March Sadness?

Editor: The following is part of a press release from NCAA.org.

NCAA President Mark Emmert announced Wednesday that the NCAA’s upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, will be played with only essential staff and limited family attendance.

“The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel,”  Emmert said in a statement. “While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision i based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States.

“This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes. We recognize the opportunity to compete in an NCAA national championship is an experience of a lifetime for the students and their families.”

Editor: There has been on announcement concerning media involvement in these events.

SLU Restricting Travel to A-Ten Tournament

Editor: The following is a press release from the SLU athletic department.

The Saint Louis University Department of Athletics has taken several preventative measures in advance of the A-10 Men’s Basketball Championship in Brooklyn, N.Y., while closely monitoring the status of COVID-19.

Consistent with the University’s COVID-19 statement yesterday, the department will restrict all non-essential SLU-sponsored travel to Brooklyn. This includes spirit groups (pep band, cheer/dance, SLUnatics) in addition various University and athletics staff members. All previously planned fan events in New York have been cancelled.

The team will travel to Brooklyn today via private aircraft. The A-10 is in daily communication with Barclays Center and the NCAA regarding any potential impact on the A-10 Men’s Basketball Championship. The tournament will take place as scheduled and begins Wednesday, March 11 (today) and concludes Sunday, March 15.