The NCAA is receiving pressure from the National Collegiate Players Association to host it’s annual March Madness college basketball tournament without any attendees in.
The NCPA issued a statement Saturday urging the NCAA to protect the health of student athletes.
“In regard to the NCAA’s March Madness Tournament and other athletic events, there should be a serious discussion about holding competitions without an audience present.”
The NCPA called on the NCAA to be as transparent as possible.
“In the wake of the emerging coronavirus pandemic, the NCAA and its colleges should take precautions to protect college athletes. They should also make public which actions will be taken and when. Precautions should include cancelling all auxiliary events that put players in contact with crowds such as meet and greets and press events. Athletic programs should also take every possible measure to sanitize buses and airplanes used to transport players.”
On Saturday, a Washington man died from the coronavirus, becoming the first confirmed death on U.S soil. The man sought treatment at the The Life Care Center of Kirkland, where reportedly 27 patients and 25 staff members at the center have symptoms associated with COVID-19.
The NCAA has yet to comment on the issue.
The 2019 March Madness tournament, which hosted it’s final in Minneapolis, recorded a total of 689,753 fans throughout the month long event, averaging 19,159 fans per game.
Google and Amazon were cited in the statement as fellow private entities who have taken action amidst fear of outbreak.
“Google just cancelled a summit in California and Amazon is encouraging its employees to avoid all nonessential travel because of coronavirus concerns. The NCAA and its colleges must act now, there is no time to waste.”
The first four will play-in to a tournament spot starting March 17-18 in Dayton, Ohio. The final will be held in Atlanta.
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