The KSHSAA is committed to the safety of our student-participants and the health of our school communities. Accordingly, in response to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshsaa.org/public/PDF/EO-20-07-Executed.pdf">Governor Kelly’s Executive Order</a>regarding the closure and cessation of in-person instruction in all Kansas schools&nbsp;<a href="outlook-data-detector://1">through May 29, 2020</a>, the KSHSAA is cancelling all spring championships, competitions, and festivals for the remainder of this school year. The KSHSAA recognizes the value of school activities for all students and school communities, but the current situation does not permit the opportunity for school activities to take place in a manner that is consistent with the very reason school activities exist.&nbsp;

As a commitment to the health of Kansas students and communities, the best decision and only reasonable response is to cancel the regular season and post-season spring activity season. We all have an important responsibility to minimize community transmission as we embrace suggested precautions regarding COVID-19. As educators, the primary focus for our students and families is the health and well-being of each student. This action by the KSHSAA supports that effort across Kansas.&nbsp;

The KSHSAA strongly discourages non-school activity participation at this time in an effort to mitigate the community transmission of the coronavirus. All CDC, KDHE and KSDE recommendations for preventing disease transmission should be followed at this time for any non-school activity in which a student participates. The following links provide access to those resources:

CDC:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/">https://www.cdc.gov/</a>

KDHE:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/">http://www.kdheks.gov/</a>

KSDE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.org/">https://www.ksde.org/</a>

COVID-19 UpdateMarch 18, 2020The KSHSAA is committed to the safety of our student-participants and the health of our school communities. Accordingly, in response to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kshsaa.org/public/PDF/EO-20-07-Executed.pdf">Governor Kelly’s Executive Order</a>regarding the closure and cessation of in-person instruction in all Kansas schools&nbsp;<a href="outlook-data-detector://1">through May 29, 2020</a>, the KSHSAA is cancelling all spring championships, competitions, and festivals for the remainder of this school year. The KSHSAA recognizes the value of school activities for all students and school communities, but the current situation does not permit the opportunity for school activities to take place in a manner that is consistent with the very reason school activities exist.&nbsp;As a commitment to the health of Kansas students and communities, the best decision and only reasonable response is to cancel the regular season and post-season spring activity season. We all have an important responsibility to minimize community transmission as we embrace suggested precautions regarding COVID-19. As educators, the primary focus for our students and families is the health and well-being of each student. This action by the KSHSAA supports that effort across Kansas.&nbsp;The KSHSAA strongly discourages non-school activity participation at this time in an effort to mitigate the community transmission of the coronavirus. All CDC, KDHE and KSDE recommendations for preventing disease transmission should be followed at this time for any non-school activity in which a student participates. The following links provide access to those resources:CDC:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/">https://www.cdc.gov/</a>KDHE:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kdheks.gov/">http://www.kdheks.gov/</a>KSDE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ksde.org/">https://www.ksde.org/</a>

KSHSAA cancels Spring Sports

TOPEKA, Kan. — The KSHSAA is committed to the safety of student-participants and school communities.

Accordingly, in response to Gov. Kelly’s executive order regarding the closure and cessation of in-person instruction in all Kansas schools through May 29, 2020, the KSHSAA is canceling all spring championships, competitions and festivals for the remainder of this school year. The KSHSAA recognizes the value of school activities for all students and school communities, but the current situation does not permit the opportunity for school activities to take place in a manner that is consistent with the very reason school activities exist.

As a commitment to the health of Kansas students and communities, the best decision and only reasonable response is to cancel the regular season and post-season spring activity season. We all have an important responsibility to minimize community transmission as we embrace suggested precautions regarding COVID-19. As educators, the primary focus for students and families is the health and well-being of each student. This action by the KSHSAA supports that effort across Kansas.

The KSHSAA strongly discourages non-school activity participation at this time in an effort to mitigate the community transmission of the coronavirus. All CDC, KDHE and KSDE recommendations for preventing disease transmission should be followed at this time for any non-school activity in which a student participates.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584572458096.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. — The KSHSAA is committed to the safety of student-participants and school communities.Accordingly, in response to Gov. Kelly’s executive order regarding the closure and cessation of in-person instruction in all Kansas schools through May 29, 2020, the KSHSAA is canceling all spring championships, competitions and festivals for the remainder of this school year. The KSHSAA recognizes the value of school activities for all students and school communities, but the current situation does not permit the opportunity for school activities to take place in a manner that is consistent with the very reason school activities exist.As a commitment to the health of Kansas students and communities, the best decision and only reasonable response is to cancel the regular season and post-season spring activity season. We all have an important responsibility to minimize community transmission as we embrace suggested precautions regarding COVID-19. As educators, the primary focus for students and families is the health and well-being of each student. This action by the KSHSAA supports that effort across Kansas.The KSHSAA strongly discourages non-school activity participation at this time in an effort to mitigate the community transmission of the coronavirus. All CDC, KDHE and KSDE recommendations for preventing disease transmission should be followed at this time for any non-school activity in which a student participates.

KSHSAA cancels all spring sports

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Tom Brady says he’s leaving the New England Patriots after 20 seasons, six Super Bowls and three MVPs. Brady becomes a free agent this afternoon, when he already could have an agreement in place with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His representatives were in serious negotiations with the Bucs yesterday. Patriots owner Robert Kraft told ESPN, “It's not the way I want it to end, but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest.”

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts and longtime Los Angeles Chargers star quarterback Philip Rivers have worked out a one-year contract. That’s according to a person who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal cannot be officially announced until Wednesday. General manager Chris Ballard adds an eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback to the roster less than 24 hours after acquiring Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in a trade with San Francisco.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Saints and quarterback Drew Brees have agreed to a two-year, $50 million contract. A person familiar with the situation spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on yesterday because the deal has not been announced. His new contract gives the 41-year-old, 19-year veteran the leverage to decide after this season whether he wants to continue playing. Brees is the NFL's all-time leader in completions with 6,867, yards passing with 77,416, and touchdowns with 547.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have worked out a deal with Teddy Bridgewater to replace quarterback Cam Newton. A person familiar with the deal says Bridgewater is taking a three-year, $63 million contract after winning all five of his starts for New Orleans last season. Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said Tuesday on Twitter the team is working with Newton and his agent to find a trade partner, although the 2015 says he never asked to be dealt.

NEW YORK (AP) — Kevin Durant and three other members of the Brooklyn Nets have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total to seven known players in the NBA. The team announced Tuesday that one player is exhibiting symptoms, while the other three are asymptomatic. All four players have been isolated and are under the care of team physicians. The Nets added that all players and members of their travel party are being asked to remain isolated and closely monitor their health.

UNDATED (AP) — Most of the more than $1 billion the NCAA made last year came from the men's Division I basketball tournament. A massive television rights deal with CBS and Turner accounts for about $800 million. The cancellation of the tournament because of the coronavirus will cause the NCAA some red ink on its balance sheet this year. How much is hard to determine. No games means CBS and Turner won't have to pay, though it's likely some of that huge fee has already been doled out. Insurance could cover some of the losses. And the lost year might lead to a discounted one-year extension to the current deal with CBS and Turner that runs through 2032.

NEW YORK (AP) — South Carolina is No. 1 in the final Associated Press women's basketball poll of the season for the first time in school history. The Gamecocks received 26 first-place votes and No. 2 Oregon got the other four. Baylor, Maryland and UConn round out the top five. The AP has always released its final poll of the season before the start of the NCAA Tournament, which has been canceled because of the virus pandemic. Louisville, Stanford, N.C. State, Mississippi State and UCLA round out the top 10.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Tom Brady says he’s leaving the New England Patriots after 20 seasons, six Super Bowls and three MVPs. Brady becomes a free agent this afternoon, when he already could have an agreement in place with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His representatives were in serious negotiations with the Bucs yesterday. Patriots owner Robert Kraft told ESPN, “It's not the way I want it to end, but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest.”INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Indianapolis Colts and longtime Los Angeles Chargers star quarterback Philip Rivers have worked out a one-year contract. That’s according to a person who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal cannot be officially announced until Wednesday. General manager Chris Ballard adds an eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback to the roster less than 24 hours after acquiring Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner in a trade with San Francisco.NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Saints and quarterback Drew Brees have agreed to a two-year, $50 million contract. A person familiar with the situation spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on yesterday because the deal has not been announced. His new contract gives the 41-year-old, 19-year veteran the leverage to decide after this season whether he wants to continue playing. Brees is the NFL's all-time leader in completions with 6,867, yards passing with 77,416, and touchdowns with 547.CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have worked out a deal with Teddy Bridgewater to replace quarterback Cam Newton. A person familiar with the deal says Bridgewater is taking a three-year, $63 million contract after winning all five of his starts for New Orleans last season. Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said Tuesday on Twitter the team is working with Newton and his agent to find a trade partner, although the 2015 says he never asked to be dealt.NEW YORK (AP) — Kevin Durant and three other members of the Brooklyn Nets have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total to seven known players in the NBA. The team announced Tuesday that one player is exhibiting symptoms, while the other three are asymptomatic. All four players have been isolated and are under the care of team physicians. The Nets added that all players and members of their travel party are being asked to remain isolated and closely monitor their health.UNDATED (AP) — Most of the more than $1 billion the NCAA made last year came from the men's Division I basketball tournament. A massive television rights deal with CBS and Turner accounts for about $800 million. The cancellation of the tournament because of the coronavirus will cause the NCAA some red ink on its balance sheet this year. How much is hard to determine. No games means CBS and Turner won't have to pay, though it's likely some of that huge fee has already been doled out. Insurance could cover some of the losses. And the lost year might lead to a discounted one-year extension to the current deal with CBS and Turner that runs through 2032.NEW YORK (AP) — South Carolina is No. 1 in the final Associated Press women's basketball poll of the season for the first time in school history. The Gamecocks received 26 first-place votes and No. 2 Oregon got the other four. Baylor, Maryland and UConn round out the top five. The AP has always released its final poll of the season before the start of the NCAA Tournament, which has been canceled because of the virus pandemic. Louisville, Stanford, N.C. State, Mississippi State and UCLA round out the top 10.

Wednesday Sports Headlines

Fox News and the NFL via the NFL Twitter account have announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/tom-brady" target="_blank">Tom Brady</a>&nbsp;is set to join the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/sports/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>&nbsp;after spending 20 years with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/sports/nfl/new-england-patriots" target="_blank">New England Patriots</a>, reportedly agreeing in principle to a deal with the NFC South team.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1240050630892412929" target="_blank">NFL Network</a>&nbsp;reported Tuesday night that Brady and the Buccaneers have reached “an agreement in principle.” According to the NFL Network and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28918640/qb-tom-brady-expected-sign-buccaneers-sources-say" target="_blank">ESPN</a>, the deal is worth around $30 million.

BREAKING: Tom Brady has an agreement in principle to join the Buccaneers. The deal is roughly $30M per year. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet">@Rapsheet</a>)

From my source: the <a href="https://twitter.com/Buccaneers">@Buccaneers</a> will announce their deal with <a href="https://twitter.com/TomBrady">@TomBrady</a> tomorrow. The deal is done.

The Buccaneers have not announced officially that Brady is joining the team. NFL’s free-agency period officially begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. There is no signing date or announcement officially set up, according to ESPN.

Brady spent the last two decades with the Patriots, winning six Super Bowl titles, three MVPs, and being named to the Pro Bowl 14 times and being selected to the First Team All-Pro three times. He announced earlier Tuesday that he was going to take his football journey elsewhere.

<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/tom-brady-bill-belichick-statement-patriots-departure" target="_blank">TOM BRADY RECEIVES HEARTFELT BILL BELICHICK STATEMENT AMID PATRIOTS DEPARTURE</a>

“To all my teammates, coaches, executives and staff, Coach Belichick, RKK, and the Kraft family and the entire organization," he said. "I want to say thank you for the past twenty years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on great values. I am grateful for all that you have taught me -- I have learned from everyone. You all have allowed me to maximize my potential and that is all a player can hope for. Everything we have accomplished brings me great joy and the lessons I have learned will carry on with me forever. I couldn’t be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you. I have benefited from all you have given me. I cherished every opportunity I had to be a part of our team, and I love you all for that. Our team has always set a great standard in pro sports and I know it will continue to do just that."

“Although my football journey will take play elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments," he added. "I have been privileged to have the opportunity to know each and [every one] of you, and to have the memories we’ve created together.”

The 42-year-old quarterback will join a Buccaneers team that features high-powered wide receivers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/mike-evans" target="_blank">Mike Evans</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/chris-godwin" target="_blank">Chris Godwin</a>&nbsp;along with tight end O.J. Howard. With&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/jameis-winston" target="_blank">Jameis Winston</a>&nbsp;as quarterback last season, he had 33 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions along with 5,109 passing yards. Tampa Bay finished 7-9.

The Buccaneers would certainly benefit from a quarterback like Brady, who has an experienced championship pedigree. New England made the playoffs in 17 of the 20 seasons Brady was with the Patriots.

Fox News and the NFL via the NFL Twitter account have announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/tom-brady" target="_blank">Tom Brady</a>&nbsp;is set to join the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/sports/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>&nbsp;after spending 20 years with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/sports/nfl/new-england-patriots" target="_blank">New England Patriots</a>, reportedly agreeing in principle to a deal with the NFC South team.The&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1240050630892412929" target="_blank">NFL Network</a>&nbsp;reported Tuesday night that Brady and the Buccaneers have reached “an agreement in principle.” According to the NFL Network and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28918640/qb-tom-brady-expected-sign-buccaneers-sources-say" target="_blank">ESPN</a>, the deal is worth around $30 million.<figure>
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1225568467010519040/_6bRU2B2_normal.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NFL✔@NFLBREAKING: Tom Brady has an agreement in principle to join the Buccaneers. The deal is roughly $30M per year. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet">@Rapsheet</a>)<figure>
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ETWMyIuU8AAuwwB?format=jpg&amp;name=small" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>It’s unknown how long the deal is for.Dale Arnold✔@DaleEArnoldFrom my source: the <a href="https://twitter.com/Buccaneers">@Buccaneers</a> will announce their deal with <a href="https://twitter.com/TomBrady">@TomBrady</a> tomorrow. The deal is done.The Buccaneers have not announced officially that Brady is joining the team. NFL’s free-agency period officially begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. There is no signing date or announcement officially set up, according to ESPN.Brady spent the last two decades with the Patriots, winning six Super Bowl titles, three MVPs, and being named to the Pro Bowl 14 times and being selected to the First Team All-Pro three times. He announced earlier Tuesday that he was going to take his football journey elsewhere.<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/sports/tom-brady-bill-belichick-statement-patriots-departure" target="_blank">TOM BRADY RECEIVES HEARTFELT BILL BELICHICK STATEMENT AMID PATRIOTS DEPARTURE</a>“To all my teammates, coaches, executives and staff, Coach Belichick, RKK, and the Kraft family and the entire organization," he said. "I want to say thank you for the past twenty years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on great values. I am grateful for all that you have taught me -- I have learned from everyone. You all have allowed me to maximize my potential and that is all a player can hope for. Everything we have accomplished brings me great joy and the lessons I have learned will carry on with me forever. I couldn’t be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you. I have benefited from all you have given me. I cherished every opportunity I had to be a part of our team, and I love you all for that. Our team has always set a great standard in pro sports and I know it will continue to do just that."“Although my football journey will take play elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for our incredible TEAM accomplishments," he added. "I have been privileged to have the opportunity to know each and [every one] of you, and to have the memories we’ve created together.”The 42-year-old quarterback will join a Buccaneers team that features high-powered wide receivers&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/mike-evans" target="_blank">Mike Evans</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/chris-godwin" target="_blank">Chris Godwin</a>&nbsp;along with tight end O.J. Howard. With&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/jameis-winston" target="_blank">Jameis Winston</a>&nbsp;as quarterback last season, he had 33 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions along with 5,109 passing yards. Tampa Bay finished 7-9.The Buccaneers would certainly benefit from a quarterback like Brady, who has an experienced championship pedigree. New England made the playoffs in 17 of the 20 seasons Brady was with the Patriots.

Tom Brady to join Tampa Bay Buccaneers, agrees to deal in principle: report

NEW YORK (AP) — Four Brooklyn Nets players, including Kevin Durant, have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total to seven known players in the NBA.

The Nets did not name the players Tuesday, but Durant&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthleticNBA/status/1240030574124777472?s=20" target="_blank">told The Athletic</a>&nbsp;he was one of them, saying: “Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We’re going to get through this.”

The Nets announced that one player is exhibiting symptoms, while the other three are asymptomatic. All four players have been isolated and are under the care of team physicians.

“The health of our players and staff is of the highest priority to the organization and the team is doing everything within its power to ensure that those affected receive the best care possible,” the Nets said in a statement.

Brooklyn’s most recent game was March 10 in Los Angeles against the Lakers. After the Nets announced their test results, the Lakers — who have the NBA’s second-best record this season and two of the game’s biggest stars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis — indicated that their team will now be tested.

“Given the exposure risks from our game against the Nets on March 10th, we are following the next steps of our COVID-19 procedures and protocol that are established in consultation with various health officials, the NBA and our UCLA Health doctors,” the Lakers said. “The health and well-being of our players, staff, fans, and society in general, is of paramount importance to us, and will continue to be our focus.”

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

The Nets said that all players and members of their travel party are being asked to remain isolated and closely monitor their health, but the team’s ability to get testing that has been unavailable to so many others drew criticism from New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“We wish them a speedy recovery. But, with all due respect, an entire NBA team should NOT get tested for COVID-19 while there are critically ill patients waiting to be tested,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/1240029424394829829?s=20" target="_blank">de Blasio wrote on Twitter</a>. “Tests should not be for the wealthy, but for the sick.”

NBA spokesman Mike Bass later said that public health officials and team physicians had concerns that players — because of their direct contact with each other and interactions with the general public — “could accelerate the spread of the virus.”

The NBA’s hope is that the platform its players have will raise awareness among the game’s fan basis on the topic of taking precautions seriously. Several NBA players have taped messages in recent days on the topic; Portland’s Pau Gasol, for example, released one Tuesday thanking first responders for their work on the front lines of the crisis.

“Hopefully, by these players choosing to make their test results public, they have drawn attention to the critical need for young people to follow CDC recommendations in order to protect others, particularly those with underlying health conditions and the elderly,” Bass said.

It is unknown how many teams have been tested.

Brooklyn beat the Lakers in that March 10 matchup. The Nets were then to face the Golden State Warriors two nights later in San Francisco — a game that was to be played without fans because of a decision made by local officials there — before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/226da6f7fadbb1968af3552c25e7d09c">NBA season was suspended after Utah’s Rudy Gobert tested positive</a>&nbsp;for the COVID-19 virus. Durant was in Los Angeles for the Nets’ game against the Lakers, but was not in San Francisco for the game against the Warriors, his former club.

“I saw that news,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said of the Nets’ positive tests while speaking on a conference call. “I’m hoping none of our players went and hung out with guys the night before our game. I don’t know if that’s the case or not.”

Kerr added that he didn’t need to be convinced that suspending the season was the correct decision.

“I think everything that’s happened since the league shut down was enough proof that we did the right thing, that the NBA did the right thing and that we need to follow the advice of the experts out there and everybody’s got to do their part,” Kerr said.

Meanwhile, the NBA’s board of governors met again Tuesday for what a person familiar with the details of the call categorized as an “update” on the pandemic and the league’s response. Among the speakers addressing team owners was former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who served during President Barack Obama’s second term and discussed the U.S. response to the virus, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the call’s details were not released publicly.

Besides the four Nets and Gobert, Utah’s Donovan Mitchell and Detroit’s Christian Wood are the other NBA players who have tested positive.

The Nets said they are currently notifying anyone who has had known contact with the players, including recent opponents, and working closely with state and local health authorities on reporting.

“If everybody in the world would just stay home for 2 weeks regardless if they have symptoms or not, this thing would blow over a lot faster,” Washington’s Davis Bertans tweeted.

NEW YORK (AP) — Four Brooklyn Nets players, including Kevin Durant, have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total to seven known players in the NBA.The Nets did not name the players Tuesday, but Durant&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/TheAthleticNBA/status/1240030574124777472?s=20" target="_blank">told The Athletic</a>&nbsp;he was one of them, saying: “Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We’re going to get through this.”The Nets announced that one player is exhibiting symptoms, while the other three are asymptomatic. All four players have been isolated and are under the care of team physicians.“The health of our players and staff is of the highest priority to the organization and the team is doing everything within its power to ensure that those affected receive the best care possible,” the Nets said in a statement.Brooklyn’s most recent game was March 10 in Los Angeles against the Lakers. After the Nets announced their test results, the Lakers — who have the NBA’s second-best record this season and two of the game’s biggest stars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis — indicated that their team will now be tested.“Given the exposure risks from our game against the Nets on March 10th, we are following the next steps of our COVID-19 procedures and protocol that are established in consultation with various health officials, the NBA and our UCLA Health doctors,” the Lakers said. “The health and well-being of our players, staff, fans, and society in general, is of paramount importance to us, and will continue to be our focus.”For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.The Nets said that all players and members of their travel party are being asked to remain isolated and closely monitor their health, but the team’s ability to get testing that has been unavailable to so many others drew criticism from New York Mayor Bill de Blasio.“We wish them a speedy recovery. But, with all due respect, an entire NBA team should NOT get tested for COVID-19 while there are critically ill patients waiting to be tested,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/1240029424394829829?s=20" target="_blank">de Blasio wrote on Twitter</a>. “Tests should not be for the wealthy, but for the sick.”NBA spokesman Mike Bass later said that public health officials and team physicians had concerns that players — because of their direct contact with each other and interactions with the general public — “could accelerate the spread of the virus.”The NBA’s hope is that the platform its players have will raise awareness among the game’s fan basis on the topic of taking precautions seriously. Several NBA players have taped messages in recent days on the topic; Portland’s Pau Gasol, for example, released one Tuesday thanking first responders for their work on the front lines of the crisis.“Hopefully, by these players choosing to make their test results public, they have drawn attention to the critical need for young people to follow CDC recommendations in order to protect others, particularly those with underlying health conditions and the elderly,” Bass said.It is unknown how many teams have been tested.Brooklyn beat the Lakers in that March 10 matchup. The Nets were then to face the Golden State Warriors two nights later in San Francisco — a game that was to be played without fans because of a decision made by local officials there — before the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/226da6f7fadbb1968af3552c25e7d09c">NBA season was suspended after Utah’s Rudy Gobert tested positive</a>&nbsp;for the COVID-19 virus. Durant was in Los Angeles for the Nets’ game against the Lakers, but was not in San Francisco for the game against the Warriors, his former club.“I saw that news,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said of the Nets’ positive tests while speaking on a conference call. “I’m hoping none of our players went and hung out with guys the night before our game. I don’t know if that’s the case or not.”Kerr added that he didn’t need to be convinced that suspending the season was the correct decision.“I think everything that’s happened since the league shut down was enough proof that we did the right thing, that the NBA did the right thing and that we need to follow the advice of the experts out there and everybody’s got to do their part,” Kerr said.Meanwhile, the NBA’s board of governors met again Tuesday for what a person familiar with the details of the call categorized as an “update” on the pandemic and the league’s response. Among the speakers addressing team owners was former Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, who served during President Barack Obama’s second term and discussed the U.S. response to the virus, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the call’s details were not released publicly.Besides the four Nets and Gobert, Utah’s Donovan Mitchell and Detroit’s Christian Wood are the other NBA players who have tested positive.The Nets said they are currently notifying anyone who has had known contact with the players, including recent opponents, and working closely with state and local health authorities on reporting.“If everybody in the world would just stay home for 2 weeks regardless if they have symptoms or not, this thing would blow over a lot faster,” Washington’s Davis Bertans tweeted.

Durant among 4 Nets to test positive for new coronavirus

Brady is leaving Patriots...Rivers to Colts, Bridgewater to Panthers

UNDATED (AP) — Tom Brady says he's thrown his final pass for the New England Patriots, and it appears he could be headed to Florida.

The 42-year-old quarterback has posted on social media "my football journey will take place elsewhere." The comments were the first to indicate he would leave the franchise he's led to six Super Bowl titles, and the only professional football home he has had.

Brady's representatives are in serious contract discussions with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Brady isn't the only decorated quarterback to leave the only NFL team for which he's played:

— Longtime Chargers star Philip Rivers has agreed to a one-year contract with the Colts, according to a person who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. Rivers spent his first 16 NFL seasons with the Chargers and has set almost every major team record for quarterbacks since being taken first overall in the 2004 NFL draft. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection joins a team that went 7-9 with Jacoby Brissett under center and faded badly during the second half last season.

— The Panthers are parting ways with 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton. Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said on Twitter the team is working with Newton and his agent to find a trade partner. The quarterback responded on social media by saying he never requested a trade, telling the organization to "stop the word play" because they're trying to manipulate the narrative and act like he requested a trade.

Carolina has replaced Newton with Saints backup Teddy Bridgewater, who accepted a three-year, $63 million contract. That's according to a person familiar with the negotiations.

The 27-year-old Bridgewater won each of his five starts for the Saints last season, completing 68% of his passes with nine touchdowns and two interceptions.

Meanwhile, the Saints are keeping their record-setting quarterback, giving Drew Brees (breez) a two-year, $50 million contract.

A person familiar with the situation spoke to The Associated Press about the contract on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.

The 41-year-old Brees is the NFL's all-time leader in completions with 6,867, yards passing with 77,416, and touchdowns with 547.

However, these and other deals may not be finalized Wednesday as expected.

A person familiar with the discussions on Tuesday night told The Associated Press that deals might not be confirmed by teams Wednesday when the NFL's business season begins. This is due to free agents being unable to travel and actually sign agreements, which is a recent league policy to safeguard against the coronavirus. The NFL has banned travel for players and team personnel while also advising clubs that physical exams can only be taken locally by free agents who reach deals.

— A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Broncos have agreed to a two-year contract with veteran free agent quarterback Jeff Driskel. Driskel is a former sixth-round draft pick out of Florida in 2016 who has appeared in a dozen NFL games with the Bengals and Lions.

— A person familiar with the deal says veteran tight end Jason Witten has agreed to a one-year contract with the Raiders. Witten ended a one-year retirement to return to Dallas this past season, grabbing 63 passes for 529 yards and four TDs. Witten has 1,215 receptions for 12,977 yards and 72 TDs in 16 seasons with the Cowboys.

— The Bears have agreed to a five-year, $70 million deal with former All-Pro defensive end Robert Quinn. Quinn recorded 11 1/2 sacks with Dallas last year despite a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing drugs. The Bears also released outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, parting with a former first-round draft pick who never boosted their pass rush the way they envisioned.

— The Buccaneers are retaining a key piece of an improved defense by agreeing to re-sign linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul to a two-year, $27 million contract. Pierre-Paul has 21 sacks since being acquired in a trade from the Giants two years ago.

— Safety Tre Boston has accepted a three-year, $18 million contract that keeps him with the Panthers. Boston started all 16 games for Carolina last season, recording 59 tackles and three interceptions.

— The Eagles have released safety standout Malcolm Jenkins, who led their secondary for the last six years and helped them win the 2017 NFL title. He will cost the team $6 million under the cap, but the Eagles also save nearly $5 million by cutting Jenkins.

— The Titans have agreed to terms with defensive end Vic Beasley, who led the NFL with 15 1/2 sacks in 2016 for the Falcons. Atlanta declined to re-sign the eighth overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft after he managed only 18 sacks combined over the past three seasons.

— The Ravens have fortified their defensive front by obtaining free agent Michael Brockers. He agreed to terms on a three-year contract after spending his first eight NFL seasons with the Rams.

— Linebacker Sean Lee is returning for an 11th season with the Cowboys. The 2016 All-Pro has accepted a one-year, $4.5 million contract with $2 million guaranteed.

— Free agent linebacker Joe Schobert is joining the Jaguars after four seasons with the Browns. He led Cleveland in tackles twice and made a Pro Bowl.

— The Rams have declined their contract option on cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, who had been the team's nickel cornerback and their top defender on slot receivers since the team signed him in 2017. The USC product had three interceptions and 122 tackles for Los Angeles.

— A person familiar with the move says defensive tackle Jordan Phillips has agreed to sign with the Cardinals. Phillips just finished a breakout season for the Bills, where he started nine of his 16 games and finished with a career-high 9 1/2 sacks.

— The Lions have released linebacker Devon Kennard. He matched a career and team high with seven sacks last season and equaled a personal best with 58 tackles as a team captain.

— The Giants have reached an agreement with Kyler Fackrell on a reported one-year contract. Fackrell spent the last four seasons in Green Bay, recording 17 1/2 sacks as a backup used mostly in passing situations.

— The Steelers have placed the inside linebacker Ryan Shazier on the reserved/retired list. But the team says the move doesn't rule out the possibility of Shazier playing again. Shazier spent the last two seasons on the Physically Unable to Perform list while recovering from a spinal injury suffered in December 2017. Shazier has made remarkable progress since the injury and has continued working out in hopes of one day being cleared to play again.

— A person familiar with the deal says the Raiders have agreed with free agent linebacker Cory Littleton on a three-year contract. NFL Network reported the contract is worth up to $36 million. In addition, two people familiar with the deals say Las Vegas has agreed to contracts with defensive tackle Maliek Collins, safety Jeff Heath and defensive end Carl Nassib.

— A person with direct knowledge of the move confirms to the Associated Press that defensive tackle Vernon Butler has agreed to a two-year contract with the Bills. Butler is coming off a breakout campaign in which he became a starter for the first time and finished with 32 tackles, six sacks and three forced fumbles.

UNDATED (AP) — Kevin Durant is one of four Brooklyn Nets players to have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total to seven known players in the NBA. The Nets did not name the players Tuesday, but Durant confirmed he was one of them to The Athletic, saying: "Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We're going to get through this." The Nets announced that one player is exhibiting symptoms, while the other three are asymptomatic.

Utah's Rudy Gobert (goh-BEHR') and Donovan Mitchell and Detroit's Christian Wood are the other players who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.

In other sports news involving the outbreak:

— Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and pop star wife Ciara have announced they are donating 1 million meals through Seattle's Food Lifeline to help provide meals for those in need during the coronavirus outbreak in the region.

— The Ottawa Senators say one of their players has tested positive for COVID-19, has mild symptoms and is in isolation. Ottawa is notifying those who came in contact with the player and have told other members of the team to monitor their health and seek advice from the medical staff.

— A person involved in the discussions tells The Associated Press the PGA Championship will not be held in San Francisco during the third weekend of May. San Francisco now is among six counties in the Bay Area where residents are ordered to venture outside only when necessary for the next three weeks. There was no indication when the PGA Championship would be played, or if it would remain in San Francisco.

— The U.S. Tennis Association says it is considering "the possibility" of postponing the U.S. Open because of the coronavirus pandemic. What is usually the last Grand Slam tennis tournament each year is currently scheduled for Aug. 31 to Sept. 13 in New York.

— The French Open has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. It is the first Grand Slam tennis tournament affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The French tennis federation says the clay-court tournament will be played from Sept. 20 to Oct. 4. The main draw was originally scheduled to begin in Paris on May 24. The next major tennis championship currently on the calendar is Wimbledon, which is to start in late June in England.

— NASCAR has vowed to reschedule the seven Cup Series events already postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Figuring out how to cram the events and the All-Star race into the crowded 36-race schedule is potentially difficult. NASCAR President Steve Phelps says the series has no specifics on how it is moving forward. He says he wants the postponed races rescheduled before the playoffs begin in September.

— The governing body of European soccer has postponed its marquee championship for one year. Euro 2020 became Euro 2021 in a major shift for an international soccer calendar that is on lockdown because of the coronavirus outbreak and with no clear end in sight. The tournament that was due to open on June 12 in Rome is now scheduled for next year from June 11 to July 11, in the same 12 host nations.

— A person familiar with the diagnosis tells The Associated Press a second New York Yankees minor leaguer has tested positive for the new coronavirus. New York had announced a first positive test on Sunday and general manager Brian Cashman said the player had been isolated and the Florida Department of Health notified. The two Yankees minor leaguers are the only baseball players known to have tested positive.

HOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander is using the interruption to the Major League season to recover from surgery.

The Houston Astros ace has undergone surgery on his right groin and is expected to be out about six weeks. The timing gives Verlander time to heal before opening day, which has been pushed back to mid-May at the earliest because of the new coronavirus.

Verlander dealt with the problem early in spring training. His first start was delayed until March 3 because of discomfort in his right groin. He recorded a 3.86 in 4 2/3 innings over two spring starts.

South Carolina finishes on top for first time

UNDATED (AP) — South Carolina is No. 1 in the final Associated Press women's basketball poll of the season for the first time in school history.

The Gamecocks received 26 first-place votes and No. 2 Oregon got the other four. Baylor, Maryland and UConn round out the top five. &nbsp;

The AP has always released its final poll of the season before the start of the NCAA Tournament, which has been canceled because of the virus pandemic.&nbsp;

Louisville, Stanford, N.C. State, Mississippi State and UCLA round out the top 10.&nbsp;

The final men's basketball poll will be released Wednesday.

Norwegian musher wins Alaska's Iditarod sled dog race

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A Norwegian musher is once again the winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Thomas Waener of Norway easily won this year's race, running his sled dog under the famed burled arch in downtown Nome early Wednesday after driving his team off the Bering Sea ice. It took him 9 days, 10 hours, 37 minutes and 47 seconds to travel nearly 1,000 miles across Alaska.

Waerner's closest competitor was three-time champion Mitch Seavey, who was about five hours behind.

This is the second time the 47-year-old Waerner has run the Iditarod. He earned Rookie of the Year honors for his 17th place finish in 2015. Two other Norwegian mushers have won the Iditarod.

Update on the latest in sports:NFL-NEWSBrady is leaving Patriots...Rivers to Colts, Bridgewater to PanthersUNDATED (AP) — Tom Brady says he's thrown his final pass for the New England Patriots, and it appears he could be headed to Florida.The 42-year-old quarterback has posted on social media "my football journey will take place elsewhere." The comments were the first to indicate he would leave the franchise he's led to six Super Bowl titles, and the only professional football home he has had.Brady's representatives are in serious contract discussions with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Brady isn't the only decorated quarterback to leave the only NFL team for which he's played:— Longtime Chargers star Philip Rivers has agreed to a one-year contract with the Colts, according to a person who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. Rivers spent his first 16 NFL seasons with the Chargers and has set almost every major team record for quarterbacks since being taken first overall in the 2004 NFL draft. The eight-time Pro Bowl selection joins a team that went 7-9 with Jacoby Brissett under center and faded badly during the second half last season.— The Panthers are parting ways with 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton. Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said on Twitter the team is working with Newton and his agent to find a trade partner. The quarterback responded on social media by saying he never requested a trade, telling the organization to "stop the word play" because they're trying to manipulate the narrative and act like he requested a trade.Carolina has replaced Newton with Saints backup Teddy Bridgewater, who accepted a three-year, $63 million contract. That's according to a person familiar with the negotiations.The 27-year-old Bridgewater won each of his five starts for the Saints last season, completing 68% of his passes with nine touchdowns and two interceptions.Meanwhile, the Saints are keeping their record-setting quarterback, giving Drew Brees (breez) a two-year, $50 million contract.A person familiar with the situation spoke to The Associated Press about the contract on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.The 41-year-old Brees is the NFL's all-time leader in completions with 6,867, yards passing with 77,416, and touchdowns with 547.However, these and other deals may not be finalized Wednesday as expected.A person familiar with the discussions on Tuesday night told The Associated Press that deals might not be confirmed by teams Wednesday when the NFL's business season begins. This is due to free agents being unable to travel and actually sign agreements, which is a recent league policy to safeguard against the coronavirus. The NFL has banned travel for players and team personnel while also advising clubs that physical exams can only be taken locally by free agents who reach deals.In other NFL news:— A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Broncos have agreed to a two-year contract with veteran free agent quarterback Jeff Driskel. Driskel is a former sixth-round draft pick out of Florida in 2016 who has appeared in a dozen NFL games with the Bengals and Lions.— A person familiar with the deal says veteran tight end Jason Witten has agreed to a one-year contract with the Raiders. Witten ended a one-year retirement to return to Dallas this past season, grabbing 63 passes for 529 yards and four TDs. Witten has 1,215 receptions for 12,977 yards and 72 TDs in 16 seasons with the Cowboys.— The Bears have agreed to a five-year, $70 million deal with former All-Pro defensive end Robert Quinn. Quinn recorded 11 1/2 sacks with Dallas last year despite a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy against performance-enhancing drugs. The Bears also released outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, parting with a former first-round draft pick who never boosted their pass rush the way they envisioned.— The Buccaneers are retaining a key piece of an improved defense by agreeing to re-sign linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul to a two-year, $27 million contract. Pierre-Paul has 21 sacks since being acquired in a trade from the Giants two years ago.— Safety Tre Boston has accepted a three-year, $18 million contract that keeps him with the Panthers. Boston started all 16 games for Carolina last season, recording 59 tackles and three interceptions.— The Eagles have released safety standout Malcolm Jenkins, who led their secondary for the last six years and helped them win the 2017 NFL title. He will cost the team $6 million under the cap, but the Eagles also save nearly $5 million by cutting Jenkins.— The Titans have agreed to terms with defensive end Vic Beasley, who led the NFL with 15 1/2 sacks in 2016 for the Falcons. Atlanta declined to re-sign the eighth overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft after he managed only 18 sacks combined over the past three seasons.— The Ravens have fortified their defensive front by obtaining free agent Michael Brockers. He agreed to terms on a three-year contract after spending his first eight NFL seasons with the Rams.— Linebacker Sean Lee is returning for an 11th season with the Cowboys. The 2016 All-Pro has accepted a one-year, $4.5 million contract with $2 million guaranteed.— Free agent linebacker Joe Schobert is joining the Jaguars after four seasons with the Browns. He led Cleveland in tackles twice and made a Pro Bowl.— The Rams have declined their contract option on cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman, who had been the team's nickel cornerback and their top defender on slot receivers since the team signed him in 2017. The USC product had three interceptions and 122 tackles for Los Angeles.— A person familiar with the move says defensive tackle Jordan Phillips has agreed to sign with the Cardinals. Phillips just finished a breakout season for the Bills, where he started nine of his 16 games and finished with a career-high 9 1/2 sacks.— The Lions have released linebacker Devon Kennard. He matched a career and team high with seven sacks last season and equaled a personal best with 58 tackles as a team captain.— The Giants have reached an agreement with Kyler Fackrell on a reported one-year contract. Fackrell spent the last four seasons in Green Bay, recording 17 1/2 sacks as a backup used mostly in passing situations.— The Steelers have placed the inside linebacker Ryan Shazier on the reserved/retired list. But the team says the move doesn't rule out the possibility of Shazier playing again. Shazier spent the last two seasons on the Physically Unable to Perform list while recovering from a spinal injury suffered in December 2017. Shazier has made remarkable progress since the injury and has continued working out in hopes of one day being cleared to play again.— A person familiar with the deal says the Raiders have agreed with free agent linebacker Cory Littleton on a three-year contract. NFL Network reported the contract is worth up to $36 million. In addition, two people familiar with the deals say Las Vegas has agreed to contracts with defensive tackle Maliek Collins, safety Jeff Heath and defensive end Carl Nassib.— A person with direct knowledge of the move confirms to the Associated Press that defensive tackle Vernon Butler has agreed to a two-year contract with the Bills. Butler is coming off a breakout campaign in which he became a starter for the first time and finished with 32 tackles, six sacks and three forced fumbles.VIRUS OUTBREAK-SPORTSDurant among four Nets to test positiveUNDATED (AP) — Kevin Durant is one of four Brooklyn Nets players to have tested positive for the new coronavirus, bringing the total to seven known players in the NBA. The Nets did not name the players Tuesday, but Durant confirmed he was one of them to The Athletic, saying: "Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine. We're going to get through this." The Nets announced that one player is exhibiting symptoms, while the other three are asymptomatic.Utah's Rudy Gobert (goh-BEHR') and Donovan Mitchell and Detroit's Christian Wood are the other players who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.In other sports news involving the outbreak:— Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and pop star wife Ciara have announced they are donating 1 million meals through Seattle's Food Lifeline to help provide meals for those in need during the coronavirus outbreak in the region.— The Ottawa Senators say one of their players has tested positive for COVID-19, has mild symptoms and is in isolation. Ottawa is notifying those who came in contact with the player and have told other members of the team to monitor their health and seek advice from the medical staff.— A person involved in the discussions tells The Associated Press the PGA Championship will not be held in San Francisco during the third weekend of May. San Francisco now is among six counties in the Bay Area where residents are ordered to venture outside only when necessary for the next three weeks. There was no indication when the PGA Championship would be played, or if it would remain in San Francisco.— The U.S. Tennis Association says it is considering "the possibility" of postponing the U.S. Open because of the coronavirus pandemic. What is usually the last Grand Slam tennis tournament each year is currently scheduled for Aug. 31 to Sept. 13 in New York.— The French Open has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. It is the first Grand Slam tennis tournament affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The French tennis federation says the clay-court tournament will be played from Sept. 20 to Oct. 4. The main draw was originally scheduled to begin in Paris on May 24. The next major tennis championship currently on the calendar is Wimbledon, which is to start in late June in England.— NASCAR has vowed to reschedule the seven Cup Series events already postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Figuring out how to cram the events and the All-Star race into the crowded 36-race schedule is potentially difficult. NASCAR President Steve Phelps says the series has no specifics on how it is moving forward. He says he wants the postponed races rescheduled before the playoffs begin in September.— The governing body of European soccer has postponed its marquee championship for one year. Euro 2020 became Euro 2021 in a major shift for an international soccer calendar that is on lockdown because of the coronavirus outbreak and with no clear end in sight. The tournament that was due to open on June 12 in Rome is now scheduled for next year from June 11 to July 11, in the same 12 host nations.— A person familiar with the diagnosis tells The Associated Press a second New York Yankees minor leaguer has tested positive for the new coronavirus. New York had announced a first positive test on Sunday and general manager Brian Cashman said the player had been isolated and the Florida Department of Health notified. The two Yankees minor leaguers are the only baseball players known to have tested positive.MLB-ASTROS-VERLANDERVerlander has surgeryHOUSTON (AP) — Justin Verlander is using the interruption to the Major League season to recover from surgery.The Houston Astros ace has undergone surgery on his right groin and is expected to be out about six weeks. The timing gives Verlander time to heal before opening day, which has been pushed back to mid-May at the earliest because of the new coronavirus.Verlander dealt with the problem early in spring training. His first start was delayed until March 3 because of discomfort in his right groin. He recorded a 3.86 in 4 2/3 innings over two spring starts.WOMEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL-FINAL POLLSouth Carolina finishes on top for first timeUNDATED (AP) — South Carolina is No. 1 in the final Associated Press women's basketball poll of the season for the first time in school history.The Gamecocks received 26 first-place votes and No. 2 Oregon got the other four. Baylor, Maryland and UConn round out the top five. &nbsp;The AP has always released its final poll of the season before the start of the NCAA Tournament, which has been canceled because of the virus pandemic.&nbsp;Louisville, Stanford, N.C. State, Mississippi State and UCLA round out the top 10.&nbsp;The final men's basketball poll will be released Wednesday.IDITARODNorwegian musher wins Alaska's Iditarod sled dog raceANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A Norwegian musher is once again the winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.Thomas Waener of Norway easily won this year's race, running his sled dog under the famed burled arch in downtown Nome early Wednesday after driving his team off the Bering Sea ice. It took him 9 days, 10 hours, 37 minutes and 47 seconds to travel nearly 1,000 miles across Alaska.Waerner's closest competitor was three-time champion Mitch Seavey, who was about five hours behind.This is the second time the 47-year-old Waerner has run the Iditarod. He earned Rookie of the Year honors for his 17th place finish in 2015. Two other Norwegian mushers have won the Iditarod.

Latest AP Stories on Sports

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Norwegian musher Thomas Waerner wins Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race across Alaska.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Norwegian musher Thomas Waerner wins Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race across Alaska.

Norwegian musher Thomas Waerner wins Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race across Alaska

Tom Brady, the centerpiece of the New England Patriots’ championship dynasty over the past two decades, is poised to leave the only football home he has ever had.

The 42-year-old six-time Super Bowl winner posted Tuesday on social media “my football journey will take place elsewhere.”

<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ETT-MO4WkAAweHb.jpg" target="_blank">The comments</a>&nbsp;were the first to indicate the most-decorated player in NFL history would leave New England.&nbsp;

In a two-part message, Brady thanked the Patriots and the fans and said “FOREVER A PATRIOT.”&nbsp;

“I don’t know what my football future holds, but it is time for me to open a new stage for my life and my career,” he wrote. “Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for out incredible TEAM experiences.”&nbsp;

Tom Brady, the centerpiece of the New England Patriots’ championship dynasty over the past two decades, is poised to leave the only football home he has ever had.The 42-year-old six-time Super Bowl winner posted Tuesday on social media “my football journey will take place elsewhere.”<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ETT-MO4WkAAweHb.jpg" target="_blank">The comments</a>&nbsp;were the first to indicate the most-decorated player in NFL history would leave New England.&nbsp;In a two-part message, Brady thanked the Patriots and the fans and said “FOREVER A PATRIOT.”&nbsp;“I don’t know what my football future holds, but it is time for me to open a new stage for my life and my career,” he wrote. “Although my football journey will take place elsewhere, I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for out incredible TEAM experiences.”&nbsp;

Brady to Leave Patriots

NEW YORK (AP) — Monday was supposed to be the night that women's college basketball got put in the national spotlight with the NCAA Tournament bracket reveal. But the tournament was canceled because of the new coronavirus. So instead of celebrating a spot in the NCAAs, teams and coaches across the country were left to think about what might have been. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley broke the news to her players via text. Oregon coach Kelly Graves got to talk to some players who were still on campus when the tournament was called off. He says it's “unfortunate” but "there's a lot bigger things going on that put it in perspective.”

UNDATED (AP) — Before fears about the coronavirus scrubbed sports for the foreseeable future, Sunday was supposed to be the Big Reveal in college basketball. Selection Sunday. The day when Americans gathered around a TV for an hour to watch the brackets being revealed. But there will be no NCAA Tournament this year. No upsets. No Sweet 16. No Final Four. No office pool. Now all sports fans can do is guess what might have been. The Kansas Jayhawks were steaming toward a top seed. Right behind them were Gonzaga, Dayton and Baylor. But as everyone knows, the tournament never goes to form. That's why they call it March Madness. This year, though, “March Sadness” feels more like it.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on Chris Jones. That raises the possibility that the Pro Bowl defensive tackle will remain with the Super Bowl champions for at least one more season. The nonexclusive tag means Jones must be offered a one-year contract for no less than the average of the top five salary cap hits at defensive tackle for the previous five years. It also means that if Jones signs an offer sheet from another team, the Chiefs can match that offer or let him go and receive two first-round picks as compensation.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has accepted a two-year, $66 million contract extension. Cousins was entering the final season of the fully guaranteed, three-year, $84 million contract he signed as a free agent in 2018. He was scheduled to count $31 million against the salary cap, but a personal familiar with the trade tells The Associated Press the new pact will reduce by $10 million the team's charge for 2020.

UNDATED (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys have placed their exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott, securing his rights for an estimated $31.5 million while the sides continue working on a long-term deal. Prescott has played his entire four-year NFL career with the Cowboys and threw for over 4,900 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season.

UNDATED (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals have picked up three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Houston Texans for running back David Johnson and draft picks. That’s according to a person familiar with the trade. Hopkins has three years remaining on a five-year, $81 million deal he signed in 2017. He caught 104 passes for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have tagged Derrick Henry as their franchise player, making sure they keep the NFL rushing leader around for at least this season. Henry had 1,540 yards rushing during the 2019 regular season before gaining another 377 yards in Tennessee’s first two playoff games, leading the Titans to the AFC title game.

UNDATED (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers have shipped defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts for the No. 13 pick in this year's draft. A person familiar with the deal said Buckner will receive a new contract worth $21 million a year from the Colts. The fourth-year pro had 7 ½ sacks and 34 solo tackles last year. The trade was completed immediately after the 49ers announced a deal to keep defensive lineman Arik Armstead with a five-year contract worth up to $85 million.

NEW YORK (AP) — Monday was supposed to be the night that women's college basketball got put in the national spotlight with the NCAA Tournament bracket reveal. But the tournament was canceled because of the new coronavirus. So instead of celebrating a spot in the NCAAs, teams and coaches across the country were left to think about what might have been. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley broke the news to her players via text. Oregon coach Kelly Graves got to talk to some players who were still on campus when the tournament was called off. He says it's “unfortunate” but "there's a lot bigger things going on that put it in perspective.”UNDATED (AP) — Before fears about the coronavirus scrubbed sports for the foreseeable future, Sunday was supposed to be the Big Reveal in college basketball. Selection Sunday. The day when Americans gathered around a TV for an hour to watch the brackets being revealed. But there will be no NCAA Tournament this year. No upsets. No Sweet 16. No Final Four. No office pool. Now all sports fans can do is guess what might have been. The Kansas Jayhawks were steaming toward a top seed. Right behind them were Gonzaga, Dayton and Baylor. But as everyone knows, the tournament never goes to form. That's why they call it March Madness. This year, though, “March Sadness” feels more like it.KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on Chris Jones. That raises the possibility that the Pro Bowl defensive tackle will remain with the Super Bowl champions for at least one more season. The nonexclusive tag means Jones must be offered a one-year contract for no less than the average of the top five salary cap hits at defensive tackle for the previous five years. It also means that if Jones signs an offer sheet from another team, the Chiefs can match that offer or let him go and receive two first-round picks as compensation.National HeadlinesMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has accepted a two-year, $66 million contract extension. Cousins was entering the final season of the fully guaranteed, three-year, $84 million contract he signed as a free agent in 2018. He was scheduled to count $31 million against the salary cap, but a personal familiar with the trade tells The Associated Press the new pact will reduce by $10 million the team's charge for 2020.UNDATED (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys have placed their exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Dak Prescott, securing his rights for an estimated $31.5 million while the sides continue working on a long-term deal. Prescott has played his entire four-year NFL career with the Cowboys and threw for over 4,900 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season.UNDATED (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals have picked up three-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Houston Texans for running back David Johnson and draft picks. That’s according to a person familiar with the trade. Hopkins has three years remaining on a five-year, $81 million deal he signed in 2017. He caught 104 passes for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns last year.NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans have tagged Derrick Henry as their franchise player, making sure they keep the NFL rushing leader around for at least this season. Henry had 1,540 yards rushing during the 2019 regular season before gaining another 377 yards in Tennessee’s first two playoff games, leading the Titans to the AFC title game.UNDATED (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers have shipped defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts for the No. 13 pick in this year's draft. A person familiar with the deal said Buckner will receive a new contract worth $21 million a year from the Colts. The fourth-year pro had 7 ½ sacks and 34 solo tackles last year. The trade was completed immediately after the 49ers announced a deal to keep defensive lineman Arik Armstead with a five-year contract worth up to $85 million.

Tuesday Sports Headlines

INDIANAPOLIS / KANSAS CITY – On Thursday (March 12, 2020, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled all NCAA Winter and Spring Championships. This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.

Along with the cancellation of NCAA Winter and Spring Championships, the MIAA and its member institutions announced the suspension of all MIAA intercollegiate sports activities (practice and competition) effective at 11 pm, March 12, 2020. The Association's decision is the result of ongoing consultation with campus leaders, and follows the decision today by the NCAA to cancel all winter and spring championships for all three NCAA divisions. The indefinite suspension applies to all institutional practices and competitions in any MIAA sport, regardless of season, until further notice. All spring sports are suspended indefinitely at this time.

INDIANAPOLIS / KANSAS CITY – On Thursday (March 12, 2020, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled all NCAA Winter and Spring Championships. This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.Along with the cancellation of NCAA Winter and Spring Championships, the MIAA and its member institutions announced the suspension of all MIAA intercollegiate sports activities (practice and competition) effective at 11 pm, March 12, 2020. The Association's decision is the result of ongoing consultation with campus leaders, and follows the decision today by the NCAA to cancel all winter and spring championships for all three NCAA divisions. The indefinite suspension applies to all institutional practices and competitions in any MIAA sport, regardless of season, until further notice. All spring sports are suspended indefinitely at this time.

NCAA Championships Canceled, MIAA Suspends All Intercollegiate Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball pushed back opening day until mid-May at the earliest on Monday because of the new coronavirus after the federal government recommended restricting events of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement following a conference call with executives of the 30 teams.

“The clubs remain committed to playing as many games as possible when the season begins,” the commissioner’s office said in a statement.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Sunday that gatherings of 50 people or more be canceled or postponed across the country for the next eight weeks.

“The opening of the 2020 regular season will be pushed back in accordance with that guidance,” Manfred said.

No telling at this point when games will start. The All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on July 14 could be in jeopardy.

“We’re not going to announce an alternate opening day at this point. We’re going to have to see how things develop,” Manfred told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch at Cardinals camp in Jupiter, Florida. He didn’t want to speculate about the possibility of playing in empty stadiums, saying part of that decision would depend on timing.

MLB called off the rest of the spring training schedule on Thursday and said opening day, which had been scheduled for March 26, was postponed for at least two weeks. Teams and players agree that two to four weeks of additional spring training will be needed before the regular season begins.

“I’m just treating this as January of the winter time,” Arizona catcher Stephen Vogt said in a text to The Associated Press. “I am working out with the anticipation of baseball activities ramping up over the next month. But my mentality is back to preparing for the season.”

Under an agreement last week, between MLB and the players’ association, players are allowed to decide whether to stay at spring training or go home, but some teams have ignored that deal and told players to leave.

“There should be no organized activities in the camps,” Manfred told the Post-Dispatch. “We did agree with the MLBPA that spring training sites would remain open, but the thought there is with a skeleton crew, really to give players some place to use a gym, as opposed to being forced out into a public gym and the like. And we’re really encouraging players to make a decision as to where they want to be over an extended period of time and get to that location as soon as possible.”

The players’ association sent an email to agents on Monday saying that for players who went home or to their team’s regular-season city it would pay $1,100 allowances through April 9 to players on 40-man rosters as of March 13. That amount also would go to players with minor league contracts at big league spring training who were on 40-man rosters at the end of last season.

The union is negotiating with MLB over resetting the dates for players with opt-out clauses in their deals, and the sides are likely to agree on a roster freeze. They are discussing the possibility of payments to major league players who have not reached the point of big-money deals to make up for paychecks they won’t be getting in April and May.

This year marked the earliest opening day other than for international games. As it stood, Game 7 of the World Series would have been Oct. 28, and teams and players could push the postseason into November.

Any change to the 162-game schedule would necessitate bargaining over an array of issues, including when and how much players get paid and how much major league service they are credited for. Service time determines eligibility for free agency and salary arbitration.

Players made a counteroffer to MLB on Sunday, and management told the union it would not respond until Tuesday at the earliest.

Clubs also were told to call MLB if they wanted assistance with credit lines, a person familiar with Manfred’s call said, speaking on condition of anonymity because that detail was not announced.

MLB had not had a mass postponement of openers since 1995, when the season was shortened from 162 games to 144 following a 7 1/2-month players’ strike that also wiped out the 1994 World Series. Opening day was pushed back from April 2 to April 26 and player salaries were reduced by 11.1% because the games were lost due to a strike.

After a 32-day spring training lockout in 1990 caused opening day to be delayed a week until April 9, the season was extended by three days to allow each team a full 162-game schedule.

Baseball’s first strike lasted from April 1-13 in 1972, and the season started April 15. Teams played 153-156 games.

The 1918 season was cut short because of World War I. Provost Marshal Gen. Enoch Crowder announced a regulation on May 23 that men not involved in useful occupations appear before the draft board. The War Department initially did not rule baseball was non-essential under the “work or fight” order but Secretary of War Newton D. Baker announced on July 26 that baseball had to comply by Sept. 1. After some negotiation, the regular season ended Sept. 2 with teams playing 123-131 games, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Chicago Cubs in a World Series played from Sept. 5-11.

Also Monday, MLB and the union announced a joint donation of $1 million to Feeding America and Meals on Wheels America, aimed at fighting hunger resulted from school closures and quarantines.

NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball pushed back opening day until mid-May at the earliest on Monday because of the new coronavirus after the federal government recommended restricting events of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks.Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement following a conference call with executives of the 30 teams.“The clubs remain committed to playing as many games as possible when the season begins,” the commissioner’s office said in a statement.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Sunday that gatherings of 50 people or more be canceled or postponed across the country for the next eight weeks.“The opening of the 2020 regular season will be pushed back in accordance with that guidance,” Manfred said.No telling at this point when games will start. The All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on July 14 could be in jeopardy.“We’re not going to announce an alternate opening day at this point. We’re going to have to see how things develop,” Manfred told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch at Cardinals camp in Jupiter, Florida. He didn’t want to speculate about the possibility of playing in empty stadiums, saying part of that decision would depend on timing.MLB called off the rest of the spring training schedule on Thursday and said opening day, which had been scheduled for March 26, was postponed for at least two weeks. Teams and players agree that two to four weeks of additional spring training will be needed before the regular season begins.“I’m just treating this as January of the winter time,” Arizona catcher Stephen Vogt said in a text to The Associated Press. “I am working out with the anticipation of baseball activities ramping up over the next month. But my mentality is back to preparing for the season.”Under an agreement last week, between MLB and the players’ association, players are allowed to decide whether to stay at spring training or go home, but some teams have ignored that deal and told players to leave.“There should be no organized activities in the camps,” Manfred told the Post-Dispatch. “We did agree with the MLBPA that spring training sites would remain open, but the thought there is with a skeleton crew, really to give players some place to use a gym, as opposed to being forced out into a public gym and the like. And we’re really encouraging players to make a decision as to where they want to be over an extended period of time and get to that location as soon as possible.”The players’ association sent an email to agents on Monday saying that for players who went home or to their team’s regular-season city it would pay $1,100 allowances through April 9 to players on 40-man rosters as of March 13. That amount also would go to players with minor league contracts at big league spring training who were on 40-man rosters at the end of last season.The union is negotiating with MLB over resetting the dates for players with opt-out clauses in their deals, and the sides are likely to agree on a roster freeze. They are discussing the possibility of payments to major league players who have not reached the point of big-money deals to make up for paychecks they won’t be getting in April and May.This year marked the earliest opening day other than for international games. As it stood, Game 7 of the World Series would have been Oct. 28, and teams and players could push the postseason into November.Any change to the 162-game schedule would necessitate bargaining over an array of issues, including when and how much players get paid and how much major league service they are credited for. Service time determines eligibility for free agency and salary arbitration.Players made a counteroffer to MLB on Sunday, and management told the union it would not respond until Tuesday at the earliest.Clubs also were told to call MLB if they wanted assistance with credit lines, a person familiar with Manfred’s call said, speaking on condition of anonymity because that detail was not announced.MLB had not had a mass postponement of openers since 1995, when the season was shortened from 162 games to 144 following a 7 1/2-month players’ strike that also wiped out the 1994 World Series. Opening day was pushed back from April 2 to April 26 and player salaries were reduced by 11.1% because the games were lost due to a strike.After a 32-day spring training lockout in 1990 caused opening day to be delayed a week until April 9, the season was extended by three days to allow each team a full 162-game schedule.Baseball’s first strike lasted from April 1-13 in 1972, and the season started April 15. Teams played 153-156 games.The 1918 season was cut short because of World War I. Provost Marshal Gen. Enoch Crowder announced a regulation on May 23 that men not involved in useful occupations appear before the draft board. The War Department initially did not rule baseball was non-essential under the “work or fight” order but Secretary of War Newton D. Baker announced on July 26 that baseball had to comply by Sept. 1. After some negotiation, the regular season ended Sept. 2 with teams playing 123-131 games, and the Boston Red Sox beat the Chicago Cubs in a World Series played from Sept. 5-11.Also Monday, MLB and the union announced a joint donation of $1 million to Feeding America and Meals on Wheels America, aimed at fighting hunger resulted from school closures and quarantines.

MLB delays opening day to mid-May at earliest due to virus

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back some major pieces from their Super Bowl championship team.

The Chiefs placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones on Monday, then exercised club options on running back Damien Williams and linebacker Damien Wilson as the NFL’s negotiating period opened with a frenzy ahead of free agency later in the week.

The nonexclusive tag means Jones must be offered a one-year contract for at least $16,126,000, the average of the top five salary cap hits at defensive tackle for the previous five years. It also means that if Jones signs an offer sheet from another team, the Chiefs can match that offer or let him go and receive two first-round picks as compensation.

“We had dialogue last offseason. We had dialogue prior to the season starting,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said at the scouting combine. “Chris did a great job of blocking that all and tackling the season. He handled it like a true pro and we have an opportunity now that we’ve come around to pick up those talks and try to get something done.”

None of which means Jones will play for the Chiefs, especially at that salary.

The club is strapped for cap space heading into free agency and would like to sign Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes to a potentially record-setting extension. That might only be possible if the Chiefs signed Jones to a more flexible long-term deal — something the sides have discussed for more than a year but have failed to accomplish — or trade him to a team with more cap space and the need for a pass-rushing defensive tackle.

That would be similar to what the Seahawks did last season with defensive end Frank Clark. After tagging him, they sent him to the Chiefs for a pair of draft picks, and Kansas City proceeded to sign him to a $105.5 million, five-year extension.

Now, could the Chiefs potentially afford two pass rushers making that kind of money?

“It’s challenging,” Veach acknowledged, “but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible, and I think working through the breakdowns and dispersal it’s always a challenge. But I think when you have guys as talented as Chris and these other players, you’re going to turn over every scenario to see what exactly can be done.”

Jones had 15 1/2 sacks two seasons ago, which drove up his market for a long-term deal. He wound up skipping the entire offseason when that didn’t happen, but Jones returned in time for training camp and started 12 of 13 games.

He finished with nine sacks, but he was instrumental in helping the Chiefs win their first Super Bowl title since 1970. He was at the forefront of holding the 49ers’ ground game in check, and his ability to pressure quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo — and knock down a key pass attempt late in the game — helped preserve the Chiefs’ 31-20 victory.

The 27-year-old Williams, who missed five games to a rib injury last season, still ran for nearly 500 yards and five TDs while giving Mahomes a valuable playmaker out of the backfield. Williams was at his best in the postseason, too, carrying 46 times for 196 yards and four TDs while scoring the go-ahead and clinching touchdowns in the Super Bowl.

That performance in Miami made Williams’ return to the Chiefs a foregone conclusion.

“Damien was banged up just a little bit early. That’s what he’s capable of doing,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “As long as he’s healthy, that’s been the only thing the last couple years. But he stays healthy and he’ll do fine.”

Wilson started all 16 games and finished second on the team with 81 tackles last season. But his return was less certain because the Chiefs could have freed up $4.5 million with only $875,000 in dead money by letting him go.

The Chiefs also declined to pick up their option on backup offensive lineman Cameron Erving.

The moves made Monday are only the start of what should be a busy offseason for the Super Bowl champs. They have to decide what to do with wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who carries a prohibitive $21 million cap hit for next season, and continue to work with Mahomes’ agent Leigh Steinberg on a market-setting contract extension.

They also need to replenish their defensive backfield, either through trades, free agency or the draft. Cornerbacks Bashaud Breeland, Keith Reaser, Morris Claiborne and Kendall Fuller all become free agents this week, leaving the Chiefs with only Charvarius Ward and Rashad Fenton on the 53-man roster.

“I think Charvarius Ward and the things he was able to do the last two years speak for themselves. Rashad, because of the injuries he had, he stepped up and played an important role for us. We’re excited for both those guys,” Veach said, “but the volume will be low if we don’t retain all these corners. We’ll try to address that as we move into the offseason.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back some major pieces from their Super Bowl championship team.At least, for the time being.The Chiefs placed the nonexclusive franchise tag on Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones on Monday, then exercised club options on running back Damien Williams and linebacker Damien Wilson as the NFL’s negotiating period opened with a frenzy ahead of free agency later in the week.The nonexclusive tag means Jones must be offered a one-year contract for at least $16,126,000, the average of the top five salary cap hits at defensive tackle for the previous five years. It also means that if Jones signs an offer sheet from another team, the Chiefs can match that offer or let him go and receive two first-round picks as compensation.“We had dialogue last offseason. We had dialogue prior to the season starting,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said at the scouting combine. “Chris did a great job of blocking that all and tackling the season. He handled it like a true pro and we have an opportunity now that we’ve come around to pick up those talks and try to get something done.”None of which means Jones will play for the Chiefs, especially at that salary.The club is strapped for cap space heading into free agency and would like to sign Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes to a potentially record-setting extension. That might only be possible if the Chiefs signed Jones to a more flexible long-term deal — something the sides have discussed for more than a year but have failed to accomplish — or trade him to a team with more cap space and the need for a pass-rushing defensive tackle.That would be similar to what the Seahawks did last season with defensive end Frank Clark. After tagging him, they sent him to the Chiefs for a pair of draft picks, and Kansas City proceeded to sign him to a $105.5 million, five-year extension.Now, could the Chiefs potentially afford two pass rushers making that kind of money?“It’s challenging,” Veach acknowledged, “but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible, and I think working through the breakdowns and dispersal it’s always a challenge. But I think when you have guys as talented as Chris and these other players, you’re going to turn over every scenario to see what exactly can be done.”Jones had 15 1/2 sacks two seasons ago, which drove up his market for a long-term deal. He wound up skipping the entire offseason when that didn’t happen, but Jones returned in time for training camp and started 12 of 13 games.He finished with nine sacks, but he was instrumental in helping the Chiefs win their first Super Bowl title since 1970. He was at the forefront of holding the 49ers’ ground game in check, and his ability to pressure quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo — and knock down a key pass attempt late in the game — helped preserve the Chiefs’ 31-20 victory.The 27-year-old Williams, who missed five games to a rib injury last season, still ran for nearly 500 yards and five TDs while giving Mahomes a valuable playmaker out of the backfield. Williams was at his best in the postseason, too, carrying 46 times for 196 yards and four TDs while scoring the go-ahead and clinching touchdowns in the Super Bowl.That performance in Miami made Williams’ return to the Chiefs a foregone conclusion.“Damien was banged up just a little bit early. That’s what he’s capable of doing,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “As long as he’s healthy, that’s been the only thing the last couple years. But he stays healthy and he’ll do fine.”Wilson started all 16 games and finished second on the team with 81 tackles last season. But his return was less certain because the Chiefs could have freed up $4.5 million with only $875,000 in dead money by letting him go.The Chiefs also declined to pick up their option on backup offensive lineman Cameron Erving.The moves made Monday are only the start of what should be a busy offseason for the Super Bowl champs. They have to decide what to do with wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who carries a prohibitive $21 million cap hit for next season, and continue to work with Mahomes’ agent Leigh Steinberg on a market-setting contract extension.They also need to replenish their defensive backfield, either through trades, free agency or the draft. Cornerbacks Bashaud Breeland, Keith Reaser, Morris Claiborne and Kendall Fuller all become free agents this week, leaving the Chiefs with only Charvarius Ward and Rashad Fenton on the 53-man roster.“I think Charvarius Ward and the things he was able to do the last two years speak for themselves. Rashad, because of the injuries he had, he stepped up and played an important role for us. We’re excited for both those guys,” Veach said, “but the volume will be low if we don’t retain all these corners. We’ll try to address that as we move into the offseason.”

Chiefs give Pro Bowl DT Chris Jones franchise tag

WICHITA, Kan - According to the website Verbal Commits, Wichita State freshman Grant Sherfield entered his name into the transfer portal Monday.

Wichita State G Grant Sherfield (FR) has entered the transfer portal.&nbsp;

The announcement comes days after five other Shockers entered their names into the transfer portal; Jamarius Burton, Erik Stevenson, Noah Fernandes, DeAntoni Gordon, and Tate Busse all entered the portal Friday.

Sherfield leaves the program after one season with the Shockers where he averaged 8.1 points and 2.9 assists per game, starting 12 of 30 games played. He joined the Shockers after decommitting from UCLA last winter, staying in Wichita after playing at Sunrise Christian.

Sherfield was benched for a game late in the season amid rumors that he quit the team and asked to rejoin. He returned to action the following game.

This will leave the Shockers with 5 available scholarships for the 2020-21 season.

WICHITA, Kan - According to the website Verbal Commits, Wichita State freshman Grant Sherfield entered his name into the transfer portal Monday.<figure>
 <img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/456112765367631875/j_PUfnLX_normal.png" alt="Verbal Commits @VerbalCommits" />
 <figcaption>Verbal Commits @VerbalCommits</figcaption>
 </figure>Wichita State G Grant Sherfield (FR) has entered the transfer portal.&nbsp;The announcement comes days after five other Shockers entered their names into the transfer portal; Jamarius Burton, Erik Stevenson, Noah Fernandes, DeAntoni Gordon, and Tate Busse all entered the portal Friday.Sherfield leaves the program after one season with the Shockers where he averaged 8.1 points and 2.9 assists per game, starting 12 of 30 games played. He joined the Shockers after decommitting from UCLA last winter, staying in Wichita after playing at Sunrise Christian.Sherfield was benched for a game late in the season amid rumors that he quit the team and asked to rejoin. He returned to action the following game.This will leave the Shockers with 5 available scholarships for the 2020-21 season.

Grant Sherfield to transfer from Wichita State

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/COVID19" target="_blank">NJCAA COVID-19 Update Homepage</a>

Following the recent recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, the NJCAA has made the difficult decision to cancel all upcoming basketball championships as well as spring competition, effective immediately.

"In light of the progressive evolvement of the COVID-19 situation, the NJCAA has decided to end all competition for the remainder of the academic year," stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President &amp; CEO. "As an association, the NJCAA exhausted all possible avenues to potentially postpone competition for both upcoming basketball championships and spring sport competition. We believe following the recommendations of the CDC is in the best interest of our member colleges and our student-athletes."

Spring competition includes all practices, regular season, postseason, and national championship play.

Regarding eligibility for spring sports, no spring sport student-athlete who was enrolled at a member college in 2020 will be charged a year of participation.

Along with the cancellation of competition, all on and off-campus recruiting for all sports will be halted until April 15 with further evaluation to be assessed at that point in time.&nbsp;

The NJCAA will explore the opportunity to expand allowable Letters of Intent for spring sports for both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years under the recommendation of the NJCAA Eligibility Committee.

<a href="https://www.njcaa.org/COVID19" target="_blank">NJCAA COVID-19 Update Homepage</a>Following the recent recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, the NJCAA has made the difficult decision to cancel all upcoming basketball championships as well as spring competition, effective immediately."In light of the progressive evolvement of the COVID-19 situation, the NJCAA has decided to end all competition for the remainder of the academic year," stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President &amp; CEO. "As an association, the NJCAA exhausted all possible avenues to potentially postpone competition for both upcoming basketball championships and spring sport competition. We believe following the recommendations of the CDC is in the best interest of our member colleges and our student-athletes."Spring competition includes all practices, regular season, postseason, and national championship play.Regarding eligibility for spring sports, no spring sport student-athlete who was enrolled at a member college in 2020 will be charged a year of participation.Along with the cancellation of competition, all on and off-campus recruiting for all sports will be halted until April 15 with further evaluation to be assessed at that point in time.&nbsp;The NJCAA will explore the opportunity to expand allowable Letters of Intent for spring sports for both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years under the recommendation of the NJCAA Eligibility Committee.The NJCAA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.