March quietness

For the first time in its history, the NCAA mens and womens basketball tournament will be viewed by TV and stream only, as no fans are allowed to attend this year. This news comes amid concerns of COVID-19 spreading, as more and more cases appear in the U.S. 

photo by pexels, Tuur Tisseghem

NCAA president Mr. Mark Emmert released a statement regarding the matter: “I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events including the Division 1 mens and womens basketball tournaments with only essential staff and family members. While I understand how disappointing this is to all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is spreading in the United States.”

He goes on to say that the safety of the student athletes and staff is top priority. A few hours later, all of the major college conferences decided to hold their tournaments with no fans as well.

Fans have been largely critical of this decision, pointing out that they haven’t gotten refunds yet; some drove almost 6 hours to get to a game, only to be told to go home. 

The situation escalated when Nebraska head coach Mr. Fred Hoiberg fell ill while he was coaching his team in the Big Ten tournament against Indiana. He was rushed to hospital and the Nebraska team was quarantined in the locker room. 

Teams like Michigan State, Michigan and Indiana were also paying close attention as they have all recently played the Cornhuskers. Fortunately, Mr. Hoiberg tested negative, the best news for both the Big Ten, Nebraska and the NCAA tournament. 

As of right now, no one knows what is to come, but it is highly speculated that if any staff member or player comes down with the virus then the tournament itself will be either postponed or cancelled.