NBA, NHL and other leagues cancel seasons due to COVID-19 precautions

BY KAYLA KARIM

The NBA announced earlier this week that they would be suspending the remainder of the season due to two positive Coronavirus cases with NBA players. Utah Jazz players’ Rudy Gobert and Donavon Mitchell both tested positive which then led to the NBA commissioner Adam Silver announcing that the season would be suspended for the time being. The official statement is as follows:

“The NBA announced that a player on the Utah Jazz has preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19. The test result was reported shortly prior to the tip-off of Wednesday’s game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. At that time, Wednesday’s game was cancelled. The affected player was not in the arena.

The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of Wednesday’s schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”

It was then stated that the second NBA player, Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz tested positive. The Jazz released this statement regarding the situation:

“As a follow-up to yesterday’s positive COVID-19 test, Oklahoma health officials tested all members of the Utah Jazz traveling party, confirming one additional positive outcome for a Jazz player. We are working closely with the CDC, Oklahoma and Utah state officials, and the NBA to monitor their health and determine the best path moving forward.” 

 Many leagues took action following the NBA’s decision such as the NHL, MLB and NCAA to name a few, as well as major championship games and UFC fight nights.

In addition, the Summer Olympics in Tokyo – being the biggest global sporting event of this year has been modified as well. The event is expected to take place from July 24^th, to August 9^th, 2020. The IOC has reiterated that there is “full commitment to the success of the Olympic Games” however the flame lighting ceremony that takes place this week will commence without any fans in attendance.

There are no approximate return dates for any of the leagues mentioned as all players; coaches and team personnel are prioritizing their health and safety.