As the coronavirus outbreak continues to ramp up in the U.S., a number of colleges scheduled to participate in the upcoming March Madness tournament have come up with a way to protect their players from accidental exposure: By playing this year’s games in empty stadiums.
“There should be a serious discussion about holding competitions without an audience present,” a statement issued by the National College Players Association reads. It goes on to say the NCAA “isn’t doing enough” to protect players from the virus.
However, the NCAA, which stands to lose millions of dollars if the famed tourney were to shut out fans, has dismissed the suggestion. “we are keenly aware of coronavirus and will continue to monitor in coordination with state and local health authorities and the CDC,” says spokeswoman Stacey Osburn. March Madness runs from March 17th through April 6th.
Is the Players Association overreacting? Would there be a point to holding the March Madness tournament if it wasn’t a money-making venture?
