— MLB has pushed back opening day until mid-May at the earliest because of the new coronavirus. The decision follows the federal government recommendation restricting events of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement following a conference call with executives of the 30 teams. His office issued a statement saying teams remain committed to playing as many games as possible when the season begins.
The season was slated to begin March 26.
-— NHL players have been told they can return home and self-isolate there until the end of March while hockey is on hold amid the coronavirus pandemic.
— The NFL has barred in-person interviews with free agents and is requiring local physical examinations for them rather than team-conducted exams.
The league also banned travel by team personnel to meet with free agents as well as those players traveling to team facilities. The moves were included in a memo sent to all 32 teams.
Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday the draft will take place April 23-25 as scheduled but under a modified format still being developed.
The draft will be televised regardless of its venue or format.
— The NAIA has cancelled the remainder of the spring sports season, but is giving spring athletes 2 additional semesters of eligibility.
— NASCAR has suspended its season until May as part of the CDC’s recommendation to postpone gatherings for the next eight weeks because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The series plans to return to the track at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia on May 9.
— Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials say they are holding off on postponing the month of May activities that conclude with the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend.
— The Kentucky Derby is being postponed from May to September because of growing concern about the coronavirus pandemic. The Courier-Journal of Louisville cited unidentified sources close to the race saying Churchill Downs will postpone the Derby from May 2 to Sept. 5. That would make it the first time in 75 years that the race won’t be run on the first Saturday in May.
