Kentucky state officials approved opening the stables under strict guidelines to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Racing will begin after track officials evaluate its incoming horse population and load-in procedures, and will be free of spectators until government officials approve their return.&nbsp;___The New York Racing Association is seeking to resume live racing at Belmont Park without fans, and it wants to do the same thing this summer at Saratoga Race Course.NYRA says returning to racing would “provide a small sense of normalcy for fans across the country who can watch on television and online.”The state has been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic. There’s been no live racing in New York since March 15, although training has continued at Belmont Park.&nbsp;NYRA says that by racing without fans, adding more health and safety measures to what’s already in place, and reducing the number of employees on-site, the sport can be safely staged.NYRA says thoroughbred racing provides $3 billion in annual economic impact and over 19,000 jobs in the state.___The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has voted unanimously to cancel the induction ceremony due to safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;The Class of 2020 consisting of Derek Jeter, Marvin Miller, Ted Simmons and Larry Walker will be inducted July 25 of next year alongside any new members elected as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2021. The awards presentation also will recognize the Hall of Fame’s 2020 and 2021 winners. This year’s honorees include J.G. Taylor Spink Award winner Nick Cafardo, Ford C. Frick Award winner Ken Harrelson, and Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award winner David Montgomery.&nbsp;Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark says the board took the advice of government officials as well as federal, state and local medical and scientific experts. Hall of Famer Joe Morgan called it a very difficult decision, but with so many unknowns facing the world, he says the board felt strongly it was the right decision.&nbsp;___The North Carolina High School Athletic Association has declared co-state champions for boys and girls basketball after the title games were canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic.The NCHSAA announced the decision Wednesday after a meeting by its board of directors.Last week the NCHSAA canceled remaining winter championships and spring sports for the 2019-20 season. That followed the announcement from Gov. Roy Cooper that public schools in the state would remain closed for in-person instruction for the rest of the school year.The basketball championship games were originally scheduled for March 14.&nbsp;___Serena and Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova are scheduled to compete in a video game tennis tournament for charity called the “Stay at Home Slam.”The IMG agency says Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori are also among the tennis players participating Sunday.Other competitors include Arizona Cardinals receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, model Gigi Hadid and singer Seal.Participants will each pick a charity to receive a $25,000 donation. The winner of the tournament will choose who gets an additional $1 million donation.The event will be streamed on Facebook.The Madrid Open set up a video game tournament for this week, with Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Angelique Kerber among the entrants.All professional tennis tournaments have been postponed or canceled until at least mid-July.___Switzerland’s federal government says professional sports teams can resume training on May 11, with a view to playing games in empty stadiums four weeks later.&nbsp;The government is set to make a final decision on May 27 as to whether games can resume in June. That will depend on the coronavirus pandemic. Games will have to be played in empty stadiums because of a federal order banning gatherings of more than 1,000 people through August.The Swiss top-tier soccer league was paused in February with 13 rounds left. St. Gallen leads defending champion Young Boys on goal difference.&nbsp;It is still unclear whether the Aug. 20 Diamond League track meet in Lausanne or the European Masters golf tournament at the end of August at Crans-Montana in the heart of the Swiss Alps can be staged.___A leading medical official at UEFA says soccer competitions should be able to resume this season.Soccer has been brought to a halt due to the coronavirus pandemic, with some leagues — including France and the Netherlands — canceling their 2019-20 seasons following government orders. FIFA’s medical committee chair has also expressed doubts about completing this season.Tim Meyer, chairman of UEFA’s medical committee, says all soccer organizations planning for resumptions need to produce “comprehensive protocols dictating sanitary and operational conditions” to ensure the health of those involved in the games is protected.Meyer says “it is definitely possible to plan the restart of competitions suspended during the 2019-20 season” under these conditions and if local legislation is respected.Meyer also is chairing the newly established UEFA medical sub group which is examining the health issues surrounding a return to football.___The Women’s PGA Championship has been rescheduled for Oct. 6-11 because of the coronavirus outbreak.The major championship was to be played from June 23-28 at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.The ANA Inspiration and the U.S. Women’s Open are the other U.S.-based majors in the women’s game. They have already been rescheduled.There are five women’s majors. The Evian Championship and the Women’s British Open are both scheduled for August and have yet to be postponed.___Sebastian Coe says he is “genuinely hoping that the pandemic will have been curtailed” by next year so the Tokyo Olympics can open in July 2021.Coe is the president of World Athletics. He says “it’s pretty clear though that you couldn’t go on forever postponing an Olympic Games. There comes a point where you do have to start posing questions. I hope we’re a little way off that yet.”IOC President Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said last month when the delay was announced that the Tokyo Games would not be held beyond the summer of 2021.Coe also says he doesn’t “know enough to even speculate about vaccines.”Japan Medical Association president Yoshitake Yokokura said Tuesday it would be difficult to hold the Olympics unless effective vaccines are developed.___IOC President Thomas Bach says the future of sports after the coronavirus pandemic might mean fewer international events.Bach cited “financial pressure” on organizers and the need to address climate change and says “we may also have to look more closely into the proliferation of sports events.”The IOC president cautions in a letter to Olympic officials and athletes worldwide “the current health crisis will lead to a long and deep economic crisis” which will affect sports.Bach says “governments must include sport in their economic support programs” so it can be part of a worldwide recovery.The IOC has proposed saving money on staging the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 to help offset the Olympic body’s extra costs of hundreds of millions of dollars because of the postponement.___The Italian sports minister says it is increasingly unlikely the soccer season will resume.Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte announced Sunday that professional sports teams can resume training on May 18. That means Serie A could resume playing games in June.But Vincenzo Spadafora tells Italian television channel LA7 that “resuming training absolutely does not mean resuming the season.”He adds that he sees “the path to restarting Serie A getting ever narrower” and that if he was among the presidents of soccer teams “I would be thinking about next season.”The French government called off the season in that country on Tuesday and Spadafora says that could push Italy to do the same.___The Spanish Vuelta cycling race will not start in the Netherlands as originally planned.This year’s race was set to begin in the Dutch regions of Utrecht and North Brabant but the changes in the cycling calendar because of the coronavirus pandemic forced organizers in the Netherlands to cancel the country’s participation.Dutch organizers say the project “had been designed as a big summer party” which would not be able to happen because of the changes in the Vuelta’s original dates. They say they “preferred to request the official departure’s cancellation.”Spanish organizers say they hope to plan a new start in the Netherlands “in the very near future.”This year’s Vuelta was set to start on Aug. 14. New dates have not been announced.

Thursday Sports Headlines

STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports Information

The National Junior College Athletic Association has awarded Hutchinson Community College the 2022 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships for 2022, the national office announced on Wednesday.

The 2022 Championships will be May 19-21 at HutchCC's Gowans Stadium.

The 2022 Championships will be the seventh time Gowans Stadium and Hutchinson Community College have played host to the event where more than 700 student-athletes from all around the nation compete for individual and team championships.

Gowans Stadium was supposed to be the host site of the 2020 NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, but the event was canceled because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

"Hutchinson Community College is excited to host the NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 2022," Blue Dragon Athletic Director Josh Gooch said on Wednesday. "We were prepared for the 2020 Championship and look forward to using those resources to host in 2022."

The NJCAA Outdoor Championships were in Hutchinson in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 1015 and last in 2017.

Gowans Stadium was renovated in 2006 with a state-of-the-art track surface and artificial playing surface. The Gowans Stadium video board was added in 2009, just before the site played host to its first NJCAA Track Championship.

The NJCAA Track and Field Championships are one of five NJCAA Championship events to have called Hutchinson home over the years.

The NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship has been in Hutchinson since 1949. The 2017, 2018 and 2019 NJCAA Division I Volleyball Championships were in contested in the Sports Arena as well and will return to Hutchinson in 2021.

In addition to the NJCAA Track Championships, Hutchinson also plays host to the annual Salt City Bowl football game. Back in the mid-1990s' Hutchinson played host to the NJCAA Division I Softball Championships at Fun Valley.

"The community of Hutchinson embraces hosting events for the NJCAA and we look forward to providing another first class Championship for all the student athletes, coaches and fans," Gooch said.

The 2021 Championships will be at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas.

STEVE CARPENTER - Hutchinson CC Sports InformationThe National Junior College Athletic Association has awarded Hutchinson Community College the 2022 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships for 2022, the national office announced on Wednesday.The 2022 Championships will be May 19-21 at HutchCC's Gowans Stadium.The 2022 Championships will be the seventh time Gowans Stadium and Hutchinson Community College have played host to the event where more than 700 student-athletes from all around the nation compete for individual and team championships.Gowans Stadium was supposed to be the host site of the 2020 NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships, but the event was canceled because of the Coronavirus pandemic."Hutchinson Community College is excited to host the NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 2022," Blue Dragon Athletic Director Josh Gooch said on Wednesday. "We were prepared for the 2020 Championship and look forward to using those resources to host in 2022."The NJCAA Outdoor Championships were in Hutchinson in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 1015 and last in 2017.Gowans Stadium was renovated in 2006 with a state-of-the-art track surface and artificial playing surface. The Gowans Stadium video board was added in 2009, just before the site played host to its first NJCAA Track Championship.The NJCAA Track and Field Championships are one of five NJCAA Championship events to have called Hutchinson home over the years.The NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship has been in Hutchinson since 1949. The 2017, 2018 and 2019 NJCAA Division I Volleyball Championships were in contested in the Sports Arena as well and will return to Hutchinson in 2021.In addition to the NJCAA Track Championships, Hutchinson also plays host to the annual Salt City Bowl football game. Back in the mid-1990s' Hutchinson played host to the NJCAA Division I Softball Championships at Fun Valley."The community of Hutchinson embraces hosting events for the NJCAA and we look forward to providing another first class Championship for all the student athletes, coaches and fans," Gooch said.The 2021 Championships will be at South Plains College in Levelland, Texas.

HutchCC awarded NJCAA D-1 National Track in 2022

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Longtime Wichita State men's basketball public address announcer Don Hall was killed in a car accident on April 29, 2020.

Don started as the public address announcer for Shocker men's basketball during the 1983-84 season and only missed two home games in 36 years.

"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of longtime men's basketball public address announcer Don Hall," said&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/staff.aspx?staff=10">Darron Boatright</a>, Director of Athletics. "He was a special person in Shocker Athletics and brought a lot of joy to our fans and student-athletes during our events. He was a proud veteran and enjoyed being an American Legion and Kansas Patriot Guard rider. Wichita State Athletics and the Wichita community will miss Don greatly."&nbsp;

Don grew up in Overland Park, Kan., and graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1967. He earned a business degree from Pittsburg State in 1971. While in college, he played golf and was the president of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, while working at KSEK.

He worked for two years at KWBW in Hutchinson, Kan., before coming to KEYN in Wichita in 1974. Don worked for KEYN, KAKZ, KKRD, and KZSN as well.

He had over 45 years experience in radio.

WICHITA, Kan. -&nbsp;Longtime Wichita State men's basketball public address announcer Don Hall was killed in a car accident on April 29, 2020.Don started as the public address announcer for Shocker men's basketball during the 1983-84 season and only missed two home games in 36 years."We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of longtime men's basketball public address announcer Don Hall," said&nbsp;<a href="https://goshockers.com/staff.aspx?staff=10">Darron Boatright</a>, Director of Athletics. "He was a special person in Shocker Athletics and brought a lot of joy to our fans and student-athletes during our events. He was a proud veteran and enjoyed being an American Legion and Kansas Patriot Guard rider. Wichita State Athletics and the Wichita community will miss Don greatly."&nbsp;Don grew up in Overland Park, Kan., and graduated from Shawnee Mission West High School in 1967. He earned a business degree from Pittsburg State in 1971. While in college, he played golf and was the president of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, while working at KSEK.He worked for two years at KWBW in Hutchinson, Kan., before coming to KEYN in Wichita in 1974. Don worked for KEYN, KAKZ, KKRD, and KZSN as well.He had over 45 years experience in radio.

Longtime PA Announcer Don Hall Killed in Car Accident

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor, football coach Chris Klieman and basketball coach Bruce Weber have agreed to salary reductions along with every athletic department employee making more than $100,000 annually. The cuts are meant to help deal with a budget crunch brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Taylor said in a statement that the salary reductions will begin with the new fiscal year starting July 1. Klieman and Weber agreed to 13% reductions, employees who make more than $150,000 will have 10% cuts and those making more than $100,000 will have 5% cuts.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State athletic director Gene Taylor, football coach Chris Klieman and basketball coach Bruce Weber have agreed to salary reductions along with every athletic department employee making more than $100,000 annually. The cuts are meant to help deal with a budget crunch brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. Taylor said in a statement that the salary reductions will begin with the new fiscal year starting July 1. Klieman and Weber agreed to 13% reductions, employees who make more than $150,000 will have 10% cuts and those making more than $100,000 will have 5% cuts.

K-State salary, athletic department cuts to save $3.5M

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State announced today that Mark Downey has stepped down from his position as head men's basketball coach. &nbsp;He will be leaving the school to take over the program at Arkansas Tech.

"I want to thank Coach Downey for his work in the last three years at Northeastern State, said Interim Director of Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://goriverhawksgo.com/staff.aspx?staff=216">Matt Cochran</a>. &nbsp;"Since arriving here he guided the program through a resurgence and left it in a strong position in the MIAA.&nbsp; I want to wish him and his family the best in their return to Arkansas Tech."

Downey recently completed his third season at NSU where he held a 40-46 overall mark and led the RiverHawks to the MIAA Tournament twice. &nbsp;He guided the program with 32 wins in the last two seasons, surpassing the overall program win total by four from 2015 to 2018.

Northeastern State opened the 2019-20 season with a 9-1 mark and entered the NABC National Top-25 poll for the first time since 2013. &nbsp; The RiverHawks finished the season with an 18-11 record and fifth the MIAA standings.

"I wish Coach Downey great success at ATU," said Northeastern State President Dr. Steve Turner.&nbsp; "During his time at NSU, he was instrumental in efforts to re-connect our Men's Basketball team to our community and alumni.&nbsp; He and his family will be missed on campus and in our community."

Downey previously was the head coach at ATU from 2006-10.

Northeastern State will begin a national search for the next head men's basketball coach immediately.

Northeastern State Sports Information

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State announced today that Mark Downey has stepped down from his position as head men's basketball coach. &nbsp;He will be leaving the school to take over the program at Arkansas Tech."I want to thank Coach Downey for his work in the last three years at Northeastern State, said Interim Director of Athletics&nbsp;<a href="https://goriverhawksgo.com/staff.aspx?staff=216">Matt Cochran</a>. &nbsp;"Since arriving here he guided the program through a resurgence and left it in a strong position in the MIAA.&nbsp; I want to wish him and his family the best in their return to Arkansas Tech."Downey recently completed his third season at NSU where he held a 40-46 overall mark and led the RiverHawks to the MIAA Tournament twice. &nbsp;He guided the program with 32 wins in the last two seasons, surpassing the overall program win total by four from 2015 to 2018.Northeastern State opened the 2019-20 season with a 9-1 mark and entered the NABC National Top-25 poll for the first time since 2013. &nbsp; The RiverHawks finished the season with an 18-11 record and fifth the MIAA standings."I wish Coach Downey great success at ATU," said Northeastern State President Dr. Steve Turner.&nbsp; "During his time at NSU, he was instrumental in efforts to re-connect our Men's Basketball team to our community and alumni.&nbsp; He and his family will be missed on campus and in our community."Downey previously was the head coach at ATU from 2006-10.Northeastern State will begin a national search for the next head men's basketball coach immediately.Northeastern State Sports Information

Downey steps down as Northeastern State men's basketball coach

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AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Wednesday

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated PressYORK, S.C. (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland has been arrested in South Carolina for resisting arrest and other offenses. Breeland, who is from Charlotte, was arrested in York County, just south of the North Carolina-South Carolina border. Breeland was also charged with driving with an open container of alcohol, possession of marijuana or hash and driving without a license. Breeland had seven tackles and an interception in the Chiefs' 31-20 Super Bowl win over San Francisco two months ago.&nbsp;KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have released two-time Pro Bowl punter Dustin Colquitt. Colquitt's 15-year career with the Chiefs allowed him to set numerous franchise records, including the most games played and most postseason appearances. Colquitt posted a farewell on Instagram late Monday in which he said that "all things come to an end, sometimes sooner than you hoped, prayed and pleaded for them to." Colquitt stopped short of saying he was retiring. He turns 38 next month.UNDATED (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs used their blazing speed on offense to end five frustrating decades without a Super Bowl title. Their AFC West rivals all added speed to their rosters this offseason in hopes of reining in the Super Bowl champs. The Broncos selected speedy receivers Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. The Raiders chose receiver Henry Ruggs III. He was the fastest player at the combine. The Chargers added sideline-to-sideline linebacker Kenneth Murray. The Chiefs didn't stand still. They spent the draft getting their defense up to speed to complement all the burners they have on offense.&nbsp;UNDATED (AP) — Major League Baseball front offices face some unusual obstacles in preparing for this year's draft with college and high school games shelved because of the new coronavirus. What the picking will look like still isn't clear, but it may be as short as five rounds, and a cap on bonus payments to undrafted players could affect whether prospects sign. Under an agreement, MLB has the right to delay the dates of the 2020 and 2021 drafts to as late as July 20. The Detroit Tigers have the No. 1 pick this year.LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska quarterback Noah Vedral has entered the transfer portal and plans to play his final two seasons at another school. An athletic department spokesman confirmed Vedral's decision. Vedral has been backup to Adrian Martinez for two years. He transferred to Nebraska from Central Florida after coach Scott Frost was hired away from UCF in December 2017. Vedral started against Minnesota and Indiana last season. The native of Wahoo, Nebraska, also appeared in four other games and finished 34-of-52 passing for 418 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He rushed for 106 yards and three TDs and will be a junior in the fall.LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska women's gymnastics program has been given two years of probation and fined for breaking NCAA rules under former head coach Dan Kendig. The Division I Committee on Infractions announced the program exceeded the number of allowable coaches when Kendig and members of the program arranged for a former volunteer coach to receive impermissible compensation from 2014-18. Kendig announced his retirement in October 2018. He coached the Cornhuskers for 25 seasons. The violations occurred when gymnasts each paid $300 per year to the volunteer for floor exercise choreography and the university paid an undisclosed amount for floor exercise music. The volunteer was not named.