As seen on Rivals.com,&nbsp;Hutchinson Community College class of 2021 running back&nbsp;

<a href="https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2021/tiyon-evans-265290">Tiyon Evans</a>&nbsp;has been hoping to officially land an offer from South Carolina for some time.

The Hartsville (S.C.) native was recruited by the Gamecocks out of high school but needed to make a stop at junior college first. Now a year into his time at Hutchinson, the top JUCO back landed an offer from the Gamecocks on Thursday when talking with running backs coach Bobby Bentley on the phone.

"Me and Coach Bentley have been conversating for a few weeks now, since he's been back at running backs coach," Evans said. "Two days ago, we were having a real good conversation and he was just basically talking me through things, and then out of nowhere all of a sudden, you're offered here as a back.

"But we had been talking about. I was supposed to be offered as a running back before, but my grades, that kind of knocked me off, and they wanted to make sure that I was going to be a qualifier and graduate in December, so I guess they got that squared away and he told me that I'm offered. I felt great. It's my home town. Out of high school, USC was really the only school I knew."

As seen on Rivals.com,&nbsp;Hutchinson Community College class of 2021 running back&nbsp;<a href="https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2021/tiyon-evans-265290">Tiyon Evans</a>&nbsp;has been hoping to officially land an offer from South Carolina for some time.The Hartsville (S.C.) native was recruited by the Gamecocks out of high school but needed to make a stop at junior college first. Now a year into his time at Hutchinson, the top JUCO back landed an offer from the Gamecocks on Thursday when talking with running backs coach Bobby Bentley on the phone."Me and Coach Bentley have been conversating for a few weeks now, since he's been back at running backs coach," Evans said. "Two days ago, we were having a real good conversation and he was just basically talking me through things, and then out of nowhere all of a sudden, you're offered here as a back."But we had been talking about. I was supposed to be offered as a running back before, but my grades, that kind of knocked me off, and they wanted to make sure that I was going to be a qualifier and graduate in December, so I guess they got that squared away and he told me that I'm offered. I felt great. It's my home town. Out of high school, USC was really the only school I knew."

HutchCC's Tiyon Evans excited to have home state offer

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs agreed to a one-year contract with former New York Giants cornerback Antonio Hamilton, the first deal made by the Super Bowl champions since the start of free agency earlier in the week. Kansas City entered the market desperate for help in the defensive backfield after losing Kendall Fuller, Morris Claiborne and Bashaud Breeland to free agency. Fuller and Breeland in particular were crucial to a defensive turnaround under new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo that helped deliver the Chiefs their first Super Bowl title since 1970.

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated PressKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs agreed to a one-year contract with former New York Giants cornerback Antonio Hamilton, the first deal made by the Super Bowl champions since the start of free agency earlier in the week. Kansas City entered the market desperate for help in the defensive backfield after losing Kendall Fuller, Morris Claiborne and Bashaud Breeland to free agency. Fuller and Breeland in particular were crucial to a defensive turnaround under new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo that helped deliver the Chiefs their first Super Bowl title since 1970.

Sunday Sports Headlines: Update

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — As Wells Bayou completed a wire-to-wire victory in the $1 million Louisiana Derby, there was hardly a cheer to be heard — other than the isolated triumphant shouts of trainer Brad Cox and his stable crew.

In the 107th running of the qualifying points race for the Kentucky Derby, the clubhouse and grandstand at Fair Grounds Race Course were empty and eerily quiet because of crowd restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. There was no crowd noise to rival the echoing voice of track announcer John G. Dooley — just the sound of 56 hooves clopping down the stretch.

Winning jockey Florent Geroux had noted the bizarre scene during earlier races on what is normally the busiest day of the year at the Fair Grounds, drawing crowds approaching 10,000.

“It’s funny because it’s the biggest day of the meet here and its completely empty,” Geroux said. “It’s like playing football in the Super Bowl with an empty stadium.”

Kind of like New Orleans without open bars or live music clubs, which has been the case since early last week.

On Saturday, the Louisiana Derby was one of the few U.S. sporting events to continue as scheduled, one day after New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell had issued a “stay home” mandate to residents in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. Shortly after the race, officials announced that the rest of the meet, which was scheduled to run until March 29, was canceled.

For the overwhelming majority of race fans and bettors, the only option was to bet online and watch on television.

Some die-hards just couldn’t be kept away, though. A couple dozen people parked along a chain-link fence with a view of the front stretch, watching tailgate-style, with drinks in hand. Some stood in the beds of pickup trucks for a better view while others peered through the fence.

“I’ve only been coming to this for about 50 years,” said 65-year-old Ken Carson, who lives near the track. “I’ve never really bet online but this is the first time I ever opened up an account for at least one day to come out and enjoy the spectacle and, you know, make a little bet here or there.

“It’s a pleasant day,” Carson added, a can of beer in one hand and his racing form in the other. “We’re just enjoying ourselves out here.”

Carson said the horse he liked was Ny Traffic, who went off at 26-1 but finished second, staying close to the leader throughout. Modernist finished third while morning-line favorite Enforceable, who went off at 7-2, finished fifth.

Wells Bayou earned 100 points toward qualification for the Kentucky Derby, which has been delayed until early September from its usual running on the first Saturday in May.

“He’s very great leaving the gate. He broke super sharp,” Geroux said. “After that, when he makes the lead, he relaxes very nice. I let him take a few breathers around the turns. He did perfectly. And when the competition came next to him down the lane, he has another gear.”

Wells Bayou finished the new 1 3/8-mile race distance in 1:56.47. He paid $8.40, $5.80 and $4.60.

“The first Saturday in September is a long ways away,” Geroux said, referring to the tentative new date for the Kentucky Derby. “Many things can happen. We’re just hoping the horse comes back healthy and we’re going to adjust and go from there.”

Owned by Clint and Lance Gassaway, Madaket Stables and Wonder Stables, Wells Bayou took his third victory in five lifetime starts, bringing his career winnings to $845,293.

The Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained Ny Traffic, with Joe Bravo aboard, earned 40 points and paid $21.60 and $12.60 after breaking from the starting gate as a 26-1 long shot.

“The last couple races he really stepped up to the plate and the horse is just getting good,” said Bravo, a race-day fill-in for jockey Luis Saez, who decided not to travel to New Orleans. “The thing that makes him so good is that he listens. He broke great, put him in front, he relaxed off the other horse. He turned for home and my horse did not want to lay up. He ran for me down the lane and that’s all you can ask for.”

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — As Wells Bayou completed a wire-to-wire victory in the $1 million Louisiana Derby, there was hardly a cheer to be heard — other than the isolated triumphant shouts of trainer Brad Cox and his stable crew.In the 107th running of the qualifying points race for the Kentucky Derby, the clubhouse and grandstand at Fair Grounds Race Course were empty and eerily quiet because of crowd restrictions related to the coronavirus pandemic. There was no crowd noise to rival the echoing voice of track announcer John G. Dooley — just the sound of 56 hooves clopping down the stretch.Winning jockey Florent Geroux had noted the bizarre scene during earlier races on what is normally the busiest day of the year at the Fair Grounds, drawing crowds approaching 10,000.“It’s funny because it’s the biggest day of the meet here and its completely empty,” Geroux said. “It’s like playing football in the Super Bowl with an empty stadium.”Kind of like New Orleans without open bars or live music clubs, which has been the case since early last week.On Saturday, the Louisiana Derby was one of the few U.S. sporting events to continue as scheduled, one day after New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell had issued a “stay home” mandate to residents in an effort to curb the spread of the virus. Shortly after the race, officials announced that the rest of the meet, which was scheduled to run until March 29, was canceled.For the overwhelming majority of race fans and bettors, the only option was to bet online and watch on television.Some die-hards just couldn’t be kept away, though. A couple dozen people parked along a chain-link fence with a view of the front stretch, watching tailgate-style, with drinks in hand. Some stood in the beds of pickup trucks for a better view while others peered through the fence.“I’ve only been coming to this for about 50 years,” said 65-year-old Ken Carson, who lives near the track. “I’ve never really bet online but this is the first time I ever opened up an account for at least one day to come out and enjoy the spectacle and, you know, make a little bet here or there.“It’s a pleasant day,” Carson added, a can of beer in one hand and his racing form in the other. “We’re just enjoying ourselves out here.”Carson said the horse he liked was Ny Traffic, who went off at 26-1 but finished second, staying close to the leader throughout. Modernist finished third while morning-line favorite Enforceable, who went off at 7-2, finished fifth.Wells Bayou earned 100 points toward qualification for the Kentucky Derby, which has been delayed until early September from its usual running on the first Saturday in May.“He’s very great leaving the gate. He broke super sharp,” Geroux said. “After that, when he makes the lead, he relaxes very nice. I let him take a few breathers around the turns. He did perfectly. And when the competition came next to him down the lane, he has another gear.”Wells Bayou finished the new 1 3/8-mile race distance in 1:56.47. He paid $8.40, $5.80 and $4.60.“The first Saturday in September is a long ways away,” Geroux said, referring to the tentative new date for the Kentucky Derby. “Many things can happen. We’re just hoping the horse comes back healthy and we’re going to adjust and go from there.”Owned by Clint and Lance Gassaway, Madaket Stables and Wonder Stables, Wells Bayou took his third victory in five lifetime starts, bringing his career winnings to $845,293.The Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained Ny Traffic, with Joe Bravo aboard, earned 40 points and paid $21.60 and $12.60 after breaking from the starting gate as a 26-1 long shot.“The last couple races he really stepped up to the plate and the horse is just getting good,” said Bravo, a race-day fill-in for jockey Luis Saez, who decided not to travel to New Orleans. “The thing that makes him so good is that he listens. He broke great, put him in front, he relaxed off the other horse. He turned for home and my horse did not want to lay up. He ran for me down the lane and that’s all you can ask for.”Modernist paid $9.60.

Wells Bayou wins eerie Louisiana Derby at empty track

DÜSSELDORF, Germany (AP) — Le Mans winner Neel Jani won’t feel his tires grip the road in a competitive environment for quite some time with the Formula E season suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

That doesn’t mean he can’t find a race worth his time. To do that, he’s been taking his auto racing skills online — and finding himself at times overmatched.

“Against the gamers, it’s a different world,” he said. “They’re incredibly quicker than all of us, all of the real racing drivers.”

Pros from Formula One, NASCAR and other leading series are using race simulators to stay sharp and entertain fans with their seasons postponed by the outbreak.

Since the season-opening Australian Grand Prix was called off last weekend, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has been racing online, as has McLaren’s Lando Norris. F1, NASCAR and INDYCAR have had drivers sign up to take part in virtual races in place of real ones, and sports networks with time slots to fill are saying they’ll air them.

“It’s good just to keep you in the groove from a mental, psychological aspect,” Jani, who raced against Verstappen on Sunday, told The Associated Press.

Jani was using a borrowed simulator at a friend’s house and has ordered his own simulator, but doesn’t know when it will arrive amid restrictions in Switzerland due to the virus.

Jani says it’s good for training “pure racecraft,” particularly overtaking, although there’s nothing like wrestling a real race car around a track.

“Being quick in a real car and being quick in a sim, there are still different aspects coming into play. In the real cars, first of all, you need the physical condition to be able to do it, so you need to have physically to train and all these things,” he said.

“With all the speed and all the G-forces, you have to still be able to have the guts to do it, to take this corner flat because you know if you don’t make it, you’re going to hit and it’s going to hurt. While in the sim, you say: ‘This lap I try, and if it doesn’t work, next lap I try differently.’”

Sim racing allows fans to watch drivers who wouldn’t normally race each other. So far, Verstappen has taken on gamers, but also Indy 500 winners Juan Pablo Montoya and Simon Pagenaud.

Drivers aren’t the only athletes using technology to stop their skills from decaying while in self-isolation.

The 2018 Tour de France-winning rider Geraint Thomas is one of a number of cyclists moving online to give indoor workouts more purpose. He’s been using the Zwift platform to&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GeraintThomas86/status/1238753161206288384?s=20" target="_blank">turn a ride on an exercise bike</a>&nbsp;into a group race through computer-generated scenery in the fictional nation of Watopia.

Some PGA Tour players already have simulators in their homes and can use them as part of normal practice to check the launch angle, ball speed and other measurements relevant to the swing. Full Swing Golf is one of the largest companies and supplies Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Gary Woodland. Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler even spent time this week by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/EPatGolf/status/1241030913158451202" target="_blank">using a simulator</a>&nbsp;to compare left-handed swings.

But perhaps no sport is better positioned to turn simulations into a fan-friendly experience than auto racing.

Two postponed races will be held virtually on Sunday — F1s Bahrain Grand Prix and NASCAR’s event at Homestead-Miami Speedway. INDYCAR will launch its own series the following weekend.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch and more than 30 other NASCAR pros have signed on to race in the multi-week eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series that begins Sunday on the virtual Miami track. That race will be broadcast live on FS1, with NASCAR commentators Jeff Gordon, Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds on the call.

“We’re basically the only sport in the world where your competitors are going to go out there and put on a show for the fans,” said NASCAR Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer, who will compete and provide in-race commentary.

The 40-year-old Bowyer told The Associated Press he’s been on the iRacing game with other drivers constantly since the pandemic forced him to hunker down at home. He said a group including him, Earnhardt, country musician Tim Dugger and other pros have run virtual races until 2:30 a.m. some nights.

“It felt like I was in the garage area,” Bowyer said. “Everybody that I work with on any given weekend was all sitting there in this thing.”

It’s not clear how much Sunday’s race will help drivers stay sharp, but it’s undoubtedly keeping them competitive. Bowyer said some have gone to extremes to&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/dennyhamlin/status/1241106988886634502?s=20" target="_blank">perfect their race stations&nbsp;</a>and are even studying in-game data to maximize performance.

Bowyer expects the 45-year-old Earnhardt will surprise fans with how adept he is, but probably one of the younger pros will take the checkered flag.

“Nobody can leave their houses, there ain’t nothing to do,” Bowyer said. “Some of them don’t have wives and kids. Those are the ones who are going to win. Look for that guy.”

DÜSSELDORF, Germany (AP) — Le Mans winner Neel Jani won’t feel his tires grip the road in a competitive environment for quite some time with the Formula E season suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.That doesn’t mean he can’t find a race worth his time. To do that, he’s been taking his auto racing skills online — and finding himself at times overmatched.“Against the gamers, it’s a different world,” he said. “They’re incredibly quicker than all of us, all of the real racing drivers.”Pros from Formula One, NASCAR and other leading series are using race simulators to stay sharp and entertain fans with their seasons postponed by the outbreak.Since the season-opening Australian Grand Prix was called off last weekend, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has been racing online, as has McLaren’s Lando Norris. F1, NASCAR and INDYCAR have had drivers sign up to take part in virtual races in place of real ones, and sports networks with time slots to fill are saying they’ll air them.“It’s good just to keep you in the groove from a mental, psychological aspect,” Jani, who raced against Verstappen on Sunday, told The Associated Press.Jani was using a borrowed simulator at a friend’s house and has ordered his own simulator, but doesn’t know when it will arrive amid restrictions in Switzerland due to the virus.Jani says it’s good for training “pure racecraft,” particularly overtaking, although there’s nothing like wrestling a real race car around a track.“Being quick in a real car and being quick in a sim, there are still different aspects coming into play. In the real cars, first of all, you need the physical condition to be able to do it, so you need to have physically to train and all these things,” he said.“With all the speed and all the G-forces, you have to still be able to have the guts to do it, to take this corner flat because you know if you don’t make it, you’re going to hit and it’s going to hurt. While in the sim, you say: ‘This lap I try, and if it doesn’t work, next lap I try differently.’”Sim racing allows fans to watch drivers who wouldn’t normally race each other. So far, Verstappen has taken on gamers, but also Indy 500 winners Juan Pablo Montoya and Simon Pagenaud.Drivers aren’t the only athletes using technology to stop their skills from decaying while in self-isolation.The 2018 Tour de France-winning rider Geraint Thomas is one of a number of cyclists moving online to give indoor workouts more purpose. He’s been using the Zwift platform to&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GeraintThomas86/status/1238753161206288384?s=20" target="_blank">turn a ride on an exercise bike</a>&nbsp;into a group race through computer-generated scenery in the fictional nation of Watopia.Some PGA Tour players already have simulators in their homes and can use them as part of normal practice to check the launch angle, ball speed and other measurements relevant to the swing. Full Swing Golf is one of the largest companies and supplies Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Jason Day and Gary Woodland. Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler even spent time this week by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/EPatGolf/status/1241030913158451202" target="_blank">using a simulator</a>&nbsp;to compare left-handed swings.But perhaps no sport is better positioned to turn simulations into a fan-friendly experience than auto racing.Two postponed races will be held virtually on Sunday — F1s Bahrain Grand Prix and NASCAR’s event at Homestead-Miami Speedway. INDYCAR will launch its own series the following weekend.Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch and more than 30 other NASCAR pros have signed on to race in the multi-week eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series that begins Sunday on the virtual Miami track. That race will be broadcast live on FS1, with NASCAR commentators Jeff Gordon, Mike Joy and Larry McReynolds on the call.“We’re basically the only sport in the world where your competitors are going to go out there and put on a show for the fans,” said NASCAR Cup Series driver Clint Bowyer, who will compete and provide in-race commentary.The 40-year-old Bowyer told The Associated Press he’s been on the iRacing game with other drivers constantly since the pandemic forced him to hunker down at home. He said a group including him, Earnhardt, country musician Tim Dugger and other pros have run virtual races until 2:30 a.m. some nights.“It felt like I was in the garage area,” Bowyer said. “Everybody that I work with on any given weekend was all sitting there in this thing.”It’s not clear how much Sunday’s race will help drivers stay sharp, but it’s undoubtedly keeping them competitive. Bowyer said some have gone to extremes to&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/dennyhamlin/status/1241106988886634502?s=20" target="_blank">perfect their race stations&nbsp;</a>and are even studying in-game data to maximize performance.Bowyer expects the 45-year-old Earnhardt will surprise fans with how adept he is, but probably one of the younger pros will take the checkered flag.“Nobody can leave their houses, there ain’t nothing to do,” Bowyer said. “Some of them don’t have wives and kids. Those are the ones who are going to win. Look for that guy.”

Race drivers use games to stay sharp as virus shuts tracks

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke sophomore Tre Jones says he will enter the NBA draft.

The point guard was named to the third team of The Associated Press All-America team on Friday after being named Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year by the league and runner-up for the same award from the AP.

Jones averaged 16.2 points and 6.4 assists for the Blue Devils, the highlight being his buzzer-beating shot off his own intentionally missed free throw to force overtime in a wild comeback win at North Carolina on Feb. 8.

In a statement released by the school Saturday, Jones said his goal was to win a national championship and he had thought about “what if” in light of the NCAA Tournament being canceled due to the spread of the coronavirus. But Jones said he appreciated “the amazing experiences and relationships” from two years with the Blue Devils, who reached an NCAA regional final in his freshman year.

In a statement, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski called Jones “the heart and soul of our program” over his two seasons and “such a pleasure to coach.”

Team spokesman Mike DeGeorge said Saturday that Jones has not yet hired an agent.

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke sophomore Tre Jones says he will enter the NBA draft.The point guard was named to the third team of The Associated Press All-America team on Friday after being named Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year by the league and runner-up for the same award from the AP.Jones averaged 16.2 points and 6.4 assists for the Blue Devils, the highlight being his buzzer-beating shot off his own intentionally missed free throw to force overtime in a wild comeback win at North Carolina on Feb. 8.In a statement released by the school Saturday, Jones said his goal was to win a national championship and he had thought about “what if” in light of the NCAA Tournament being canceled due to the spread of the coronavirus. But Jones said he appreciated “the amazing experiences and relationships” from two years with the Blue Devils, who reached an NCAA regional final in his freshman year.In a statement, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski called Jones “the heart and soul of our program” over his two seasons and “such a pleasure to coach.”Team spokesman Mike DeGeorge said Saturday that Jones has not yet hired an agent.

Duke sophomore point guard Tre Jones declares for NBA draft

MADRID (AP) — Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz died Saturday from the new coronavirus, his family said. He was 76.

Sanz had been in intensive care since the beginning of the week while being treated for the virus.

Sanz presided over Madrid from 1995 until 2000, leading the club to two European titles, a Spanish league title and a Spanish Super Cup title.

Under Sanz, Madrid ended a 32-year drought in Europe by winning its seventh European trophy in 1998.

Madrid said Sanz was survived by his wife, Mari Luz, and five children.

More than 24,000 people have been infected with the virus in Spain, with nearly 1,400 deaths.

MADRID (AP) — Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz died Saturday from the new coronavirus, his family said. He was 76.Sanz had been in intensive care since the beginning of the week while being treated for the virus.Sanz presided over Madrid from 1995 until 2000, leading the club to two European titles, a Spanish league title and a Spanish Super Cup title.Under Sanz, Madrid ended a 32-year drought in Europe by winning its seventh European trophy in 1998.Madrid said Sanz was survived by his wife, Mari Luz, and five children.More than 24,000 people have been infected with the virus in Spain, with nearly 1,400 deaths.

Former Real Madrid president dies from coronavirus

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The American Legion and NJCAA have announced the following plan regarding All-Session ticket holders for the 2020 Championship.

Due to the cancellation of the 2020 NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Championship the following information is for All-Session ticket holders for the 2020 Championship. The 2020 All-Session tickets will be automatically rolled over to be utilized during the March 15-20, 2021 Championship.

If you would not like your tickets to be rolled over you may request a refund by contacting the ticket office at 620-669-9846 or njcaahutch@gmail.com. All refund requests must be made by May 31, 2020. Any ticket or refund related questions should be directed to the above phone number or email address, not by contacting this Facebook page directly.

HUTCHINSON, Kan. - The American Legion and NJCAA have announced the following plan regarding All-Session ticket holders for the 2020 Championship.Due to the cancellation of the 2020 NJCAA DI Men's Basketball Championship the following information is for All-Session ticket holders for the 2020 Championship. The 2020 All-Session tickets will be automatically rolled over to be utilized during the March 15-20, 2021 Championship.If you would not like your tickets to be rolled over you may request a refund by contacting the ticket office at 620-669-9846 or njcaahutch@gmail.com. All refund requests must be made by May 31, 2020. Any ticket or refund related questions should be directed to the above phone number or email address, not by contacting this Facebook page directly.

American Legion and NJCAA Tournament Committee announces 2020 Ticket roll over or refund plan

More criticism as Olympic officials prepare for Tokyo Games

UNDATED (AP) — Calls for the postponement of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics continue to grow louder.

The leader of track's international federation says there's no need to hold the Tokyo Olympics at any cost, adding that a decision about the future of the games "may become very obvious very quickly in the coming days and weeks."

World Athletics president Seb Coe said the Olympic world is managing the coronavirus day by day and "increasingly hour by hour."

USA Track and Field CEO Max Siegel urged the federation to advocate for the postponement of the Games, which are to start July 24. The track federation joins USA Swimming, which sent a similar letter to the USOPC on Thursday.

A board member of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee countered leadership by criticizing the IOC amid concerns of the coronavirus pandemic. Board member and former USA bobsledder Steve Mesler wrote in a blog Friday that the IOC ... "has not shown the leadership we Olympians desire out of those who are in charge." Mesler added that his thoughts were coming "as an Olympian and not those of the USOPC, its Board of Directors, or its leaders."

Brazil's Olympic Committee is calling for the Tokyo Games to be postponed until 2021. The Brazilian body said in a statement published on Saturday that the decision is a necessity due to the seriousness of the pandemic and "the consequent difficulty for athletes to keep their best competitive level."

Similarly, the Norwegian Olympic Committee says the Games shouldn't take place until the coronavirus outbreak "is under firm control" worldwide.

— A second Ottawa Senators player has tested positive for COVID-19. The player was part of the recent road trip that included NHL games in San Jose, Anaheim and Los Angeles. Of the 52 people in the Senators' traveling party, 44 have shown no symptoms and eight have been tested. Everyone on the California trip was instructed to self-quarantine on March 13.

— The International Ice Hockey Federation has canceled the men's world hockey championships amid health concerns and travel bans. The 16-team tournament was to be held in Switzerland in May.

— Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton says he has been self-isolating for more than a week and showing no symptoms of the coronavirus. Hamilton was at a charity event in London on March 4 also attended by actor Idris Elba and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, the wife of the Canadian prime minister. Both were later found to have the virus. Hamilton said he hasn't been tested because test kits are in short supply and "there are people who need it more than I do."

— Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died at age 76 from the new coronavirus, according to his family. He had been in intensive care since the beginning of the week while being treated for the virus. Sanz presided over Madrid from 1995 until 2000, leading the club to two European titles, a Spanish league championship and a Spanish Super Cup crown.

— AC Milan great Paolo Maldini has tested positive for COVID-19. The team says the 51-year-old Maldini became aware of contact with a person who subsequently tested positive for coronavirus and began to display symptoms of the virus himself. Maldini serves as Milan's technical director.

— Paulo Dybala is the third Juventus player to test positive for COVID-19. Juventus says the Argentine soccer playmaker is in voluntary home isolation in Italy and is asymptomatic.

— The president of Mexico's Liga MX soccer league has tested positive for coronavirus. League President Enrique Bonilla said in a statement Friday that he doesn't have serious symptoms but will remain in isolation and keep up with the situation of Mexican first-division soccer.

— A member of the Canadian Football League's B.C. Lions operations department has tested positive for COVID-19. The person has not been named and is currently at home in isolation.

— Gulfstream Park has dropped purses for its seven stakes races on Florida Derby day by 20.5%. Track officials say the changes for next Saturday were necessitated by the loss of on-track handle and revenue from the track's casino.

UNDATED (AP) — Philip Rivers has officially ended his 16-year tenure with the Chargers by signing the $25 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts he agreed to earlier this week.

The 38-year-old quarterback thinks he has plenty to offer even after one of his worst seasons. Rivers threw 23 touchdown passes last season, his lowest total since 2007. His 20 interceptions in 2019, match the second-highest total of his career. But now, with a fresh start, a strong running game and one of the league's top offensive lines, Rivers insists he will prove the critics wrong this season.

The eight-time Pro Bowler said in a conference call Saturday that he knows he can still play at a high level.

— The Raiders have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent receiver Nelson Agholor (AG'-oh-lohr, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person also said the Raiders agreed to a one-year deal to keep backup running back Rod Smith. Offensive lineman Eric Kush also confirmed that he agreed to a deal with the Raiders, and tight end Nick O'Leary's agency said its client has a deal in place with the team.

— Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says free-agent wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders has agreed to a two-year contract with the team. The 5-foot-11 Sanders caught 36 passes for 502 yards and three touchdowns for the 49ers last season. His contract is said to be worth about $16 million with bonuses that could push the total value as high as $19 million.

— Running back Kenyan Drake has agreed to sign his one-year, $8.5 million tender to stay with the Cardinals. The 26-year-old Drake came to Arizona in a mid-season trade from the Miami Dolphins. He ran for 643 yards and eight touchdowns in eight games with the Cardinals, including a four-TD game against the Browns in Week 15.

— Two people with direct knowledge of the deal have told The Associated Press that the Jets and former Panthers guard Greg Van Roten agreed to terms on a three-year contract. The 30-year-old Van Roten played left guard during three seasons with Carolina. New York also worked out a one-year deal with Rams safety Marqui Christian, according to a person familiar with the package.

Duke guard Tre Jones declares for NBA draft

Update on the latest sportsVIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTSMore criticism as Olympic officials prepare for Tokyo GamesUNDATED (AP) — Calls for the postponement of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics continue to grow louder.The leader of track's international federation says there's no need to hold the Tokyo Olympics at any cost, adding that a decision about the future of the games "may become very obvious very quickly in the coming days and weeks."World Athletics president Seb Coe said the Olympic world is managing the coronavirus day by day and "increasingly hour by hour."USA Track and Field CEO Max Siegel urged the federation to advocate for the postponement of the Games, which are to start July 24. The track federation joins USA Swimming, which sent a similar letter to the USOPC on Thursday.A board member of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee countered leadership by criticizing the IOC amid concerns of the coronavirus pandemic. Board member and former USA bobsledder Steve Mesler wrote in a blog Friday that the IOC ... "has not shown the leadership we Olympians desire out of those who are in charge." Mesler added that his thoughts were coming "as an Olympian and not those of the USOPC, its Board of Directors, or its leaders."Brazil's Olympic Committee is calling for the Tokyo Games to be postponed until 2021. The Brazilian body said in a statement published on Saturday that the decision is a necessity due to the seriousness of the pandemic and "the consequent difficulty for athletes to keep their best competitive level."Similarly, the Norwegian Olympic Committee says the Games shouldn't take place until the coronavirus outbreak "is under firm control" worldwide.In other virus-related developments:— A second Ottawa Senators player has tested positive for COVID-19. The player was part of the recent road trip that included NHL games in San Jose, Anaheim and Los Angeles. Of the 52 people in the Senators' traveling party, 44 have shown no symptoms and eight have been tested. Everyone on the California trip was instructed to self-quarantine on March 13.— The International Ice Hockey Federation has canceled the men's world hockey championships amid health concerns and travel bans. The 16-team tournament was to be held in Switzerland in May.— Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton says he has been self-isolating for more than a week and showing no symptoms of the coronavirus. Hamilton was at a charity event in London on March 4 also attended by actor Idris Elba and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, the wife of the Canadian prime minister. Both were later found to have the virus. Hamilton said he hasn't been tested because test kits are in short supply and "there are people who need it more than I do."— Former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz has died at age 76 from the new coronavirus, according to his family. He had been in intensive care since the beginning of the week while being treated for the virus. Sanz presided over Madrid from 1995 until 2000, leading the club to two European titles, a Spanish league championship and a Spanish Super Cup crown.— AC Milan great Paolo Maldini has tested positive for COVID-19. The team says the 51-year-old Maldini became aware of contact with a person who subsequently tested positive for coronavirus and began to display symptoms of the virus himself. Maldini serves as Milan's technical director.— Paulo Dybala is the third Juventus player to test positive for COVID-19. Juventus says the Argentine soccer playmaker is in voluntary home isolation in Italy and is asymptomatic.— The president of Mexico's Liga MX soccer league has tested positive for coronavirus. League President Enrique Bonilla said in a statement Friday that he doesn't have serious symptoms but will remain in isolation and keep up with the situation of Mexican first-division soccer.— A member of the Canadian Football League's B.C. Lions operations department has tested positive for COVID-19. The person has not been named and is currently at home in isolation.— Gulfstream Park has dropped purses for its seven stakes races on Florida Derby day by 20.5%. Track officials say the changes for next Saturday were necessitated by the loss of on-track handle and revenue from the track's casino.NFL-NEWSRivers signs with ColtsUNDATED (AP) — Philip Rivers has officially ended his 16-year tenure with the Chargers by signing the $25 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts he agreed to earlier this week.The 38-year-old quarterback thinks he has plenty to offer even after one of his worst seasons. Rivers threw 23 touchdown passes last season, his lowest total since 2007. His 20 interceptions in 2019, match the second-highest total of his career. But now, with a fresh start, a strong running game and one of the league's top offensive lines, Rivers insists he will prove the critics wrong this season.The eight-time Pro Bowler said in a conference call Saturday that he knows he can still play at a high level.In other NFL news:— The Raiders have agreed to a one-year contract with free agent receiver Nelson Agholor (AG'-oh-lohr, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person also said the Raiders agreed to a one-year deal to keep backup running back Rod Smith. Offensive lineman Eric Kush also confirmed that he agreed to a deal with the Raiders, and tight end Nick O'Leary's agency said its client has a deal in place with the team.— Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says free-agent wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders has agreed to a two-year contract with the team. The 5-foot-11 Sanders caught 36 passes for 502 yards and three touchdowns for the 49ers last season. His contract is said to be worth about $16 million with bonuses that could push the total value as high as $19 million.— Running back Kenyan Drake has agreed to sign his one-year, $8.5 million tender to stay with the Cardinals. The 26-year-old Drake came to Arizona in a mid-season trade from the Miami Dolphins. He ran for 643 yards and eight touchdowns in eight games with the Cardinals, including a four-TD game against the Browns in Week 15.— Two people with direct knowledge of the deal have told The Associated Press that the Jets and former Panthers guard Greg Van Roten agreed to terms on a three-year contract. The 30-year-old Van Roten played left guard during three seasons with Carolina. New York also worked out a one-year deal with Rams safety Marqui Christian, according to a person familiar with the package.COLLEGE BASKETBALL-DUKE-JONESDuke guard Tre Jones declares for NBA draftDURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke sophomore Tre Jones says he will enter the NBA draft.The point guard was named to the third team of The Associated Press All-America team on Friday after being named Atlantic Coast Conference player of the year by the league and runner-up for the same award from the AP.Jones averaged 16.2 points and 6.4 assists for the Blue Devils, the highlight being his buzzer-beating shot off his own intentionally missed free throw to force overtime in a wild comeback win at North Carolina on Feb. 8.

Sunday Sports Headlines

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Super Bowl champion Chiefs saw something they liked in the Giants.

Right tackle Mike Remmers signed a one-year contract Saturday with the Chiefs, following special teams gunner Antonio Hamilton’s lead of going from the Giants to the Chiefs, according to agent Brett Tessler.

The exact terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Remmers started 14 games last season as a one-year stopgap. The two ex-Giants are the only players signed by the Chiefs in the first week of free agency.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Super Bowl champion Chiefs saw something they liked in the Giants.Right tackle Mike Remmers signed a one-year contract Saturday with the Chiefs, following special teams gunner Antonio Hamilton’s lead of going from the Giants to the Chiefs, according to agent Brett Tessler.The exact terms of the deal were not disclosed.Remmers started 14 games last season as a one-year stopgap. The two ex-Giants are the only players signed by the Chiefs in the first week of free agency.

Chiefs get help for offensive line

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Another veteran quarterback is on the open market. A person with knowledge of the move tells The Associated Press that the Denver Broncos are waiving Joe Flacco after he failed his physical.

Flacco sustained a neck injury last season and missed the final two months of the season. He was eventually replaced by rookie Drew Lock.

Earlier this week the Broncos agreed to terms with new backup quarterback Jeff Driskel. Cutting ties with Flacco means the Broncos take a $13 million salary cap hit but it also frees up $10 million for the team to spend in free agency.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Another veteran quarterback is on the open market. A person with knowledge of the move tells The Associated Press that the Denver Broncos are waiving Joe Flacco after he failed his physical.Flacco sustained a neck injury last season and missed the final two months of the season. He was eventually replaced by rookie Drew Lock.Earlier this week the Broncos agreed to terms with new backup quarterback Jeff Driskel. Cutting ties with Flacco means the Broncos take a $13 million salary cap hit but it also frees up $10 million for the team to spend in free agency.

Broncos cut ties with Flacco

DENVER (AP) — U.S. Olympic leaders face a growing rebellion after the USA Track and Field chief added to the call for a postponement of the Tokyo Games because of the mushrooming coronavirus crisis.

CEO Max Siegel sent a two-page note to his counterpart at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Sarah Hirshland, asking the federation to advocate for a delay. It came late Friday, only a few hours after USA Swimming’s CEO sent a similar letter.

Now, the sports that accounted for 65 of America’s 121 medals and 175 of its 554 athletes at the last Summer Games are on record in urging, in Siegel’s words, “the USOPC, as a leader within the Olympic Movement, to use its voice and speak up for the athletes.”

Other national committees are already doing that. The federations in Norway and Brazil each went public with requests to postpone.

“Our clear recommendation is that the Olympic Games in Tokyo shall not take place before the COVID-19 situation is under firm control on a global scale,” Norway’s federation wrote in a letter to IOC President Thomas Bach.

The U.S. brings the largest contingent to every Summer Games and wins the most medals — both factors that lead have led NBC to pay billions to televise the games through 2032. It would seem to give the USOPC leverage in talks about almost any subject with the IOC, but the federation has been reluctant to use its power. It spent years, in fact, trying to smooth over tense relations with its international partners.

And since Hirshland took over as CEO in 2018, the focus has been inward, as the sex-abuse scandals that have consumed American sports have shifted the focus to athlete welfare and safety.

Hirshland and the USOPC board chair, Susanne Lyons, were insistent that the USOPC won’t sacrifice athlete safety in the current crisis. But they stopped well short of pushing the IOC toward a postponement.

“The decision about the games does not lie directly with us,” Lyons said in a conference call with reporters Friday. “It lies with WHO, the Japanese government and the IOC. Under no circumstance would the USOPC send atheltes into harm’s way if didn’t think it was safe.”

Leaders of the track and swimming teams don’t appear willing to take that risk, either, though whether they’ll act on their own — without the sign-off from the USOPC — remains in question. The leader of the third sport that makes up the backbone of the Olympics — gymnastics — has sent a survey to athletes, asking for their thoughts on what the USA Gymnastics stance should be.

DENVER (AP) — U.S. Olympic leaders face a growing rebellion after the USA Track and Field chief added to the call for a postponement of the Tokyo Games because of the mushrooming coronavirus crisis.CEO Max Siegel sent a two-page note to his counterpart at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Sarah Hirshland, asking the federation to advocate for a delay. It came late Friday, only a few hours after USA Swimming’s CEO sent a similar letter.Now, the sports that accounted for 65 of America’s 121 medals and 175 of its 554 athletes at the last Summer Games are on record in urging, in Siegel’s words, “the USOPC, as a leader within the Olympic Movement, to use its voice and speak up for the athletes.”Other national committees are already doing that. The federations in Norway and Brazil each went public with requests to postpone.“Our clear recommendation is that the Olympic Games in Tokyo shall not take place before the COVID-19 situation is under firm control on a global scale,” Norway’s federation wrote in a letter to IOC President Thomas Bach.The U.S. brings the largest contingent to every Summer Games and wins the most medals — both factors that lead have led NBC to pay billions to televise the games through 2032. It would seem to give the USOPC leverage in talks about almost any subject with the IOC, but the federation has been reluctant to use its power. It spent years, in fact, trying to smooth over tense relations with its international partners.And since Hirshland took over as CEO in 2018, the focus has been inward, as the sex-abuse scandals that have consumed American sports have shifted the focus to athlete welfare and safety.Hirshland and the USOPC board chair, Susanne Lyons, were insistent that the USOPC won’t sacrifice athlete safety in the current crisis. But they stopped well short of pushing the IOC toward a postponement.“The decision about the games does not lie directly with us,” Lyons said in a conference call with reporters Friday. “It lies with WHO, the Japanese government and the IOC. Under no circumstance would the USOPC send atheltes into harm’s way if didn’t think it was safe.”Leaders of the track and swimming teams don’t appear willing to take that risk, either, though whether they’ll act on their own — without the sign-off from the USOPC — remains in question. The leader of the third sport that makes up the backbone of the Olympics — gymnastics — has sent a survey to athletes, asking for their thoughts on what the USA Gymnastics stance should be.

USA Track joins swimming in pushing for Olympic postponement

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike and sophomore Devon Dotson were each named Associated Press All-America Second Team, the AP announced Friday. The Associated Press All-America Team was selected and voted on by a media panel of 65.

Azubuike and Dotson gives Kansas an Associated Press All-America selection each of the last five seasons. Last year, Dedric Lawson was a third-team selection, while Devonte’ Graham was a first-team choice in 2018. Frank Mason III (first) and Josh Jackson (third) were named in 2017 with Mason being named 2017 Associated Press Player of the Year. Perry Ellis was a second-team selection in 2016. In head coach Bill Self’s 17 seasons at Kansas, there have been 18 Jayhawks named to the Associated Press All-America teams (see below).

Azubuike, a senior from Delta, Nigeria, led Division I in field goal percentage at 74.8%, which helped his career percentage of 74.4% break the all-time Division I field goal percentage record of UCF’s Tacko Fall (74.0%). Azubuike led the Big 12 in rebounding (10.5 rpg) and double-doubles (15) and was second in the conference for blocked shots at 2.6 per game. A unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection who was named Big 12 Player of the Year, Azubuike was the only player in the conference to average a double-double (13.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg).

Dotson led the Big 12 in scoring at 18.1 ppg, steals (2.1) and free throws made (142). The Charlotte, N.C., sophomore guard ranked among the Big 12 leaders in 20-point games (second at 9, field goal percentage (second at 46.8, free throw percentage (fifth at 83.0, assists (fifth at 4.0) and assist-to-turnover ratio (fifth at 1.7). Dotson became just the fifth Jayhawk to lead the Big 12 in scoring joining Drew Gooden in 2002, Wayne Simien in 2005, Frank Mason III in 2017 and Dedric Lawson in 2019. This season, Dotson was an All-Big 12 First Team (unanimous selection, a Bob Cousy Award Point Guard of the Year Award Finalist, USBWA All-District VI. He has amassed 986 career points in only two seasons at Kansas.

Associated Press All-America Selections Under Bill Self (since 2003-04)Season – Name (AP team)

2020 – Udoka Azubuike (2nd); Devon Dotson (2nd)2019 – Dedric Lawson (3rd)2018 – Devonte’ Graham (1st)2017 – Frank Mason III (1st; AP Player of the Year); Josh Jackson (3rd)2016 – Perry Ellis (2nd)2014 – Andrew Wiggins (2nd)2013 – Ben McLemore (2nd); Jeff Withey (3rd)2012 – Thomas Robinson (1st); Tyshawn Taylor (3rd)2011 – Marcus Morris (2nd)2010 – Sherron Collins (2nd); Cole Aldrich (3rd)2009 – Sherron Collins (3rd)2005 – Wayne Simien (1st)2004 – Wayne Simien (3rd)

Udoka Azubuike career honors2019-20:&nbsp;Associated Press All-America Second Team; Naismith Trophy Finalist (1 of 5); ESPN.com All-America First Team; CBSSports.com All-America First Team; Bleacher Report All-America Second Team; Led the nation in field goal percentage (74.8%); Big 12 Player of the Year (B12, AP); All-Big 12 First Team (B12, AP); Big 12 All-Defensive Team; Sporting News All-America Second Team; USBWA All-District VI; Bleacher Report All-America Second Team; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Finalist (1 of 5); Wooden Award Ballot (1 of 15); Academic All-Big 12 First Team; 3x Big 12 Player of the Week (1/27, 2/10, 2/24); Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List (1 of 12); Maui Invitational Co-MVP &amp; All-Tournament Team; NABC Player of the Year Watch List (1 of 20); Preseason All-Big 12; Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year

Academic All-Big 12 First Team [2018-19]; Preseason All-Big 12 HM [2018-19]; All-Big 12 Third Team [2017-18]; Academic All-Big 12 Second Team [2017-18]; Led the nation in field goal percentage (77.0%) [2017-18].

Devon Dotson career honors2019-20:&nbsp;Associated Press All-America Second Team; ESPN.com All-America First Team; CBSSports.com All-America Second Team; Sporting News All-America Second Team; USBWA All-District VI; Bleacher Report All-America First Team; All-Big 12 First Team (Coaches &amp; AP); Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List (1 of 12); Wooden Award National Ballot; Bob Cousy Award Finalist (1 of 5); 3x Big 12 Player of the Week (12.16.19, 12.2.19, 2.3.20); Maui Invitational Co-MVP &amp; All-Tournament Team; NABC Player of the Year Watch List (1 of 20); Preseason Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention; Preseason All-Big 12

Big 12 All-Tournament Team [2019]; All-Big 12 Third Team [2019]; Big 12 All-Freshman Team [2019]; CBS Sports/USBWA Freshman of the Week (2.12); Big 12 Newcomer of the Week (12.31); Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award Candidate (1 of 20)

LAWRENCE, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas senior Udoka Azubuike and sophomore Devon Dotson were each named Associated Press All-America Second Team, the AP announced Friday. The Associated Press All-America Team was selected and voted on by a media panel of 65.Azubuike and Dotson gives Kansas an Associated Press All-America selection each of the last five seasons. Last year, Dedric Lawson was a third-team selection, while Devonte’ Graham was a first-team choice in 2018. Frank Mason III (first) and Josh Jackson (third) were named in 2017 with Mason being named 2017 Associated Press Player of the Year. Perry Ellis was a second-team selection in 2016. In head coach Bill Self’s 17 seasons at Kansas, there have been 18 Jayhawks named to the Associated Press All-America teams (see below).Azubuike, a senior from Delta, Nigeria, led Division I in field goal percentage at 74.8%, which helped his career percentage of 74.4% break the all-time Division I field goal percentage record of UCF’s Tacko Fall (74.0%). Azubuike led the Big 12 in rebounding (10.5 rpg) and double-doubles (15) and was second in the conference for blocked shots at 2.6 per game. A unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection who was named Big 12 Player of the Year, Azubuike was the only player in the conference to average a double-double (13.7 ppg, 10.5 rpg).Dotson led the Big 12 in scoring at 18.1 ppg, steals (2.1) and free throws made (142). The Charlotte, N.C., sophomore guard ranked among the Big 12 leaders in 20-point games (second at 9, field goal percentage (second at 46.8, free throw percentage (fifth at 83.0, assists (fifth at 4.0) and assist-to-turnover ratio (fifth at 1.7). Dotson became just the fifth Jayhawk to lead the Big 12 in scoring joining Drew Gooden in 2002, Wayne Simien in 2005, Frank Mason III in 2017 and Dedric Lawson in 2019. This season, Dotson was an All-Big 12 First Team (unanimous selection, a Bob Cousy Award Point Guard of the Year Award Finalist, USBWA All-District VI. He has amassed 986 career points in only two seasons at Kansas.Associated Press All-America Selections Under Bill Self (since 2003-04)Season – Name (AP team)2020 – Udoka Azubuike (2nd); Devon Dotson (2nd)2019 – Dedric Lawson (3rd)2018 – Devonte’ Graham (1st)2017 – Frank Mason III (1st; AP Player of the Year); Josh Jackson (3rd)2016 – Perry Ellis (2nd)2014 – Andrew Wiggins (2nd)2013 – Ben McLemore (2nd); Jeff Withey (3rd)2012 – Thomas Robinson (1st); Tyshawn Taylor (3rd)2011 – Marcus Morris (2nd)2010 – Sherron Collins (2nd); Cole Aldrich (3rd)2009 – Sherron Collins (3rd)2005 – Wayne Simien (1st)2004 – Wayne Simien (3rd)Udoka Azubuike career honors2019-20:&nbsp;Associated Press All-America Second Team; Naismith Trophy Finalist (1 of 5); ESPN.com All-America First Team; CBSSports.com All-America First Team; Bleacher Report All-America Second Team; Led the nation in field goal percentage (74.8%); Big 12 Player of the Year (B12, AP); All-Big 12 First Team (B12, AP); Big 12 All-Defensive Team; Sporting News All-America Second Team; USBWA All-District VI; Bleacher Report All-America Second Team; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Finalist (1 of 5); Wooden Award Ballot (1 of 15); Academic All-Big 12 First Team; 3x Big 12 Player of the Week (1/27, 2/10, 2/24); Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List (1 of 12); Maui Invitational Co-MVP &amp; All-Tournament Team; NABC Player of the Year Watch List (1 of 20); Preseason All-Big 12; Preseason Big 12 Player of the YearAcademic All-Big 12 First Team [2018-19]; Preseason All-Big 12 HM [2018-19]; All-Big 12 Third Team [2017-18]; Academic All-Big 12 Second Team [2017-18]; Led the nation in field goal percentage (77.0%) [2017-18].Devon Dotson career honors2019-20:&nbsp;Associated Press All-America Second Team; ESPN.com All-America First Team; CBSSports.com All-America Second Team; Sporting News All-America Second Team; USBWA All-District VI; Bleacher Report All-America First Team; All-Big 12 First Team (Coaches &amp; AP); Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List (1 of 12); Wooden Award National Ballot; Bob Cousy Award Finalist (1 of 5); 3x Big 12 Player of the Week (12.16.19, 12.2.19, 2.3.20); Maui Invitational Co-MVP &amp; All-Tournament Team; NABC Player of the Year Watch List (1 of 20); Preseason Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention; Preseason All-Big 12Big 12 All-Tournament Team [2019]; All-Big 12 Third Team [2019]; Big 12 All-Freshman Team [2019]; CBS Sports/USBWA Freshman of the Week (2.12); Big 12 Newcomer of the Week (12.31); Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award Candidate (1 of 20)

🏀 Azubuike and Dotson Named Associated Press All-Americans

MATSUSHIMA AIR BASE, Japan (AP) — The Olympic flame arrived in Japan on Friday from Greece in a scaled-down ceremony at an air base in northern Japan. The flame, carried in a special canister, touched down amid growing doubts if the Tokyo Games can open as scheduled on July 24 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers and the International Olympic Committee say it will, but postponement or cancellation is viewed increasingly as a possible option.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton says he has tested positive for the coronavirus, is resting comfortably at home and is making his test result public in hopes he can motivate people to do more to fight the pandemic. Payton told ESPN he has not been admitted to a hospital and does not have a fever or cough.

UNDATED (AP) — The number of known coronavirus cases within the NBA doubled to 14 on Thursday, when Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics pleaded with people to take social distancing more seriously. The Los Angeles Lakers said two of their players tested positive as well. The Philadelphia 76ers said three members of their organization tested positive and the Denver Nuggets said someone within their franchise was positive as well.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams have released Todd Gurley, their superstar running back with a massive contract and a troubling injury history. The Rams made the move Thursday, several minutes before $10.5 million in the three-time Pro Bowl selection's contract became fully guaranteed. The Rams also cut veteran linebacker Clay Matthews after just one season with his hometown club.

UNDATED (AP) — Some MLB teams are scheduling surgical procedures now that the baseball season has been put on hold by the virus outbreak. Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale will have Tommy John surgery on his left elbow, an operation that would keep him out the entire 2020 baseball season. And San Francisco Giants right-hander Tyler Beede will undergo Tommy John elbow surgery Friday.

MATSUSHIMA AIR BASE, Japan (AP) — The Olympic flame arrived in Japan on Friday from Greece in a scaled-down ceremony at an air base in northern Japan. The flame, carried in a special canister, touched down amid growing doubts if the Tokyo Games can open as scheduled on July 24 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Organizers and the International Olympic Committee say it will, but postponement or cancellation is viewed increasingly as a possible option.NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton says he has tested positive for the coronavirus, is resting comfortably at home and is making his test result public in hopes he can motivate people to do more to fight the pandemic. Payton told ESPN he has not been admitted to a hospital and does not have a fever or cough.UNDATED (AP) — The number of known coronavirus cases within the NBA doubled to 14 on Thursday, when Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics pleaded with people to take social distancing more seriously. The Los Angeles Lakers said two of their players tested positive as well. The Philadelphia 76ers said three members of their organization tested positive and the Denver Nuggets said someone within their franchise was positive as well.LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams have released Todd Gurley, their superstar running back with a massive contract and a troubling injury history. The Rams made the move Thursday, several minutes before $10.5 million in the three-time Pro Bowl selection's contract became fully guaranteed. The Rams also cut veteran linebacker Clay Matthews after just one season with his hometown club.UNDATED (AP) — Some MLB teams are scheduling surgical procedures now that the baseball season has been put on hold by the virus outbreak. Boston Red Sox ace Chris Sale will have Tommy John surgery on his left elbow, an operation that would keep him out the entire 2020 baseball season. And San Francisco Giants right-hander Tyler Beede will undergo Tommy John elbow surgery Friday.

Friday Sports Headlines

An advertisement painted on the field near the center square would usually have summed up the hype of the Aussie rules season-opening game between Richmond and Carlton: Footy, Oh What a Feeling.

Last September, a crowd of 100,014 packed into the Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch Richmond trounce Greater Western Sydney to claim the Australian Football League’s premiership flag.

There were no fans there on Thursday when the Tigers opened with a 16.9 (105) to 12.9 (81) win over Carlton.

The AFL, the National Rugby League and soccer’s A-League competitions are all going ahead in Australia despite heavy travel restrictions and bans on crowds of more than 500 assembling at outdoor venues amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The 2020 NRL season kicked off last weekend with fans in the stadiums. The start of the second round was an entirely different story — there wasn’t a paying spectator at Sydney Olympic Park on Thursday. A sign on the big screen behind the North Queensland Cowboys in the first half read: It’s On, Sydney.com.

But it was only on, it seems, for a broadcast audience. For the record, the Cowboys won 24-16 against the Canterbury Bulldogs. One of the game’s leading players, former Australia captain Cam Smith, questioned the wisdom of playing the games, given how easily the virus has been spreading. He got some support from fans, and criticism from others. To play, or not to play? The question has divided fans, players and administrators.

Supporters of both the AFL and the NRL complained on social media about the lack of atmosphere and noise at the games, which was obvious on the broadcasts.

Some said the leagues would be better off postponed entirely. TV commentators joked about the lack of people to throw the ball back to players when it was kicked out of bounds, talked about the lack of ambiance and described it as almost like watching a practice session.

At the MCG less than two weeks ago, more than 86,000 people gathered to watch Australia beat India in the women’s Twenty20 Cricket World Cup final. Sports are, evidently, a major part of life in Melbourne, where Aussie rules was invented. And Melburnians like to say that the AFL is in their veins.

More than 90,000 attended the AFL’s season-opening game in 2018, and more than 85,000 were there at last season’s opener. But after the season-opening Formula One race in Melbourne was canceled last weekend, there was never any doubt the various football authorities would have to plan for games in empty stadiums, if their seasons went ahead at all.

This time, it was only match officials, team officials and staff, players and members of the media at the MCG.

“It’s so weird,” ABC radio sideline analyst Tim Hodges said. “Not a soul here.

“The concourse is bare, the turnstiles are locked, the gates are shut,” he said. “The restaurants, the food shops, the cafes are closed, the bars are locked … these are normally heaving on this night. It is like a ghost town.”

The AFL’s hierarchy left it until Wednesday to confirm the games would go on, after floating the idea of postponing it and having a shortened regular season.

When the Richmond players ran onto the field, the club song boomed over the stadium speakers. There were fan club signs draped over seats where fans should have been sitting.

Captains Trent Cotchin and Sam Docherty met at the center circle for the coin toss, and shook hands — a long tradition in the game, but a no-no in the new coronavirus era of “social distancing.”

There was no separating the teams once the whistle blew, anyway, with almost constant contact between players for two hours in Melbourne.

After the win, the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/1240600938504581120?s=20" target="_blank">Richmond players formed a huddle, arms over shoulders, and sang their club song in the locker room</a>.

In the rugby league game in Sydney, there were almost 700 tackles completed — most of them involving shoulders crashing hard into players running at speed.

The ABC reported there were only 241 people — including the 34 players participating in the game — allowed inside the venue. The interchange bench chairs for both teams were separated by at least a meter (3 feet) and the match balls were washed regularly.

“It was very different. Certainly different times at the moment,” Cowboys coach Paul Green said of the lack of a crowd. “I was really worried about (the players) being flat. We’ve never had a prep like this before.”

The NRL plans to keep teams together, in isolation from the public so that there’s less risk of players being infected by the virus.

“It’ll become routine for us,” Green said.

Canterbury coach Dean Pay said it was a challenge to adapt to fan-free stadiums and isolation of teams, but it was better than suspending the competition.

“At the end of the day, we still want to keep playing,” Pay said. “It’s not ideal, but that’s what it is at the moment.”

An advertisement painted on the field near the center square would usually have summed up the hype of the Aussie rules season-opening game between Richmond and Carlton: Footy, Oh What a Feeling.Last September, a crowd of 100,014 packed into the Melbourne Cricket Ground to watch Richmond trounce Greater Western Sydney to claim the Australian Football League’s premiership flag.There were no fans there on Thursday when the Tigers opened with a 16.9 (105) to 12.9 (81) win over Carlton.What an eerie feeling.The AFL, the National Rugby League and soccer’s A-League competitions are all going ahead in Australia despite heavy travel restrictions and bans on crowds of more than 500 assembling at outdoor venues amid the coronavirus pandemic.The 2020 NRL season kicked off last weekend with fans in the stadiums. The start of the second round was an entirely different story — there wasn’t a paying spectator at Sydney Olympic Park on Thursday. A sign on the big screen behind the North Queensland Cowboys in the first half read: It’s On, Sydney.com.But it was only on, it seems, for a broadcast audience. For the record, the Cowboys won 24-16 against the Canterbury Bulldogs. One of the game’s leading players, former Australia captain Cam Smith, questioned the wisdom of playing the games, given how easily the virus has been spreading. He got some support from fans, and criticism from others. To play, or not to play? The question has divided fans, players and administrators.Supporters of both the AFL and the NRL complained on social media about the lack of atmosphere and noise at the games, which was obvious on the broadcasts.Some said the leagues would be better off postponed entirely. TV commentators joked about the lack of people to throw the ball back to players when it was kicked out of bounds, talked about the lack of ambiance and described it as almost like watching a practice session.At the MCG less than two weeks ago, more than 86,000 people gathered to watch Australia beat India in the women’s Twenty20 Cricket World Cup final. Sports are, evidently, a major part of life in Melbourne, where Aussie rules was invented. And Melburnians like to say that the AFL is in their veins.More than 90,000 attended the AFL’s season-opening game in 2018, and more than 85,000 were there at last season’s opener. But after the season-opening Formula One race in Melbourne was canceled last weekend, there was never any doubt the various football authorities would have to plan for games in empty stadiums, if their seasons went ahead at all.This time, it was only match officials, team officials and staff, players and members of the media at the MCG.“It’s so weird,” ABC radio sideline analyst Tim Hodges said. “Not a soul here.“The concourse is bare, the turnstiles are locked, the gates are shut,” he said. “The restaurants, the food shops, the cafes are closed, the bars are locked … these are normally heaving on this night. It is like a ghost town.”The AFL’s hierarchy left it until Wednesday to confirm the games would go on, after floating the idea of postponing it and having a shortened regular season.When the Richmond players ran onto the field, the club song boomed over the stadium speakers. There were fan club signs draped over seats where fans should have been sitting.Captains Trent Cotchin and Sam Docherty met at the center circle for the coin toss, and shook hands — a long tradition in the game, but a no-no in the new coronavirus era of “social distancing.”There was no separating the teams once the whistle blew, anyway, with almost constant contact between players for two hours in Melbourne.After the win, the&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Richmond_FC/status/1240600938504581120?s=20" target="_blank">Richmond players formed a huddle, arms over shoulders, and sang their club song in the locker room</a>.In the rugby league game in Sydney, there were almost 700 tackles completed — most of them involving shoulders crashing hard into players running at speed.The ABC reported there were only 241 people — including the 34 players participating in the game — allowed inside the venue. The interchange bench chairs for both teams were separated by at least a meter (3 feet) and the match balls were washed regularly.“It was very different. Certainly different times at the moment,” Cowboys coach Paul Green said of the lack of a crowd. “I was really worried about (the players) being flat. We’ve never had a prep like this before.”The NRL plans to keep teams together, in isolation from the public so that there’s less risk of players being infected by the virus.“It’ll become routine for us,” Green said.Canterbury coach Dean Pay said it was a challenge to adapt to fan-free stadiums and isolation of teams, but it was better than suspending the competition.“At the end of the day, we still want to keep playing,” Pay said. “It’s not ideal, but that’s what it is at the moment.”

The games go on: Australia’s football leagues in action

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton says he has tested positive for the coronavirus, is resting comfortably at home and is making his test result public in hopes he can motivate people to do more to fight the pandemic.

Payton learned Thursday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus, he told ESPN before posting a photo of himself smiling as he sat on a couch next to his dog.

“Appreciate the well wishes,” Payton wrote on his Twitter page. “I’m feeling better and fortunate to not have any of the respiratory symptoms. 4 more days at home.”

Payton, 56, is the first employee of either an NFL team or the league to make such a diagnosis public.

Payton told ESPN that he was tested Monday for coronavirus after he began to feel ill a day earlier. He added that he has not been admitted to a hospital and does not have a fever or cough.

“I was fortunate to be in the minority, without the serious side effects that some have. I’m lucky,” Payton told ESPN. “Younger people feel like they can handle this, but they can be a carrier to someone who can’t handle it. So we all need to do our part. It’s important for every one of us to do our part.”

Payton said he felt it was important to be particularly vigilant in Louisiana and the New Orleans area because of international tourist traffic, especially around recently concluded Mardi Gras festivites.

“So our parents, and those that are more susceptible to this virus, deserve everyone doing their best to combat it,” Payton said. “There are hundreds of people right now in tough predicaments, fighting for their lives. Let’s be part of the solution, not the problem. We can easily help reduce the numbers of those impacted. We have to do our best to beat this.

“This is not just about social distancing,” Payton said. “It’s shutting down here for a week to two weeks. If people understand the curve, and understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it.

“Take a minute to understand what the experts are saying. It’s not complicated to do what they’re asking of us. Just that type of small investment by every one of us will have a dramatic impact.”

Payton was tested soon after he returned from attending horse races Saturday at Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the coach’s announcement had a ripple effect in horse racing.

New Orleans-based thoroughbred trainer Tom Amoss said he had spent time with Payton at Oaklawn Park and would immediately stop training horses that were scheduled to run at New Orleans’ Fair Grounds Race Course. On Saturday, Oaklawn remains scheduled to host the Louisiana Derby and several other graded stakes races — minus fans.

“I am self quarantining immediately and will get tested at the earliest possible time,” Amoss wrote on social media. “I feel great and have had no symptoms. Wishing Coach a fast recovery.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wished Payton well in a statement, and urged those in the NFL community and elsewhere to focus on public safety.

“Our primary concern is for Sean’s health and well-being,” Goodell said. “He did the right thing by seeking medical attention and we wish him a speedy recovery. It shouldn’t come as a surprise as this pandemic continues that members of our NFL family will be directly impacted.

“This news underscores the importance of everyone following the advice from medical and public health experts to protect themselves and others.”

Payton took his first head coaching job with the Saints in 2006. It was the club’s first season back in New Orleans after being displaced to San Antonio by Hurricane Katrina for the entire 2005 regular season. Payton has coached the Saints every season since — except 2012, when he was suspended for what the NFL said was his failure to stop an improper cash-for-hits bounty program run by former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and some defensive players between the 2009 and 2011 seasons.

Eight of the 13 Saints squads Payton has coached have made the playoffs, advancing to the NFC title game in the 2006, 2009 and 2018 seasons, with the 2009 team winning the franchise’s lone Super Bowl title.

Payton designs the offense for the most part and calls plays for the unit led by record-setting quarterback Drew Brees, whom Payton recruited to New Orleans as a free agent in 2006.

With Payton at the helm, the Saints have have ranked first in the NFL in total offense yards six times, in the top four 10 times and never worse than ninth.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton says he has tested positive for the coronavirus, is resting comfortably at home and is making his test result public in hopes he can motivate people to do more to fight the pandemic.Payton learned Thursday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus, he told ESPN before posting a photo of himself smiling as he sat on a couch next to his dog.“Appreciate the well wishes,” Payton wrote on his Twitter page. “I’m feeling better and fortunate to not have any of the respiratory symptoms. 4 more days at home.”Payton, 56, is the first employee of either an NFL team or the league to make such a diagnosis public.Payton told ESPN that he was tested Monday for coronavirus after he began to feel ill a day earlier. He added that he has not been admitted to a hospital and does not have a fever or cough.“I was fortunate to be in the minority, without the serious side effects that some have. I’m lucky,” Payton told ESPN. “Younger people feel like they can handle this, but they can be a carrier to someone who can’t handle it. So we all need to do our part. It’s important for every one of us to do our part.”Payton said he felt it was important to be particularly vigilant in Louisiana and the New Orleans area because of international tourist traffic, especially around recently concluded Mardi Gras festivites.“So our parents, and those that are more susceptible to this virus, deserve everyone doing their best to combat it,” Payton said. “There are hundreds of people right now in tough predicaments, fighting for their lives. Let’s be part of the solution, not the problem. We can easily help reduce the numbers of those impacted. We have to do our best to beat this.“This is not just about social distancing,” Payton said. “It’s shutting down here for a week to two weeks. If people understand the curve, and understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it.“Take a minute to understand what the experts are saying. It’s not complicated to do what they’re asking of us. Just that type of small investment by every one of us will have a dramatic impact.”Payton was tested soon after he returned from attending horse races Saturday at Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the coach’s announcement had a ripple effect in horse racing.New Orleans-based thoroughbred trainer Tom Amoss said he had spent time with Payton at Oaklawn Park and would immediately stop training horses that were scheduled to run at New Orleans’ Fair Grounds Race Course. On Saturday, Oaklawn remains scheduled to host the Louisiana Derby and several other graded stakes races — minus fans.“I am self quarantining immediately and will get tested at the earliest possible time,” Amoss wrote on social media. “I feel great and have had no symptoms. Wishing Coach a fast recovery.”NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wished Payton well in a statement, and urged those in the NFL community and elsewhere to focus on public safety.“Our primary concern is for Sean’s health and well-being,” Goodell said. “He did the right thing by seeking medical attention and we wish him a speedy recovery. It shouldn’t come as a surprise as this pandemic continues that members of our NFL family will be directly impacted.“This news underscores the importance of everyone following the advice from medical and public health experts to protect themselves and others.”Payton took his first head coaching job with the Saints in 2006. It was the club’s first season back in New Orleans after being displaced to San Antonio by Hurricane Katrina for the entire 2005 regular season. Payton has coached the Saints every season since — except 2012, when he was suspended for what the NFL said was his failure to stop an improper cash-for-hits bounty program run by former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and some defensive players between the 2009 and 2011 seasons.Eight of the 13 Saints squads Payton has coached have made the playoffs, advancing to the NFC title game in the 2006, 2009 and 2018 seasons, with the 2009 team winning the franchise’s lone Super Bowl title.Payton designs the offense for the most part and calls plays for the unit led by record-setting quarterback Drew Brees, whom Payton recruited to New Orleans as a free agent in 2006.With Payton at the helm, the Saints have have ranked first in the NFL in total offense yards six times, in the top four 10 times and never worse than ninth.

Saints coach Payton says he tested positive for coronavirus

Let’s play two? Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black would be down for doubleheaders.

That might be a necessity to make up games once a baseball season delayed by the new coronavirus gets under way.

“In theory, yeah, I think all of us would be up for some sort of doubleheader situation,” Black said during a conference call Thursday. “The thing that’s going to be in front of all of us is it’s going to be the same for everybody. It’s got to make sense for the clubs and the players.”

Opening day has been pushed back from March 26 to mid-May at the earliest, and both sides are committed to playing as many games as possible.

Translation: Doubleheaders could be on the docket.

“I know that when we’re able to safely play, we’re going to have to think of creative ways to get in as many games as possible given all the time that’s going to be lost,” said Farhan Zaidi, the president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants. “I don’t really have any specific thoughts on that, but I know everybody’s going to be thinking through ways to do that.”

Let’s play two? Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black would be down for doubleheaders.Maybe even a couple a week.That might be a necessity to make up games once a baseball season delayed by the new coronavirus gets under way.“In theory, yeah, I think all of us would be up for some sort of doubleheader situation,” Black said during a conference call Thursday. “The thing that’s going to be in front of all of us is it’s going to be the same for everybody. It’s got to make sense for the clubs and the players.”Opening day has been pushed back from March 26 to mid-May at the earliest, and both sides are committed to playing as many games as possible.Translation: Doubleheaders could be on the docket.“I know that when we’re able to safely play, we’re going to have to think of creative ways to get in as many games as possible given all the time that’s going to be lost,” said Farhan Zaidi, the president of baseball operations for the San Francisco Giants. “I don’t really have any specific thoughts on that, but I know everybody’s going to be thinking through ways to do that.”Two pitchers announced they are having Tommy John surgery and will miss the season whenever it starts: Boston ace left-hander Chris Sale and San Francisco right-hander Tyler Beede.Major League Baseball announced minor league players shut out of spring training camps amid the novel coronavirus outbreak will receive allowances from teams through April 8, and a plan is underway to compensate those players during the postponed portion of the regular season. Minor leaguers will receive allowances of $400 per week from teams in a lump sum for the next three weeks — a significant bump from their usual spring per diems of $100-200 per week. Teams hope that will allow players to cover housing, food and other expenses through the previously scheduled end of spring training.The Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks halted their voluntary workouts at their shared Salt River Fields complex in Arizona. This was after the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community decided to temporarily cease operations there in the wake of the pandemic.Some of the Colorado players may travel to Denver with Coors Field open for workouts. The Mile High City sure looked a lot different than Scottsdale on Thursday as a snowstorm hit the area.More than anything, Black wants his players to treat this time away like it’s December and the season is still in the distance.Don’t ramp up.Black said that when a timetable is known, the teams will be given approximately three weeks to get back in shape as part of a second spring training. That’s plenty of time for a starting pitcher to work his way into form.“There’s no need to throw bullpens. We’re a ways away from that,” Black said.Hit in a cage — if one’s available. Work out at their gym at home. Or play catch — with social distancing in mind.“They get together and go to a local park, they go to a high school, they go somewhere where there’s a stretch of grass and they play catch,” Black said. “They’re not going to play closer than six feet together, right? You can play catch.“Guys are on the down low. They’re probably not doing much baseball activity right now. There’s a sense this is going to be much longer than first anticipated by baseball.”Seattle shuttered its facility in Peoria, Arizona. The Mariners had initially planned to keep the facility open and work with players in small, staggered groups of 10, but general manager Jerry Dipoto said most of the 40-man roster had gone home.“As we got to the point yesterday where we pulled the plug there were about 10 or 12 guys that were actually coming down and taking advantage of the workout time,” Dipoto said. “And frankly, we were concerned with the idea of group gatherings of any sort, particularly after we got the news yesterday there was a positive test of a baseball staffer down here in Arizona with another club.”On Wednesday, the Cincinnati Reds, whose training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona, said an employee who works year-round at the complex tested positive for COVID-19. All Reds employees who were in contact with the employee during spring training are being tested and have self-quarantined. Dipoto said no Mariners players or staff have reported showing any symptoms of coronavirus.In Dallas, there about five major leaguers working out at the Texas Rangers’ youth academy. It’s closed to public and has been sanitized.At their facility in Bradenton, Florida, the Pittsburgh Pirates have a small contingent of players that work out on an informal basis, rotating in and out to make sure there’s not more than a handful at a time.Opening day would’ve been next week. That’s hard for Black fathom in light of what’s happening around the world.“I miss the build-up to opening day. I miss what that’s all about. I love our sport. I love the people in it,” Black said. “I’m probably as practical as they come and a realist, and aware of what’s going on and that takes a precedence over our sport and our jobs.”