NEWSLETTER
The entire sports world is currently operating in this weird space where everyone knows there is the potential for the quickly-spreading novel coronavirus to impact fans, players, media, etc., but no one wants to freak out TOO dramatically for fear of causing more harm than good.
We’ve already seen a major tennis tournament cancelled in California, as well as the delay of the start of professional baseball in Japan, plus all professional sports competitions have been cancelled in Italy until April. So it’s not the least bit surprising to see the NBA planning a meeting on Wednesday to discuss these issues – which will likely include at least some new rules:
Reporting with @ZachLowe_NBA: The NBA has set a conference call with team owners/governors for Wednesday afternoon to discuss the escalating coronavirus crisis and next steps for teams, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 9, 2020
League told teams these are among recommendations of infectious disease and public health experts. Essential team personnel in locker room would include coaches, front office, basketball staff, PR staff, etc). https://t.co/aCUQmkiLXC
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 9, 2020
At the extreme end of possibilities to be considered by the NBA if this goes further? What if games have to proceed in some locations, for some lengths of time, without a crowd of fans attending?
Lakers star LeBron James sounded pretty miffed about the idea, not wanting to participate in games that didn’t include fans in attendance:
"If I show up to an arena and there ain't no fans in there, I ain't playing."
LeBron on possibly playing NBA games without any fans in attendance due to coronavirus outbreak. pic.twitter.com/Ee5XMQ40X6
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 7, 2020
And now, Zach LaVine has underscored LeBron’s point, as well as highlighted the overall level of concern among the players and those associated with the NBA:
Zach LaVine Says NBA Players Scared Of Coronavirus, We're Worried! https://t.co/AT0e85L7YF
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 9, 2020
LaVine didn’t say much there beyond the headline of that article, but that is to say he’s aware of the risks, he’s admittedly worried about catching the virus himself, and he, like LeBron and other stars, are not particularly interested in playing games in front of empty seats.
Whether and to what extent players need to be concerned about contracting the coronavirus, I don’t really think we ought to be debating here today. The point is only to note that players – and the league – are taking the threat very seriously, and with a big conference call coming on Wednesday, it’s possible major decisions will have to be made.
