MIAMI (AP) — The NBA has pushed back the possible reopening date of some team practice facilities for at least a week until May 8 at the earliest, saying Monday the extra time was needed in part to make sure player training options would be safe and controlled in an effort to try to mitigate the threats caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

And when those facilities reopen, the rules will be strict.

The May 8 date is far from firm, the NBA said, warning teams that it “may push this timing back if developments warrant.” The league planned on giving teams the option of reopening facilities as early as Friday, though ultimately decided more time was needed across the league for many reasons.

But whenever those practice courts open — local government clearance would be needed first in all cases — there will not be an immediate return to normal. A person with knowledge of the league’s plans said players would have to wear face masks inside facilities except when working out, that any staff members present would have to wear face masks and gloves, and that a minimum distance of 12 feet would be required as a buffer between players and staff members working with them.

The exception in that 12-foot case would be when medical or athletic training personnel are in contact with players. The person spoke to the The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the details were not publicly released.

There are numerous other details of the league’s facility-reopening protocols, the person said, including:

— Players who return to their home-team markets from out of town will have to quarantine before being allowed back in the facility.

— All equipment used by players in their voluntary workouts, including basketballs, will have to be disinfected before being used again. Players will not be allowed to share towels, and teams will not be permitted to make steam rooms, saunas, cold tubs, oxygen chambers or cryotherapy chambers at the facilities available.

— Teams will have to designate a staff member as a “Facility Hygiene Officer” to oversee all new policies. Players will have to enter the facility alone, without family members, friends or personal security.

— All cell phones, keys and other often-touched items must be cleaned and disinfected upon entry to the facility.

“Our foremost priority remains everyone’s health and well-being and we will continue to follow the NBA’s guidelines, while also continuing to listen to public health experts and observe local governmental directives,” Orlando Magic spokesman Joel Glass said.

When teams can reopen, other rules will include a limit of four players at a facility at any one time, no practices or scrimmages will be allowed, and no head coaches or assistant coaches can be part of the voluntary workouts.

NBA players are also still prohibited from working out at public health clubs, fitness centers, or gyms.

<a href="https://apnews.com/226da6f7fadbb1968af3552c25e7d09c">The NBA suspended the season March 11</a>&nbsp;after Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz was the first player to test positive for COVID-19. It ordered teams to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9012ecb3fea518db320f35ed45aac20b">shutter their facilities eight days</a>&nbsp;later, saying at the time it was doing so “in light of the rapidly-developing coronavirus situation, and consistent with evolving advice from health experts regarding how to promote individual and public health while minimizing the spread of the virus.”

Facilities have not been opened since, and this step — when it happens — does not mean a return to NBA play is imminent. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has said repeatedly that he does not believe the league will be in position to make any decision on whether the season can resume until sometime in May, at the earliest.

“There’s too much unknown to set a timeline, even too much unknown to say, ‘Here are the precise variables,’” Silver said on April 17.

<a href="https://apnews.com/80fa4aca73bee969bd80142c80c22aa1">The push toward reopening facilities started&nbsp;</a>after certain states and municipalities began loosening restrictions on personal movement. Georgia and Oklahoma are among the states that have already allowed some businesses to reopen and Florida’s two most populous counties, Miami-Dade and Broward, announced plans Monday to loosen some of their stay-at-home policies starting later this week.

Johns Hopkins University, which tracks the amount of cases and deaths based on figures revealed by governments around the world, showed Monday that the U.S. count was nearing 1 million confirmed cases. More than 55,000 people in the U.S. have died because of the virus.

MIAMI (AP) — The NBA has pushed back the possible reopening date of some team practice facilities for at least a week until May 8 at the earliest, saying Monday the extra time was needed in part to make sure player training options would be safe and controlled in an effort to try to mitigate the threats caused by the coronavirus pandemic.And when those facilities reopen, the rules will be strict.The May 8 date is far from firm, the NBA said, warning teams that it “may push this timing back if developments warrant.” The league planned on giving teams the option of reopening facilities as early as Friday, though ultimately decided more time was needed across the league for many reasons.But whenever those practice courts open — local government clearance would be needed first in all cases — there will not be an immediate return to normal. A person with knowledge of the league’s plans said players would have to wear face masks inside facilities except when working out, that any staff members present would have to wear face masks and gloves, and that a minimum distance of 12 feet would be required as a buffer between players and staff members working with them.The exception in that 12-foot case would be when medical or athletic training personnel are in contact with players. The person spoke to the The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the details were not publicly released.There are numerous other details of the league’s facility-reopening protocols, the person said, including:— Players who return to their home-team markets from out of town will have to quarantine before being allowed back in the facility.— All equipment used by players in their voluntary workouts, including basketballs, will have to be disinfected before being used again. Players will not be allowed to share towels, and teams will not be permitted to make steam rooms, saunas, cold tubs, oxygen chambers or cryotherapy chambers at the facilities available.— Teams will have to designate a staff member as a “Facility Hygiene Officer” to oversee all new policies. Players will have to enter the facility alone, without family members, friends or personal security.— All cell phones, keys and other often-touched items must be cleaned and disinfected upon entry to the facility.“Our foremost priority remains everyone’s health and well-being and we will continue to follow the NBA’s guidelines, while also continuing to listen to public health experts and observe local governmental directives,” Orlando Magic spokesman Joel Glass said.When teams can reopen, other rules will include a limit of four players at a facility at any one time, no practices or scrimmages will be allowed, and no head coaches or assistant coaches can be part of the voluntary workouts.NBA players are also still prohibited from working out at public health clubs, fitness centers, or gyms.<a href="https://apnews.com/226da6f7fadbb1968af3552c25e7d09c">The NBA suspended the season March 11</a>&nbsp;after Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz was the first player to test positive for COVID-19. It ordered teams to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9012ecb3fea518db320f35ed45aac20b">shutter their facilities eight days</a>&nbsp;later, saying at the time it was doing so “in light of the rapidly-developing coronavirus situation, and consistent with evolving advice from health experts regarding how to promote individual and public health while minimizing the spread of the virus.”Facilities have not been opened since, and this step — when it happens — does not mean a return to NBA play is imminent. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has said repeatedly that he does not believe the league will be in position to make any decision on whether the season can resume until sometime in May, at the earliest.“There’s too much unknown to set a timeline, even too much unknown to say, ‘Here are the precise variables,’” Silver said on April 17.<a href="https://apnews.com/80fa4aca73bee969bd80142c80c22aa1">The push toward reopening facilities started&nbsp;</a>after certain states and municipalities began loosening restrictions on personal movement. Georgia and Oklahoma are among the states that have already allowed some businesses to reopen and Florida’s two most populous counties, Miami-Dade and Broward, announced plans Monday to loosen some of their stay-at-home policies starting later this week.Johns Hopkins University, which tracks the amount of cases and deaths based on figures revealed by governments around the world, showed Monday that the U.S. count was nearing 1 million confirmed cases. More than 55,000 people in the U.S. have died because of the virus.

NBA pushes plan to reopen facilities until May 8 at earliest

HUTCHINSON, Kan. -&nbsp;Bryan Miller
is returning home.&nbsp; Miller will be the head coach for the Hutchinson High School boys’ basketball
team for the 2020-21 season.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;


A long-time community college head and assistant basketball coach, Miller spent
the 2019-20 season as an assistant men’s coach at Hutchinson Community College.

A Hutchinson native, Miller attended high school at Hutchinson High and played for
Phil Anderson. Miller is a 1997 graduate of HHS.

His
high school coach – Phil Anderson – is an assistant for HutchCC’s women’s
basketball program. Miller spent time talking with Anderson about the Salthawk
opening to get his input.

“The first thing is to talk to the team and the staff,” Miller said. “I want to
talk to Coach (Ted) Webster about what his thoughts on the team are.

“My first goal is to meet with the team, but that will be a challenge because
of everything else going on.”

Prior to joining the Blue Dragons, Miller had a seven-year
tenure with the Butler Community College men’s basketball program – three years
as an assistant and four years as the Grizzlies’ head coach.

The
new head coach replaces Ted Webster who stepped down from the post but will
continue as a teacher in the district.

Miller earned a sports management degree from Wichita State
University in 2010.

“Bryan has coached and developed young
athletes at all levels,” said Kevin Armstrong, HHS activities director.&nbsp;“Most
recently he was an assistant at Hutchinson Community College and prior to that
was the head coach at Butler County Community College.&nbsp; 

“Bryan has a passion for basketball, but
specifically Salthawk basketball as he graduated from Hutchinson High School.&nbsp;We
think Bryan is an outstanding fit for our boys’ basketball program and look
forward to working with him in building a successful program at Hutchinson High
School.”

HUTCHINSON, Kan. -&nbsp;Bryan Miller
is returning home.&nbsp; Miller will be the head coach for the Hutchinson High School boys’ basketball
team for the 2020-21 season.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
A long-time community college head and assistant basketball coach, Miller spent
the 2019-20 season as an assistant men’s coach at Hutchinson Community College.A Hutchinson native, Miller attended high school at Hutchinson High and played for
Phil Anderson. Miller is a 1997 graduate of HHS.His
high school coach – Phil Anderson – is an assistant for HutchCC’s women’s
basketball program. Miller spent time talking with Anderson about the Salthawk
opening to get his input.“The first thing is to talk to the team and the staff,” Miller said. “I want to
talk to Coach (Ted) Webster about what his thoughts on the team are.“My first goal is to meet with the team, but that will be a challenge because
of everything else going on.”Prior to joining the Blue Dragons, Miller had a seven-year
tenure with the Butler Community College men’s basketball program – three years
as an assistant and four years as the Grizzlies’ head coach.The
new head coach replaces Ted Webster who stepped down from the post but will
continue as a teacher in the district.Miller earned a sports management degree from Wichita State
University in 2010.“Bryan has coached and developed young
athletes at all levels,” said Kevin Armstrong, HHS activities director.&nbsp;“Most
recently he was an assistant at Hutchinson Community College and prior to that
was the head coach at Butler County Community College.&nbsp; “Bryan has a passion for basketball, but
specifically Salthawk basketball as he graduated from Hutchinson High School.&nbsp;We
think Bryan is an outstanding fit for our boys’ basketball program and look
forward to working with him in building a successful program at Hutchinson High
School.”

Bryan Miller returns to the Salthawks

<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/808145206&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/hutchpost" title="HutchPost.com" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">HutchPost.com</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/hutchpost/eagle-sports-april-27-2020" title="Eagle Sports April 27 - 2020" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Sports April 27 - 2020</a></div></div>

AUDIO: Eagle Radio Sports for Monday

Tonight's final Reno County Coaches Show and More will feature two rebroadcast interviews from the KWBW Morning Show.&nbsp; In 2014 with the Royals in the World Series Glen caught up with former Royal Brett Saberhagen.

Then in 2016 with the Royals fresh off a World Series win in 2015, Royals GM Dayton Moore was in Hutchinson for a Dillon Lecture Series talk and dropped by the KWBW studios for a chat with Glen.&nbsp; Tonight's show has clips from both interviews.&nbsp; This is the final show until September.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587988392442.jpeg" alt="Brett Saberhagen 1986. Courtesy of Glen Grunwald" />
 <figcaption>Brett Saberhagen 1986. Courtesy of Glen Grunwald</figcaption>
 </figure>Tonight's final Reno County Coaches Show and More will feature two rebroadcast interviews from the KWBW Morning Show.&nbsp; In 2014 with the Royals in the World Series Glen caught up with former Royal Brett Saberhagen.Then in 2016 with the Royals fresh off a World Series win in 2015, Royals GM Dayton Moore was in Hutchinson for a Dillon Lecture Series talk and dropped by the KWBW studios for a chat with Glen.&nbsp; Tonight's show has clips from both interviews.&nbsp; This is the final show until September.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587988459218.jpeg" alt="Dayton Moore.jpg" />
 <figcaption>Dayton Moore.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>

Reno County Coaches Show to feature Brett Saberhagen and Royals GM Dayton Moore

UNDATED (AP) — Social media content delivery platforms are ready to cash in along with college athletes. The NCAA is changing its rules on how athletes can be compensated for use of their name, image or likeness. Schools will likely make it part of recruiting, and some already have relationships with platforms such as Opendorse and Influencer. Otherwise, recruits may choose schools that provide better opportunities for earning money. The Opendorse CEO says a major-college quarterback who's active on social media could earn six figures annually making pitches for 10 local businesses. The platforms make their money on commissions and through contracts with athletic departments.

UNDATED (AP) — The defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers did a good job filling their needs on draft weekend. They added defensive tackle Jevon Kinlaw, receiver Brandon Aiyuk and seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams to fill the three glaring holes on their roster. The Green Bay Packers were among the teams that didn't do as well filling their needs. They took quarterback Jordan Love in the first round to sit behind Aaron Rodgers and didn't get their star quarterback any help in terms of receivers.

UNDATED (AP) — ESPN executive producer Seth Markman said he was overwhelmed with how everything came together over the three days of the NFL draft. It also ended up being must-see TV as the first significant live sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic ground everything to a halt. The draft averaged a record 8.4 million viewers over all three days, according to the NFL and Nielsen. The previous high was 6.2 million last year.

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he can envision baseball games being played without fans this summer at Yankee Stadium and the Mets' Citi Field. Adding that if players could get paid more than staying home and owners would get some revenue versus total shutdown, why not? He’d love to watch. Cuomo says he has spoken with owners of professional sports teams and they would have to make the economics work without gate revenue but with broadcast revenue.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians will pay regular salaries to full-time employees through June 30, but the club has had to furlough others due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The team says senior executives took “voluntary salary reductions” to ensure the team could continue to pay staffers. The Indians confirm they have furloughed many of their part-time employees and interns. Those will take effect on May 1. The Indians are one of the few teams to guarantee full-time workers their salaries through June.

UNDATED (AP) — — South Carolina forward A.J. Lawson is entering the NBA draft for a second straight season. Lawson is a 6-foot-6 sophomore who also went through the process after his freshman season. Like a year ago, Lawson is not hiring an agent giving him the chance to return to the Gamecocks. Lawson started all 31 games for South Carolina, averaging a team-best 13.4 points a game. Lawson had until Sunday to enter the draft. He has until June 3 to pull his name out and return for his junior season.

UNDATED (AP) — Social media content delivery platforms are ready to cash in along with college athletes. The NCAA is changing its rules on how athletes can be compensated for use of their name, image or likeness. Schools will likely make it part of recruiting, and some already have relationships with platforms such as Opendorse and Influencer. Otherwise, recruits may choose schools that provide better opportunities for earning money. The Opendorse CEO says a major-college quarterback who's active on social media could earn six figures annually making pitches for 10 local businesses. The platforms make their money on commissions and through contracts with athletic departments.UNDATED (AP) — The defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers did a good job filling their needs on draft weekend. They added defensive tackle Jevon Kinlaw, receiver Brandon Aiyuk and seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams to fill the three glaring holes on their roster. The Green Bay Packers were among the teams that didn't do as well filling their needs. They took quarterback Jordan Love in the first round to sit behind Aaron Rodgers and didn't get their star quarterback any help in terms of receivers.UNDATED (AP) — ESPN executive producer Seth Markman said he was overwhelmed with how everything came together over the three days of the NFL draft. It also ended up being must-see TV as the first significant live sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic ground everything to a halt. The draft averaged a record 8.4 million viewers over all three days, according to the NFL and Nielsen. The previous high was 6.2 million last year.NEW YORK (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he can envision baseball games being played without fans this summer at Yankee Stadium and the Mets' Citi Field. Adding that if players could get paid more than staying home and owners would get some revenue versus total shutdown, why not? He’d love to watch. Cuomo says he has spoken with owners of professional sports teams and they would have to make the economics work without gate revenue but with broadcast revenue.CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians will pay regular salaries to full-time employees through June 30, but the club has had to furlough others due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The team says senior executives took “voluntary salary reductions” to ensure the team could continue to pay staffers. The Indians confirm they have furloughed many of their part-time employees and interns. Those will take effect on May 1. The Indians are one of the few teams to guarantee full-time workers their salaries through June.UNDATED (AP) — — South Carolina forward A.J. Lawson is entering the NBA draft for a second straight season. Lawson is a 6-foot-6 sophomore who also went through the process after his freshman season. Like a year ago, Lawson is not hiring an agent giving him the chance to return to the Gamecocks. Lawson started all 31 games for South Carolina, averaging a team-best 13.4 points a game. Lawson had until Sunday to enter the draft. He has until June 3 to pull his name out and return for his junior season.

Monday Sports Headlines

Once the 2020 draft was complete, the work for the Kansas City Chiefs really began.

The Chiefs announced 18 undrafted free agents had been signed to be part of the league mandated 90-man roster.

Shelton‐Mosley, Justice | WR | Vanderbilt

Wharton, Tershawn | DT | Missouri S&amp;T

Once the 2020 draft was complete, the work for the Kansas City Chiefs really began.The Chiefs announced 18 undrafted free agents had been signed to be part of the league mandated 90-man roster.The list was posted on kcchiefs.comBaccellia, Andre | WR | WashingtonFfrench, Maurice | WR | PittsburghHifo, Aleva | WR | BYULipscomb, Kalija | WR | VanderbiltShelton‐Mosley, Justice | WR | VanderbiltWhite, Cody | WR | Michigan StateDurant, Yasir | T | MissouriFair, Jovahn | G | TempleWilliams, Darryl | C | Miss St.Wharton, Tershawn | DT | Missouri S&amp;TCobb, Omari | LB | MarshallWright, Bryan | LB | CincinnatiClemons, Rodney | S | SMUJulius, Jalen | S | Ole MissBailey, Hakeem | CB | West VirginiaDavis, Javaris | CB | AuburnHill, Lavert | CB | MichiganTownsend, Tommy | P | Florida

Chiefs sign 18 free agents

LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football’s Hakeem Adeniji was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 180th&nbsp; overall pick of the sixth round on Saturday afternoon. Adeniji becomes the first KU offensive lineman drafted since 2012, when Tanner Hawkinson was also selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round.

Adeniji, a native of Garland, Texas, concluded his Jayhawk career by tying the school record in consecutive games started, starting all 48 games of his collegiate career on the offensive line. Adeniji was also selected as a team captain in 2019, as voted on by the team.

“We couldn’t be happier for Hakeem. He’s a great young man who was a leader on and off the field for our program.&nbsp; I look forward to watching his NFL career progress with the Bengals. He will provide some positional flexibility and can play multiple positions along the offensive line and has what it takes to play in the National Football League for a long time,” Head Coach Les Miles said.

In 2019, Adeniji took home All-Big 12 first team honors for the first time in his career. He helped pave the way for KU’s most productive offensive output in 10 years, averaging 377.3 yards per game, including three games with more than 500 yards of total offense.

In addition to earning first-team honors, Adeniji earned an honorable mention nod for Offensive Lineman of the Year, and was named to the Outland Trophy Watch List, awarded to the nation’s best interior offensive lineman.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587906530720.jpeg" alt="Hakeem Adeniji - kuathletics.com" />
 <figcaption>Hakeem Adeniji - kuathletics.com</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE, Kan. –&nbsp;Kansas football’s Hakeem Adeniji was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 180th&nbsp; overall pick of the sixth round on Saturday afternoon. Adeniji becomes the first KU offensive lineman drafted since 2012, when Tanner Hawkinson was also selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round.Adeniji, a native of Garland, Texas, concluded his Jayhawk career by tying the school record in consecutive games started, starting all 48 games of his collegiate career on the offensive line. Adeniji was also selected as a team captain in 2019, as voted on by the team.“We couldn’t be happier for Hakeem. He’s a great young man who was a leader on and off the field for our program.&nbsp; I look forward to watching his NFL career progress with the Bengals. He will provide some positional flexibility and can play multiple positions along the offensive line and has what it takes to play in the National Football League for a long time,” Head Coach Les Miles said.In 2019, Adeniji took home All-Big 12 first team honors for the first time in his career. He helped pave the way for KU’s most productive offensive output in 10 years, averaging 377.3 yards per game, including three games with more than 500 yards of total offense.In addition to earning first-team honors, Adeniji earned an honorable mention nod for Offensive Lineman of the Year, and was named to the Outland Trophy Watch List, awarded to the nation’s best interior offensive lineman.

Hakeem Adeniji Selected in 6th Round of 2020 NFL Draft

Seth Markman was just as nervous as NFL coaches and general managers about the unknown factors involved with a virtual draft. But the ESPN executive producer said he was overwhelmed with how everything came together over the three days.

It also ended up being must-see TV as the first significant live sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic ground everything to a halt. The draft averaged a record 8.4 million viewers over all three days, according to the NFL and Nielsen. The previous high was 6.2 million last year.

“I thought a coach or general manager might put a towel on the camera or point it another direction, but there were zero issues,” Markman said. “There were a couple times that we lost a feed or two, but it quickly came back.”

After early concerns about how the NFL could conduct a virtual draft, everyone appeared to end up having fun with it. Coaches and general managers embraced their children or spouses being on camera and draft picks got to watch from home comfortably instead of waiting in a green room.

Even normally stodgy New England coach Bill Belichick got into the spirit of things by giving his dog, an&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1253837939391565826?s=20" target="_blank">Alaskan Klee Kai named Nike</a>, some television time.

“I thought coaches and general managers were going to lock themselves in a room and it was the opposite. Every time I looked up there was more family around,” Markman said. “I think it speaks to the coaches that when this is done, they can remember it is OK not to be in the office at all times.”

<a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiDolphins/status/1254184042871881730?s=20" target="_blank">Miami coach Brian Flores</a>, who was shown celebrating picks with sons Miles and Maxwell in his office, said it was important for fans to see another side of him.

“When I think about being a coach, you want to help players become good players but good people, good husbands, good fathers, good sons; and I think we, as coaches, need to be good examples of that,” said Flores, whose young daughter, Liliana, at times sat on his lap. “I think that was evident. It was nice to see everyone’s families.”

Each day attracted record audiences. Thursday’s first round averaged 15.6 million, Friday’s second and third rounds 8.2 million and Saturday’s final four rounds 4.2 million. ESPN and NFL Network had a combined production all three days while ABC had separate telecasts Thursday and Friday before simulcasting the ESPN/NFL Network feed Saturday. ESPN Deportes also had a separate broadcast.

The biggest criticism of ESPN/NFL Network’s coverage was that discussions too often were focused on the personal tragedies in each prospect’s life, which ended up dominating the telecast at times. The storytelling and off-the-field stories are a huge part of ABC’s coverage the first two nights while many expected ESPN to stick more to the X’s and O’s.

Markman said they have seen feedback on social media and that it is something they will evaluate in the future in order to strike the right balance.

“Our intention is in some cases talk about and celebrate the obstacles these kids overcame in an amazing moment. If that’s not coming across as well that is something we need to look at,” he said. “Our company puts a huge emphasis on storytelling. We don’t go as in-depth on the human stories on the ESPN coverage, but we do need to self-scout a little more. If three straight kids are picked who have overcome huge obstacles, we have to be disciplined in our approach so that it doesn’t take too much of a turn.”

When Tee Higgins was selected in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals, the ABC broadcast discussed his mother’s battle with drug addiction and how she was an inspiration to the Clemson wide receiver. Her addiction was listed on an ESPN graphic without any additional context on that broadcast. Markman said that shouldn’t have happened and that ESPN apologized to Higgins.

Higgins said on Twitter he had “no problem with them showing the world that my mom is a true fighter.”

Analyst Todd McShay was to participate on television before he announced Thursday that he wouldn’t take part because he was recovering from the new coronavirus. McShay was supposed to be part of ABC’s telecast the first two days before moving to ESPN for the final four rounds.

“He has been focusing on his recovery. His mind should be on that and not on last-minute draft preparations,” Markman said. “Our top priority is the health and safety of all of our employees.”

Despite being spread out throughout the country, there were very few instances of analysts talking over one another, which Markman credited to his directors keeping everyone informed of what was happening.

Due to the quick-moving nature of Thursday’s first round, there weren’t many interviews with players. Markman said by the time players were done celebrating with their families and got into position to be interviewed, they already had the next selection. Interviews still took place but were distributed on ESPN and NFL digital channels, as well as some airing on ABC.

Seth Markman was just as nervous as NFL coaches and general managers about the unknown factors involved with a virtual draft. But the ESPN executive producer said he was overwhelmed with how everything came together over the three days.It also ended up being must-see TV as the first significant live sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic ground everything to a halt. The draft averaged a record 8.4 million viewers over all three days, according to the NFL and Nielsen. The previous high was 6.2 million last year.“I thought a coach or general manager might put a towel on the camera or point it another direction, but there were zero issues,” Markman said. “There were a couple times that we lost a feed or two, but it quickly came back.”After early concerns about how the NFL could conduct a virtual draft, everyone appeared to end up having fun with it. Coaches and general managers embraced their children or spouses being on camera and draft picks got to watch from home comfortably instead of waiting in a green room.Even normally stodgy New England coach Bill Belichick got into the spirit of things by giving his dog, an&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1253837939391565826?s=20" target="_blank">Alaskan Klee Kai named Nike</a>, some television time.“I thought coaches and general managers were going to lock themselves in a room and it was the opposite. Every time I looked up there was more family around,” Markman said. “I think it speaks to the coaches that when this is done, they can remember it is OK not to be in the office at all times.”<a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiDolphins/status/1254184042871881730?s=20" target="_blank">Miami coach Brian Flores</a>, who was shown celebrating picks with sons Miles and Maxwell in his office, said it was important for fans to see another side of him.“When I think about being a coach, you want to help players become good players but good people, good husbands, good fathers, good sons; and I think we, as coaches, need to be good examples of that,” said Flores, whose young daughter, Liliana, at times sat on his lap. “I think that was evident. It was nice to see everyone’s families.”Each day attracted record audiences. Thursday’s first round averaged 15.6 million, Friday’s second and third rounds 8.2 million and Saturday’s final four rounds 4.2 million. ESPN and NFL Network had a combined production all three days while ABC had separate telecasts Thursday and Friday before simulcasting the ESPN/NFL Network feed Saturday. ESPN Deportes also had a separate broadcast.Here are some other takeaways:TOO UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL?The biggest criticism of ESPN/NFL Network’s coverage was that discussions too often were focused on the personal tragedies in each prospect’s life, which ended up dominating the telecast at times. The storytelling and off-the-field stories are a huge part of ABC’s coverage the first two nights while many expected ESPN to stick more to the X’s and O’s.Markman said they have seen feedback on social media and that it is something they will evaluate in the future in order to strike the right balance.“Our intention is in some cases talk about and celebrate the obstacles these kids overcame in an amazing moment. If that’s not coming across as well that is something we need to look at,” he said. “Our company puts a huge emphasis on storytelling. We don’t go as in-depth on the human stories on the ESPN coverage, but we do need to self-scout a little more. If three straight kids are picked who have overcome huge obstacles, we have to be disciplined in our approach so that it doesn’t take too much of a turn.”When Tee Higgins was selected in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals, the ABC broadcast discussed his mother’s battle with drug addiction and how she was an inspiration to the Clemson wide receiver. Her addiction was listed on an ESPN graphic without any additional context on that broadcast. Markman said that shouldn’t have happened and that ESPN apologized to Higgins.Higgins said on Twitter he had “no problem with them showing the world that my mom is a true fighter.”McSHAY’S ABSENCEAnalyst Todd McShay was to participate on television before he announced Thursday that he wouldn’t take part because he was recovering from the new coronavirus. McShay was supposed to be part of ABC’s telecast the first two days before moving to ESPN for the final four rounds.“He has been focusing on his recovery. His mind should be on that and not on last-minute draft preparations,” Markman said. “Our top priority is the health and safety of all of our employees.”PRETTY SMOOTH SAILINGDespite being spread out throughout the country, there were very few instances of analysts talking over one another, which Markman credited to his directors keeping everyone informed of what was happening.Due to the quick-moving nature of Thursday’s first round, there weren’t many interviews with players. Markman said by the time players were done celebrating with their families and got into position to be interviewed, they already had the next selection. Interviews still took place but were distributed on ESPN and NFL digital channels, as well as some airing on ABC.

General Football NFL draft averages record 8.4M viewers across 3 days

MCDONOUGH, Ga. (AP) — A Tulane University basketball player who recently declared for the NBA draft is charged with murder and other counts in a Georgia slaying.

Teshaun Hightower, who led the Green Wave in scoring last season, was booked into jail Saturday on multiple charges, including murder and aggravated assault,&nbsp;<a href="https://henrycountysheriff.net/InmateSearchResults?ID=2060471" target="_blank">Henry County Jail records</a>&nbsp;show.

He was one of six people wanted in connection with an April 8 homicide in Stockbridge, Georgia, Henry County police said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HCPDGA/photos/a.10151399257555716/10163487099890716/?type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank">Facebook post</a>&nbsp;Friday. Police spokesman Capt. Randy Lee told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ajc.com/news/crime--law/arrested-sought-connection-with-fatal-henry-county-shooting/BVR3kFAXEdm6QuGtYDkSjO/" target="_blank">Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a>&nbsp;that the victim, Devante Anthony Long, died from gunshot wounds after he was taken to a hospital.

Jail records show that five of the six men are now in police custody, including Hightower’s brother, Jeffrey Hightower.

On the day of the shooting, Teshaun Hightower&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TeshaunTh/status/1248009539942678528" target="_blank">posted a tweet</a>&nbsp;that said “God protect my people.”

Tulane “immediately dismissed” Hightower from the basketball program after learning about his arrest, athletic director Troy Dannen said in a statement reported by news outlets.

Hightower, 22, said he was entering the NBA draft pool on April 18, just 10 days after Long’s death. In his&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TeshaunTh/status/1251680651239018497" target="_blank">announcement</a>&nbsp;on Twitter, the junior guard noted he planned to maintain the option of returning to school with a year of eligibility left.

The 6-foot-5 Hightower, a native of Lithonia, Georgia, averaged 15.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game during the 2019-20 season, his only one at Tulane. He played the previous two seasons at Georgia before transferring.

Prior to college, Hightower attended Mt. Zion Prep near Baltimore.

It was not immediately clear whether he had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf. Jail records show he was scheduled to appear in court on Sunday.

MCDONOUGH, Ga. (AP) — A Tulane University basketball player who recently declared for the NBA draft is charged with murder and other counts in a Georgia slaying.Teshaun Hightower, who led the Green Wave in scoring last season, was booked into jail Saturday on multiple charges, including murder and aggravated assault,&nbsp;<a href="https://henrycountysheriff.net/InmateSearchResults?ID=2060471" target="_blank">Henry County Jail records</a>&nbsp;show.He was one of six people wanted in connection with an April 8 homicide in Stockbridge, Georgia, Henry County police said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HCPDGA/photos/a.10151399257555716/10163487099890716/?type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank">Facebook post</a>&nbsp;Friday. Police spokesman Capt. Randy Lee told the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ajc.com/news/crime--law/arrested-sought-connection-with-fatal-henry-county-shooting/BVR3kFAXEdm6QuGtYDkSjO/" target="_blank">Atlanta Journal-Constitution</a>&nbsp;that the victim, Devante Anthony Long, died from gunshot wounds after he was taken to a hospital.Jail records show that five of the six men are now in police custody, including Hightower’s brother, Jeffrey Hightower.On the day of the shooting, Teshaun Hightower&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TeshaunTh/status/1248009539942678528" target="_blank">posted a tweet</a>&nbsp;that said “God protect my people.”Tulane “immediately dismissed” Hightower from the basketball program after learning about his arrest, athletic director Troy Dannen said in a statement reported by news outlets.Hightower, 22, said he was entering the NBA draft pool on April 18, just 10 days after Long’s death. In his&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TeshaunTh/status/1251680651239018497" target="_blank">announcement</a>&nbsp;on Twitter, the junior guard noted he planned to maintain the option of returning to school with a year of eligibility left.The 6-foot-5 Hightower, a native of Lithonia, Georgia, averaged 15.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game during the 2019-20 season, his only one at Tulane. He played the previous two seasons at Georgia before transferring.Prior to college, Hightower attended Mt. Zion Prep near Baltimore.It was not immediately clear whether he had a lawyer who could comment on his behalf. Jail records show he was scheduled to appear in court on Sunday.

Tulane basketball player charged with murder in Georgia

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Danny Manning never built a winner at Wake Forest. Now the school is looking for a new coach and direction.

Wake Forest fired Manning on Saturday after losing seasons in five of his six years with one NCAA Tournament appearance. The move came more than six weeks after the Demon Deacons lost to Pittsburgh in the opening game of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, ending the season shortly before the coronavirus pandemic led to a shutdown of college and professional sports.

The decision came after what athletic director John Currie called an “overall evaluation” of a program with two winning seasons in the past decade going back to the days of Jeff Bzdelik.

“As time goes by, we’re able to resume things,” Currie said Saturday in a video teleconference. “We never stopped working on this particular program because it is so important to all of us, just like we haven’t stopped with the day-to-day duties. ... But certainly the onset of the pandemic played a role in the timing of today’s announcement.”

Manning, a former No. 1 overall NBA draft pick, went 78-111 in Winston-Salem with a 30-80 mark in ACC regular-season games. Those league struggles included a 6-49 mark in league road games and 1-6 in the ACC Tournament.

Currie said he and Manning notified the team earlier Saturday in a video teleconference. Associate head coach and program great Randolph Childress will lead the team in the interim.

Currie declined to discuss details of Manning’s contract or financial obligations tied to the change. Manning received an extension after his lone NCAA Tournament trip in 2017, though the private school typically doesn’t make terms public.

“Ultimately this is a basketball decision,” Currie said, adding later: “In this particular decision, if you look at the overall program and where we are right now, the economics support the decision.”

Manning had said after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f5eaa2704a82109c11eff570ebb3f437">the Pitt loss</a>&nbsp;on March 10 he “absolutely” expected to return, as well as in subsequent interviews in recent weeks.

“I wish the program nothing but success going forward,” Manning said in a school statement Saturday.

The Demon Deacons appeared to be trending upward in 2017, when sophomore John Collins led the Demon Deacons to a 19-win season and a .500 league mark along with a spot in the NCAA’s First Four.

But Collins left to become a first-round NBA draft pick, while junior Dino Mitoglou left to play professionally in Europe. And over the next few seasons, key players such as Bryant Crawford, Doral Moore and Keyshawn Woods left with eligibility remaining to pursue professional careers or play elsewhere in college.

It happened again in the past two weeks, with junior Chaundee Brown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f69e628392093c5fb8e31a3b65120ed1">announcing</a>&nbsp;he would enter his name into the NBA draft as well as the NCAA transfer portal.

Amid that turnover, Manning’s program never was able to build on the 2017 run, going 11-20 in each of the following two seasons.

Along the way, once-rowdy gameday environments at Joel Coliseum during the Chris Paul and Skip Prosser era more than a decade earlier grew quiet with large swaths of empty seats. Games against in-state ACC foes Duke, North Carolina and North Carolina State often drew significant numbers of fans wearing the blues or red of the visitors.

Retiring athletic director Ron Wellman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0b51a940a66448d7b4f35567c8666ed6">announced last March</a>&nbsp;that Manning would return despite a third 20-loss season in five years, saying he expected Manning would see improvement as Currie took over. Manning went on to claim his first wins against Duke (a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5f0a7139cabda0ac3495f71afdcee3b9">double-overtime</a>&nbsp;comeback victory) and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1d0e47ff19e689d12de3e5b63c617b98">UNC</a>&nbsp;in February, but Wake Forest (13-18) won just two more games from the previous year.

Manning was the top NBA draft pick in 1988 after leading Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e5455687c52c3ff207cf0621be4b8786">almost single-handedly</a>&nbsp;to a national championship so unexpected the group was nicknamed “Danny and the Miracles.”&nbsp;

He played 15 seasons in the NBA before getting into coaching, first on Bill Self’s staff at Kansas and then spending two seasons as head coach at Tulsa before taking over at Wake Forest in 2014.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Danny Manning never built a winner at Wake Forest. Now the school is looking for a new coach and direction.Wake Forest fired Manning on Saturday after losing seasons in five of his six years with one NCAA Tournament appearance. The move came more than six weeks after the Demon Deacons lost to Pittsburgh in the opening game of the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament, ending the season shortly before the coronavirus pandemic led to a shutdown of college and professional sports.The decision came after what athletic director John Currie called an “overall evaluation” of a program with two winning seasons in the past decade going back to the days of Jeff Bzdelik.“As time goes by, we’re able to resume things,” Currie said Saturday in a video teleconference. “We never stopped working on this particular program because it is so important to all of us, just like we haven’t stopped with the day-to-day duties. ... But certainly the onset of the pandemic played a role in the timing of today’s announcement.”Manning, a former No. 1 overall NBA draft pick, went 78-111 in Winston-Salem with a 30-80 mark in ACC regular-season games. Those league struggles included a 6-49 mark in league road games and 1-6 in the ACC Tournament.Currie said he and Manning notified the team earlier Saturday in a video teleconference. Associate head coach and program great Randolph Childress will lead the team in the interim.Currie declined to discuss details of Manning’s contract or financial obligations tied to the change. Manning received an extension after his lone NCAA Tournament trip in 2017, though the private school typically doesn’t make terms public.“Ultimately this is a basketball decision,” Currie said, adding later: “In this particular decision, if you look at the overall program and where we are right now, the economics support the decision.”Manning had said after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f5eaa2704a82109c11eff570ebb3f437">the Pitt loss</a>&nbsp;on March 10 he “absolutely” expected to return, as well as in subsequent interviews in recent weeks.“I wish the program nothing but success going forward,” Manning said in a school statement Saturday.The Demon Deacons appeared to be trending upward in 2017, when sophomore John Collins led the Demon Deacons to a 19-win season and a .500 league mark along with a spot in the NCAA’s First Four.But Collins left to become a first-round NBA draft pick, while junior Dino Mitoglou left to play professionally in Europe. And over the next few seasons, key players such as Bryant Crawford, Doral Moore and Keyshawn Woods left with eligibility remaining to pursue professional careers or play elsewhere in college.It happened again in the past two weeks, with junior Chaundee Brown&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/f69e628392093c5fb8e31a3b65120ed1">announcing</a>&nbsp;he would enter his name into the NBA draft as well as the NCAA transfer portal.Amid that turnover, Manning’s program never was able to build on the 2017 run, going 11-20 in each of the following two seasons.Along the way, once-rowdy gameday environments at Joel Coliseum during the Chris Paul and Skip Prosser era more than a decade earlier grew quiet with large swaths of empty seats. Games against in-state ACC foes Duke, North Carolina and North Carolina State often drew significant numbers of fans wearing the blues or red of the visitors.Retiring athletic director Ron Wellman&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0b51a940a66448d7b4f35567c8666ed6">announced last March</a>&nbsp;that Manning would return despite a third 20-loss season in five years, saying he expected Manning would see improvement as Currie took over. Manning went on to claim his first wins against Duke (a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/5f0a7139cabda0ac3495f71afdcee3b9">double-overtime</a>&nbsp;comeback victory) and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/1d0e47ff19e689d12de3e5b63c617b98">UNC</a>&nbsp;in February, but Wake Forest (13-18) won just two more games from the previous year.Manning was the top NBA draft pick in 1988 after leading Kansas&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e5455687c52c3ff207cf0621be4b8786">almost single-handedly</a>&nbsp;to a national championship so unexpected the group was nicknamed “Danny and the Miracles.”&nbsp;He played 15 seasons in the NBA before getting into coaching, first on Bill Self’s staff at Kansas and then spending two seasons as head coach at Tulsa before taking over at Wake Forest in 2014.

Wake Forest fires coach Danny Manning after losing stretchntitled

The Kansas City Chiefs made an addition up front with the No. 96 overall pick on Friday night, selecting TCU offensive tackle Lucas Niang in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

The six-foot-six, 315-pound Niang was a three-year starter at right tackle for the Horned Frogs and never allowed a sack in his 27 career starts, earning Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2018.

The Kansas City Chiefs made an addition up front with the No. 96 overall pick on Friday night, selecting TCU offensive tackle Lucas Niang in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.The six-foot-six, 315-pound Niang was a three-year starter at right tackle for the Horned Frogs and never allowed a sack in his 27 career starts, earning Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2018.

Chiefs Select TCU Offensive Tackle Lucas Niang in the Third Round of the 2020 Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Mississippi St. linebacker Willie Gay Jr. with the No. 63 overall selection of the 2020 NFL Draft on Friday night, bolstering the Chiefs' defense.&nbsp;

The six-foot-one, 243-pound Gay Jr. tallied 76 tackles and 9.0 tackles-for-loss over the last two seasons for the Bulldogs (18 games, contributing to a takeaway in seven of his final nine contests between 2018-19.

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Mississippi St. linebacker Willie Gay Jr. with the No. 63 overall selection of the 2020 NFL Draft on Friday night, bolstering the Chiefs' defense.&nbsp;The six-foot-one, 243-pound Gay Jr. tallied 76 tackles and 9.0 tackles-for-loss over the last two seasons for the Bulldogs (18 games, contributing to a takeaway in seven of his final nine contests between 2018-19.

Chiefs Select Linebacker Willie Gay Jr. in the Second Round of the 2020 Draft

First night of NFL draft draws record 15.6 million viewers

UNDATED (AP) — Housebound football fans gave the NFL a huge boost on Thursday.

The first night of this week's NFL draft averaged 15.6 million viewers on television, easily shattering the record set six years ago.

The first round was aired on ABC, ESPN, the NFL Network and ESPN Deportes. Viewership peaked from 8:45-9 p.m. EDT when 19.6 million people tuned in, according to Nielsen. That is up 37% over last year's 11.4 million.

The previous high was 12.4 million in 2014, when the draft was held in early May.

The draft was the first live U.S. sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic. The draft originally was to be held in Las Vegas but is taking place virtually.

The draft resumed from with second- and third-round selections.

After having a record 15 of the 32 players in the first round of the draft come from the SEC, another 10 came off the board in Round 2.

Seven more wide receivers went in the second round, one more than in Day 1. The wideouts included Florida's Van Jefferson to the Rams and Baylor's Denzel Mims to the Jets. With 13 receivers taken in the first two rounds, it breaks the record of 12 set in 2014.

Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts was selected by the in the second round with the 53rd overall pick. He was the fifth QB selected in the draft, and the first in the second round.

Round 2 was the running back round, with five high-profile players coming off the board. Green Bay used a second-round pick on running back A.J. Dillon, taking the Boston College workhorse with the 62nd overall selection.

Goff creates cap room for Rams to sign Floyd, Robinson

UNDATED (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams announced the signings of linebacker Leonard Floyd and defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson on Friday after quarterback Jared Goff restructured his contract to create salary cap room.

Floyd and Robinson agreed to join the Rams as free agents several weeks ago, but the announcements of their deals were delayed because they hadn't been able to complete their physical exams because of the pandemic.

Goff agreed last year to a four-year contract extension with an NFL-record $110 million guaranteed. The extension doesn't begin until the 2021 season, but Goff agreed to restructure the deal's money distribution to create breathing room for the Rams.

— The Texans have agreed to a three-year, $66 million contract extension with left tackle Laremy Tunsil, according to a person familiar with the situation. He had one year left on his current contract that will pay him more than $10 million this season. Tunsil was named to his first Pro Bowl last season after being acquiring from Miami in August.

— Patriots center David Andrews says he is ready to return after missing all of last season with blood clots in his lungs. He says he's excited to have the opportunity to play again, whenever and however the NFL season begins. Andrews has played four seasons for New England. In 2018, he started every game and participated in 99% of the offensive snaps.

— Tua Tagovailoa (TOO'-ah tuhng-ah-vy-LOH'-ah) now knows where he'll play next, but he still doesn't know when. The Dolphins selected him with the fifth overall pick in Thursday's draft and are willing to wait until 2021 while Tugavailoa continues to recover from a major hip injury. Tugavailoa says doctors have indicated he's on schedule for a return this year. General manager Chris Grier said the Dolphins are comfortable about Tagovailoa's health, despite a long injury history.

— The older brother of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has died. Jace Prescott was 31. The Cowboys confirmed the older Prescott's death yesterday in a brief statement. There was no information on how or where he died. Jace Prescott was an offensive lineman a decade ago at Northwestern State, where he played three years and started all 11 games in his final season.

UNDATED (AP) — Memphis freshman Precious Achiuwa has announced he will enter the NBA draft, saying he has dreamed of "playing in the NBA since I picked up the game." The 6-foot-9, 225-pound Nigerian-born star is projected as a likely first-rounder and possible lottery pick. Achiuwa became the first player in the American Athletic Conference named both player and freshman of the year, averaging 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game after arriving as one of the nation's top prospects.

— Texas has landed top basketball recruit Greg Brown III, who had listed the G League as a possibility before decided to attend the college where his father played football. The 6-foot-9 forward from Austin is expected to play just one year in college before turning pro. He had long listed Texas among his top college choices but in the last few days had listed the G League as a possibility.

UNDATED (AP) — Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo expects there will be a 2020 major league season. In a conference call Friday, Rizzo said: "I'm optimistic, as is the commissioner, that we'll have baseball in 2020."

The GM said the team's owners have committed to giving Nationals employees full salary and benefits through the end of May. Baseball has been on hold since last month because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In other developments related to the pandemic:

— The Cape Cod League executive committee has announced the cancellation of the 2020 season, saying the unanimous vote was based on the health concerns and safety needs of all involved. The 10-team league is the top summer competition for college baseball players and was scheduled to run from mid-June until August. The league was founded in 1885 and had not missed a season since 1945, the last year of World War II.

— A Summer X Games stop in Minneapolis scheduled for July has been canceled due to the coronavirus. The action-sports event in Minneapolis was to be the fourth and final go-around in the city. The deal was originally for 2017 and '18, but two more years were added after a successful first year. The X Games plans to bring regular and original programming through the World of X Games TV series and on digital and social channels. They will kick off an event called "Real Street" in May. It's an all-video, all-street skateboarding competition shown on XGames.com.

— The rest of the Dutch soccer league has been canceled without a champion declared. Ajax was level on points with second-placed AZ Alkmaar but ahead on goal difference when the league was suspended on March 12. The Dutch soccer federation added it will allocate Champions League and Europa League spots by the current standings. The federation's decision sparked instant complaints from clubs who felt they had lost out.

— Manchester United vice chairman Ed Woodward has told fans there will be reduced spending on players due to the financial consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. English Premier League games have not been played for more than six weeks and stadiums are due to be closed to fans when the season resumes in June at the earliest.

— The U.S. Junior Amateur and the U.S. Girls' Junior golf championships have been canceled. That makes six USGA championships that have been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Junior Amateur was to be played July 20-25 at Hazeltine National outside Minneapolis. The U.S. Girls' Junior was scheduled for July 13-18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. The USGA says it wouldn't be able to hold qualifying for its two premier junior championships because of health guidelines. State associations were to hold 100 qualifying events in 41 states between May and July.

— Triathlon's world series grand final in Edmonton, Alberta, in August has been canceled because of the pandemic. The decision was inevitable after the Canadian province's chief medical officer extended the provincial ban on all gatherings of more than 15 people through summer. Edmonton's triathlon was scheduled for Aug. 17-23.

— The International Olympic Committee is allocating more than $25 million to cover extra athlete and team costs related to the one-year postponement of the Tokyo Games. The IOC says an extra $15 million will go to a program helping 1,600 athletes from 185 less well-funded countries prepare for the games in 2021. More than $10 million is available for national Olympic bodies to cover additional operational costs such as travel and accommodation for officials.

— FIFA (FEE'-fuh) says advance payments of $500,000 are being sent to member associations to cover running costs during the coronavirus pandemic. Each of the 211 member associations is entitled to $6 million from FIFA spread over the four-year World Cup cycle. International soccer's governing body says the next installment due in July will now be paid in the coming days along with other payments due from last year. FIFA president Gianni Infantino says the soccer body has a duty "to be there and support the ones that are facing acute needs."

— The German Cup soccer final has been postponed indefinitely and will likely take place without fans. The German soccer federation says the final will no longer be played on May 23 in Berlin as planned but it's still sticking to a June 30 deadline to finish the season. There are no dates for the postponed semifinals, which were originally scheduled to be played this week.

— A tropical island in the South Pacific is likely to be the only venue in the world hosting a competitive cricket final on Saturday, as most international sport remains shuttered around the globe. Vanuatu (vah-noo-AH'-too) Cricket Association chief executive Shane Deitz is inviting anyone missing live action to tune in to a live stream. Vanuatu went into lock down late last month as a precaution during the coranavirus pandemic, and was then hit hit by a destructive cyclone on April 6. The lockdown and closed borders meant there were no reported cases of COVID-19 in Vanuatu.

NCAA OKs 28- or 29-game schedules for upcoming hoops season

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA is giving teams new scheduling options for the 2020-21 season.

The Division I Council has approved a proposal to give men's basketball programs choices with 28- and 29-game schedules.

The council vote still must be reviewed by the NCAA Board of Directors and won't be considered final until the conclusion of its board meeting on Wednesday.

The proposal will allow schools that schedule 28 regular-season game to participate in one multiple-team event of up to three games. Programs with 29-game regular-season schedules can participate in a multiple-team event with up to two games.

A team that does not participate in a multiple-team event can have up to 29 regular-season games.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers are being sued for negligence by a man who was attacked in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium and left with brain damage.

Lawyers for Rafael Reyna and his wife announced the suit, which contends that the stadium lacked adequate security.

Rafael Reyna was attacked while walking to his car shortly after midnight following a Dodgers game against Arizona on March 30, 2019. Reyna suffered a brain injury when his head hit the pavement.

The suit says he spent days in a medically induced coma and still suffers effects of the injury.

A team spokesman said the Dodgers had no comment on the suit.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL-WASHINGTON STATE-PLAYER DEATH

Coroner says Cougars player died of acute intoxication

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP)— The Whitman County coroner says acute intoxication was the cause of death for a Washington State football player last month.

Coroner Annie Pillers said Friday that 22-year-old Bryce Beekman died after consuming a combination of fentanyl and promethazine. She ruled the death as accidental.

The senior defensive back from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was found dead in his Pullman apartment March 23.

Beekman started all 13 games last season for Washington State after transferring from Arizona Western College.

U. of Michigan facing more legal action over alleged abuse

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — A legal team that says it represents more than 100 people who allege they were abused by a University of Michigan sports doctor on Friday announced the first step in filing a lawsuit against the school.

The Anderson Survivors Legal Team said it has filed 20-plus notices of intent to sue the Ann Arbor school, its board and Dr. Robert Anderson's estate. A lawsuit would be among a rising wave of legal action against the school, which is investigating allegations of decades of sexual abuse by Anderson.

The university has acknowledged some campus employees were aware of accusations against Anderson before a 2018 complaint that led to a police investigation.

The Anderson Survivors Legal Team says its clients include Robert Stone, the first to speak publicly about allegations of abuse against Anderson, and female accusers.

UNDATED (AP) — The hard-throwing, wild left-hander whose minor league career inspired the creation of Nuke LaLoosh in the movie "Bull Durham," has died.

Steve Dalkowski died Sunday at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain. His sister, Patricia Cain, said Friday he had several pre-existing conditions that were complicated when he became infected with the new coronavirus. Dalkowski had been in assisted living for 26 years because of alcoholic dementia.

Dalkowski never reached the major leagues but was said to have thrown well over 100 mph. According to "Bull Durham" director and writer Ron Shelton, Ted Williams told him Dalkowski was the fastest he ever saw after facing the southpaw during batting practice at spring training in 1963.

Update on the latest in sports:NFL-DRAFTFirst night of NFL draft draws record 15.6 million viewersUNDATED (AP) — Housebound football fans gave the NFL a huge boost on Thursday.The first night of this week's NFL draft averaged 15.6 million viewers on television, easily shattering the record set six years ago.The first round was aired on ABC, ESPN, the NFL Network and ESPN Deportes. Viewership peaked from 8:45-9 p.m. EDT when 19.6 million people tuned in, according to Nielsen. That is up 37% over last year's 11.4 million.The previous high was 12.4 million in 2014, when the draft was held in early May.The draft was the first live U.S. sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic. The draft originally was to be held in Las Vegas but is taking place virtually.The draft resumed from with second- and third-round selections.After having a record 15 of the 32 players in the first round of the draft come from the SEC, another 10 came off the board in Round 2.Seven more wide receivers went in the second round, one more than in Day 1. The wideouts included Florida's Van Jefferson to the Rams and Baylor's Denzel Mims to the Jets. With 13 receivers taken in the first two rounds, it breaks the record of 12 set in 2014.Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts was selected by the in the second round with the 53rd overall pick. He was the fifth QB selected in the draft, and the first in the second round.Round 2 was the running back round, with five high-profile players coming off the board. Green Bay used a second-round pick on running back A.J. Dillon, taking the Boston College workhorse with the 62nd overall selection.NFL-NEWSGoff creates cap room for Rams to sign Floyd, RobinsonUNDATED (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams announced the signings of linebacker Leonard Floyd and defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson on Friday after quarterback Jared Goff restructured his contract to create salary cap room.Floyd and Robinson agreed to join the Rams as free agents several weeks ago, but the announcements of their deals were delayed because they hadn't been able to complete their physical exams because of the pandemic.Goff agreed last year to a four-year contract extension with an NFL-record $110 million guaranteed. The extension doesn't begin until the 2021 season, but Goff agreed to restructure the deal's money distribution to create breathing room for the Rams.In other NFL news:— The Texans have agreed to a three-year, $66 million contract extension with left tackle Laremy Tunsil, according to a person familiar with the situation. He had one year left on his current contract that will pay him more than $10 million this season. Tunsil was named to his first Pro Bowl last season after being acquiring from Miami in August.— Patriots center David Andrews says he is ready to return after missing all of last season with blood clots in his lungs. He says he's excited to have the opportunity to play again, whenever and however the NFL season begins. Andrews has played four seasons for New England. In 2018, he started every game and participated in 99% of the offensive snaps.— Tua Tagovailoa (TOO'-ah tuhng-ah-vy-LOH'-ah) now knows where he'll play next, but he still doesn't know when. The Dolphins selected him with the fifth overall pick in Thursday's draft and are willing to wait until 2021 while Tugavailoa continues to recover from a major hip injury. Tugavailoa says doctors have indicated he's on schedule for a return this year. General manager Chris Grier said the Dolphins are comfortable about Tagovailoa's health, despite a long injury history.— The older brother of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has died. Jace Prescott was 31. The Cowboys confirmed the older Prescott's death yesterday in a brief statement. There was no information on how or where he died. Jace Prescott was an offensive lineman a decade ago at Northwestern State, where he played three years and started all 11 games in his final season.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-NEWSAchiuwa turning proUNDATED (AP) — Memphis freshman Precious Achiuwa has announced he will enter the NBA draft, saying he has dreamed of "playing in the NBA since I picked up the game." The 6-foot-9, 225-pound Nigerian-born star is projected as a likely first-rounder and possible lottery pick. Achiuwa became the first player in the American Athletic Conference named both player and freshman of the year, averaging 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game after arriving as one of the nation's top prospects.In other college basketball news:— Texas has landed top basketball recruit Greg Brown III, who had listed the G League as a possibility before decided to attend the college where his father played football. The 6-foot-9 forward from Austin is expected to play just one year in college before turning pro. He had long listed Texas among his top college choices but in the last few days had listed the G League as a possibility.VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTSNationals manager expects a 2020 seasonUNDATED (AP) — Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo expects there will be a 2020 major league season. In a conference call Friday, Rizzo said: "I'm optimistic, as is the commissioner, that we'll have baseball in 2020."The GM said the team's owners have committed to giving Nationals employees full salary and benefits through the end of May. Baseball has been on hold since last month because of the coronavirus pandemic.In other developments related to the pandemic:— The Cape Cod League executive committee has announced the cancellation of the 2020 season, saying the unanimous vote was based on the health concerns and safety needs of all involved. The 10-team league is the top summer competition for college baseball players and was scheduled to run from mid-June until August. The league was founded in 1885 and had not missed a season since 1945, the last year of World War II.— A Summer X Games stop in Minneapolis scheduled for July has been canceled due to the coronavirus. The action-sports event in Minneapolis was to be the fourth and final go-around in the city. The deal was originally for 2017 and '18, but two more years were added after a successful first year. The X Games plans to bring regular and original programming through the World of X Games TV series and on digital and social channels. They will kick off an event called "Real Street" in May. It's an all-video, all-street skateboarding competition shown on XGames.com.— The rest of the Dutch soccer league has been canceled without a champion declared. Ajax was level on points with second-placed AZ Alkmaar but ahead on goal difference when the league was suspended on March 12. The Dutch soccer federation added it will allocate Champions League and Europa League spots by the current standings. The federation's decision sparked instant complaints from clubs who felt they had lost out.— Manchester United vice chairman Ed Woodward has told fans there will be reduced spending on players due to the financial consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. English Premier League games have not been played for more than six weeks and stadiums are due to be closed to fans when the season resumes in June at the earliest.— The U.S. Junior Amateur and the U.S. Girls' Junior golf championships have been canceled. That makes six USGA championships that have been canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Junior Amateur was to be played July 20-25 at Hazeltine National outside Minneapolis. The U.S. Girls' Junior was scheduled for July 13-18 in Colorado Springs, Colo. The USGA says it wouldn't be able to hold qualifying for its two premier junior championships because of health guidelines. State associations were to hold 100 qualifying events in 41 states between May and July.— Triathlon's world series grand final in Edmonton, Alberta, in August has been canceled because of the pandemic. The decision was inevitable after the Canadian province's chief medical officer extended the provincial ban on all gatherings of more than 15 people through summer. Edmonton's triathlon was scheduled for Aug. 17-23.— The International Olympic Committee is allocating more than $25 million to cover extra athlete and team costs related to the one-year postponement of the Tokyo Games. The IOC says an extra $15 million will go to a program helping 1,600 athletes from 185 less well-funded countries prepare for the games in 2021. More than $10 million is available for national Olympic bodies to cover additional operational costs such as travel and accommodation for officials.— FIFA (FEE'-fuh) says advance payments of $500,000 are being sent to member associations to cover running costs during the coronavirus pandemic. Each of the 211 member associations is entitled to $6 million from FIFA spread over the four-year World Cup cycle. International soccer's governing body says the next installment due in July will now be paid in the coming days along with other payments due from last year. FIFA president Gianni Infantino says the soccer body has a duty "to be there and support the ones that are facing acute needs."— The German Cup soccer final has been postponed indefinitely and will likely take place without fans. The German soccer federation says the final will no longer be played on May 23 in Berlin as planned but it's still sticking to a June 30 deadline to finish the season. There are no dates for the postponed semifinals, which were originally scheduled to be played this week.— A tropical island in the South Pacific is likely to be the only venue in the world hosting a competitive cricket final on Saturday, as most international sport remains shuttered around the globe. Vanuatu (vah-noo-AH'-too) Cricket Association chief executive Shane Deitz is inviting anyone missing live action to tune in to a live stream. Vanuatu went into lock down late last month as a precaution during the coranavirus pandemic, and was then hit hit by a destructive cyclone on April 6. The lockdown and closed borders meant there were no reported cases of COVID-19 in Vanuatu.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-SCHEDULENCAA OKs 28- or 29-game schedules for upcoming hoops seasonINDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA is giving teams new scheduling options for the 2020-21 season.The Division I Council has approved a proposal to give men's basketball programs choices with 28- and 29-game schedules.The council vote still must be reviewed by the NCAA Board of Directors and won't be considered final until the conclusion of its board meeting on Wednesday.The proposal will allow schools that schedule 28 regular-season game to participate in one multiple-team event of up to three games. Programs with 29-game regular-season schedules can participate in a multiple-team event with up to two games.A team that does not participate in a multiple-team event can have up to 29 regular-season games.MLB-DODGERS-LAWSUITDodgers sued over parking lot attackLOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers are being sued for negligence by a man who was attacked in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium and left with brain damage.Lawyers for Rafael Reyna and his wife announced the suit, which contends that the stadium lacked adequate security.Rafael Reyna was attacked while walking to his car shortly after midnight following a Dodgers game against Arizona on March 30, 2019. Reyna suffered a brain injury when his head hit the pavement.The suit says he spent days in a medically induced coma and still suffers effects of the injury.A team spokesman said the Dodgers had no comment on the suit.COLLEGE FOOTBALL-WASHINGTON STATE-PLAYER DEATHCoroner says Cougars player died of acute intoxicationPULLMAN, Wash. (AP)— The Whitman County coroner says acute intoxication was the cause of death for a Washington State football player last month.Coroner Annie Pillers said Friday that 22-year-old Bryce Beekman died after consuming a combination of fentanyl and promethazine. She ruled the death as accidental.The senior defensive back from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was found dead in his Pullman apartment March 23.Beekman started all 13 games last season for Washington State after transferring from Arizona Western College.UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-DOCTORU. of Michigan facing more legal action over alleged abuseANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — A legal team that says it represents more than 100 people who allege they were abused by a University of Michigan sports doctor on Friday announced the first step in filing a lawsuit against the school.The Anderson Survivors Legal Team said it has filed 20-plus notices of intent to sue the Ann Arbor school, its board and Dr. Robert Anderson's estate. A lawsuit would be among a rising wave of legal action against the school, which is investigating allegations of decades of sexual abuse by Anderson.The university has acknowledged some campus employees were aware of accusations against Anderson before a 2018 complaint that led to a police investigation.The Anderson Survivors Legal Team says its clients include Robert Stone, the first to speak publicly about allegations of abuse against Anderson, and female accusers.BASEBALL-OBIT-DALKOWSKIFlame-thrower Dalkowski diesUNDATED (AP) — The hard-throwing, wild left-hander whose minor league career inspired the creation of Nuke LaLoosh in the movie "Bull Durham," has died.Steve Dalkowski died Sunday at the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain. His sister, Patricia Cain, said Friday he had several pre-existing conditions that were complicated when he became infected with the new coronavirus. Dalkowski had been in assisted living for 26 years because of alcoholic dementia.Dalkowski never reached the major leagues but was said to have thrown well over 100 mph. According to "Bull Durham" director and writer Ron Shelton, Ted Williams told him Dalkowski was the fastest he ever saw after facing the southpaw during batting practice at spring training in 1963.

Saturday Sports Headlines

The first night of the NFL draft averaged a record 15.6 million viewers on television, easily shattering the record set six years ago.

Thursday night’s first round was aired on ABC, ESPN, the NFL Network and ESPN Deportes. The coverage peaked from 8:45-9 p.m. EDT when 19.6 million viewers tuned in, according to Nielsen. That is up 37% over last year’s 11.4 million.

ESPN and the NFL Network have teamed on a combined production. ABC, like ESPN a part of The Walt Disney Co., has a separate presentation the first two nights, then will simulcast the ESPN/NFL Network broadcast on Saturday.

Ohio had the top three rated markets: Columbus at 16.7, followed by Cleveland (15.9) and Cincinnati (15.6). The rating is the percentage of television households tuned in.

Players with ties to Ohio State were selected with the top three picks. Joe Burrow, taken first overall by the Bengals, began college at Ohio State and transferred to LSU, where he led the Tigers to the national title and won the Heisman Trophy.

The NFL said more than seven million watched in excess of 26 million minutes of “Draft-A-Thon LIVE,” aired digitally across NFL.com and platforms that include Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Reddit and Yahoo!

“The theme of hope is always prevalent in the NFL, especially with regard to the draft,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “In 2020, that’s especially true, as we help honor healthcare workers, first responders, and others on the front lines of the battle with COVID-19 while giving our fans something to cheer about as we celebrate the next generation of NFL stars.”

Funds raised during Draft-A-Thon will help support six national nonprofit organizations and COVID-19 relief efforts.

The first night of the NFL draft averaged a record 15.6 million viewers on television, easily shattering the record set six years ago.Thursday night’s first round was aired on ABC, ESPN, the NFL Network and ESPN Deportes. The coverage peaked from 8:45-9 p.m. EDT when 19.6 million viewers tuned in, according to Nielsen. That is up 37% over last year’s 11.4 million.The previous high was 12.4 million in 2014, when the draft was held in early May.The draft was the first live U.S. sporting event since the coronavirus pandemic. The draft originally was to be held in Las Vegas but is taking place virtually.ESPN and the NFL Network have teamed on a combined production. ABC, like ESPN a part of The Walt Disney Co., has a separate presentation the first two nights, then will simulcast the ESPN/NFL Network broadcast on Saturday.Ohio had the top three rated markets: Columbus at 16.7, followed by Cleveland (15.9) and Cincinnati (15.6). The rating is the percentage of television households tuned in.Players with ties to Ohio State were selected with the top three picks. Joe Burrow, taken first overall by the Bengals, began college at Ohio State and transferred to LSU, where he led the Tigers to the national title and won the Heisman Trophy.The NFL said more than seven million watched in excess of 26 million minutes of “Draft-A-Thon LIVE,” aired digitally across NFL.com and platforms that include Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Reddit and Yahoo!“The theme of hope is always prevalent in the NFL, especially with regard to the draft,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “In 2020, that’s especially true, as we help honor healthcare workers, first responders, and others on the front lines of the battle with COVID-19 while giving our fans something to cheer about as we celebrate the next generation of NFL stars.”Funds raised during Draft-A-Thon will help support six national nonprofit organizations and COVID-19 relief efforts.

Burrow goes to Bengals with top pick...Redskins take Young

The Cincinnati Bengals have taken the LSU quarterback with the first selection in the NFL draft. It's the third straight year in which the reigning Heisman Trophy winner was taken first overall in the draft.

Burrow just led the Tigers to the national championship in a record-setting season. He completed an outstanding 76.3% of his passes for 5,671 yards, 60 touchdowns and just six interceptions.

Burrow played his last two seasons at LSU after transferring from Ohio State. He joins a team that went 2-14 in 2019 under first-year head coach Zac Taylor. The Bengals scored 279 points last season, third worst in the league.

The Buckeyes produced the No. 2 second as defensive end Chase Young was taken by the Redskins. Young made life miserable for quarterbacks as a junior last season, recording 16 ½ sacks and 21 tackles for loss.

The Lions grabbed the highest-rated cornerback in this year's draft by taking Ohio State All-American Jeff Okudah (oh-KOO'-duh) with the third selection. He is the highest-drafted cornerback since Shawn Springs was selected from the same school by Seattle in the 1997 draft.

The first offensive tackle in a strong group went off the board fourth overall when the Giants selected Georgia's Andrew Thomas. He started 41 games for the Bulldogs in three seasons, the last 26 at left tackle.

The Dolphins took Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (TOO'-uh tuhng-ah-vy-LOH'-ah) with the fifth choice. Tagovailoa threw 76 touchdown passes in 24 starts the past two seasons, but a dislocated and fractured hip ended his 2019 season in mid-November.

Oregon's Justin Herbert became the third quarterback selected, going sixth overall to the Chargers.

The Panthers selected Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown with the seventh selection.

Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons was taken by the Cardinals after he surprisingly fell to the No. 8 pick.

Update on the latest sportsNFL-DRAFTBurrow goes to Bengals with top pick...Redskins take YoungUNDATED (AP) — Joe Burrow's the one.The Cincinnati Bengals have taken the LSU quarterback with the first selection in the NFL draft. It's the third straight year in which the reigning Heisman Trophy winner was taken first overall in the draft.Burrow just led the Tigers to the national championship in a record-setting season. He completed an outstanding 76.3% of his passes for 5,671 yards, 60 touchdowns and just six interceptions.Burrow played his last two seasons at LSU after transferring from Ohio State. He joins a team that went 2-14 in 2019 under first-year head coach Zac Taylor. The Bengals scored 279 points last season, third worst in the league.The Buckeyes produced the No. 2 second as defensive end Chase Young was taken by the Redskins. Young made life miserable for quarterbacks as a junior last season, recording 16 ½ sacks and 21 tackles for loss.The Lions grabbed the highest-rated cornerback in this year's draft by taking Ohio State All-American Jeff Okudah (oh-KOO'-duh) with the third selection. He is the highest-drafted cornerback since Shawn Springs was selected from the same school by Seattle in the 1997 draft.The first offensive tackle in a strong group went off the board fourth overall when the Giants selected Georgia's Andrew Thomas. He started 41 games for the Bulldogs in three seasons, the last 26 at left tackle.The Dolphins took Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (TOO'-uh tuhng-ah-vy-LOH'-ah) with the fifth choice. Tagovailoa threw 76 touchdown passes in 24 starts the past two seasons, but a dislocated and fractured hip ended his 2019 season in mid-November.Oregon's Justin Herbert became the third quarterback selected, going sixth overall to the Chargers.The Panthers selected Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown with the seventh selection.Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons was taken by the Cardinals after he surprisingly fell to the No. 8 pick.The Jaguars went for a cornerback with the ninth choice, taking Florida cornerback CJ Henderson.The Browns used the 10th pick to take offensive tackle Jedrick Wills, who allowed one sack in 39 games for Alabama.Not since the draft became a televised event in 1980 has it been stripped to the basics like this one. Scouts and general managers are working from their homes as a safeguard against the coronavirus. Prospects are homebound as well, giving Commissioner Roger Goodell no one to hug after each of the 32 first-round selections are made. Goodell is overseeing the festivities from his basement.The draft was scheduled to be held in Las Vegas before the pandemic turned it into a virtual selection show. The league announced during the first round that Vegas will host the draft in 2022.NFL-NEWSIncentive deal to move Panthers to S.C. approvedUNDATED (AP) — A county in South Carolina has approved a deal loaded with tax breaks for the Carolina Panthers to move their headquarters and practice site.News outlets report that the York County Council approved the deal in a 4-3 vote after listening to public comments during their virtual meeting on Monday. It follows a series of moves the state has made to attract the team's headquarters. They'll continue to play their games in Charlotte, North Carolina.The approved deal will give the Panthers relief from all property taxes in the City of Rock Hill for 20 to 25 years, according to the York County Council.The Panthers first announced the move to Rock Hill last June during a celebration with Panthers owner David Tepper and several South Carolina politicians including Gov. Henry McMaster.In other NFL news:— The Bills have picked up the fifth-year contract option on cornerback Tre'Davious White, according to a person with knowledge of the decision. White's salary will bump up to about $10 million, based on an average of the top 32 salaries at his position. White was taken in the first round of the 2017 draft and tied for the league lead with six interceptions.— Kicker Zane Gonzalez has signed a one-year contract to stay with the Cardinals. The 24-year-old Gonzalez was a restricted free agent and was offered a one-year tender in March. He was 31 of 35 on field goals last season and 34 of 35 on extra points.NCAA-ATHLETE COMPENSATIONNCAA moves toward allowing athletes to be paid sponsorsUNDATED (AP) — The NCAA is moving closer to allowing Division I college athletes to earn money from endorsements and sponsorship deals they can strike on their own.Recommendations that would permit athletes to earn money for their names, images and likeness are being reviewed this week. A decision could come as soon as next week. The issue has dominated college sports for several years. California recently passed a law clearing the way for athlete compensation, prompting the NCAA to take a fresh look at its regulations.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-NEWSGonzaga junior Kispert makes himself available for NBA draftUNDATED (AP) — Gonzaga star Corey Kispert has entered his name in the NBA draft but has left open the possibility of returning for his senior season. Kispert announced Thursday on Twitter that he doesn't plan on hiring an agent, which would allow him to return to the Bulldogs.Kispert was a finalist for the Julius Erving small forward of the year award last season. He averaged nearly 14 points per game last season and led tIn other college basketball news:— Michigan guard Franz Wagner says he is returning for his sophomore season. Wagner started 27 games last season, averaging 11.6 points and leading the team in steals. The 6-foot-9 German missed the first four games because of a fractured wrist. Isaiah Livers is testing the NBA draft waters, but Wagner decided not to go that route. Michigan also announced that forward Austin Davis had surgery on Monday on his right shoulder and is expected to recover fully. He could be ready to return in early October.— Purdue graduate transfer Matt Haarms has chosen Brigham Young over Kentucky and Texas Tech. He will be eligible to play basketball immediately. Haarms was one of the top transfers after announcing he was leaving the Boilermakers after his junior season. He narrowed his choices to BYU, Kentucky and Texas Tech earlier this week. The 7-foot-3 center from Amsterdam averaged 8.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2 blocked shots per game while shooting 63% last season.MLB-DODGERS-SCULLY HOSPITALIZED92-year-old Vin Scully hospitalized after fall at homeLOS ANGELES (AP) — Retired Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully has been hospitalized after falling at his Los Angeles-area home.The team says the 92-year-old fell Tuesday and was taken to the hospital for observation. Scully is resting comfortably and is expected to be released soon.Scully jokes that he won't be doing anymore "head-first sliding," which he never liked.He retired after the 2016 season, ending a 67-year run in the Dodgers' broadcast booths.VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTSNASCAR teams can restart car preparationsUNDATED (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper says NASCAR teams can work in their race shops if they maintain social distancing guidelines, clearing a potential hurdle to resuming the season in coming weeks.Cooper extended the state's stay-at-home order through May 8 Thursday and said he would gradually open it in three phases, adding he's still considering NASCAR's request to run the Coca-Cola 600 as scheduled on May 24 without spectators.For any racing to be done, the North Carolina-based teams need access to their shops to prep the cars.The governors of both Florida and Texas have already said NASCAR is welcome to race in their states without fans. South Carolina and Georgia are gradually easing restrictions.In other developments related to the coronavirus pandemic:— Minnesota football coach P.J. Fleck is taking an unpaid week, along with about 200 other leaders in the university system in response to the budget crunch caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. President Joan Gabel announced the furloughs earlier this month. Fleck confirmed Thursday on a video conference call with reporters he's taking part. Fleck's 2020 salary is $4.6 million.— Colorado athletic director Rick George said he and 11 head coaches will take pay cuts for the upcoming fiscal year in light of the budget impacts caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The salaries for George along with football coach Karl Dorrell, men's basketball coach Tad Boyle and women's basketball coach JR Payne will be reduced by 10%. The other eight varsity head coaches will have their salaries reduced by 5%.— The European track and field championships in Paris have been canceled. Local organizers and the French track federation say the biennial event scheduled for late August could not be postponed for one year. They cited uncertainty about the sport's 2021 calendar and the French economy.— German soccer could resume on May 9 if regional politicians sign off on the league's plan. The state governors of Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia have said the date would be acceptable, but other state officials have signaled they would prefer the middle or end of May. League CEO Christian Seifert says "if the state governors and the federal government decide that this day is May 9, then we would be ready on May 9." Seifert says games could be held with a limit of 213 people in the stadium and up to 109 in the surrounding area.— Churchill Downs will recognize the first Saturday in May with a "Kentucky Derby at Home" online party and will be broadcast on NBC. The day will be highlighted by a virtual Derby featuring 13 former Triple Crown winners in an effort to raise $2 million for COVID-19 relief. The 146th Kentucky Derby was postponed from May 2 to Sept. 5 because of public health concerns about pandemic, the first time horse racing's marquee event won't run on its traditional day since 1945.NHL-BLUE JACKETS-MERZLIKINSJackets extend netminderCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed rookie goaltender Elvis Merzlikins (murz-LEE'-kihnz) to a two-year contract extension through the 2021-22 season.Merzlikins has been solid for the Jackets this season, recording five shutouts, a 2.48 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. He is tied for second in the league in shutouts and fifth in both save percentage and goals-against average.OLYMPICS-COLLECTIVE BARGAINING SURVEYStudy: Olympians should push for collective bargainingUNDATED (AP) — A study of Olympic spending patterns concludes that athletes who compete at the games are woefully underpaid. It says they would be best served by banding together to create the sort of collective-bargaining arrangement commonly found in the pros.The study of the worldwide Olympic bureaucracy's finances concludes there's far more money available for athletes than what they receive. It says the IOC averages $1.4 billion a year in revenues and spends only about 4% of it on athletes. Leagues such as the NFL and the Premier League spend between 40% and 60% of their revenue on players.The study was a collaboration between the Global Athlete advocacy group and the Ryerson University Ted Rogers School of Management in Toronto.