MLB
The Players Association responded yesterday to the MLB 67-page proposed guidelines for games to be played in 2020. The union is concerned about testing frequency. Players oppose arriving at stadiums in uniform and prohibited to use showers and hydrotherapy. The union also addressed protocols for positive tests, sanitization procedures and barring visitors other than immediate family members. While the two sides will likely be able to work out details of the health and safety plan, the owners have yet to put an economic proposal on the table.
Former Atlanta Braves great Chipper Jones says he’s not as optimistic about a 2020 season taking place as he was before talks between MLB and the players union began. During an interview with CBS Sports Radio, Jones said Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Blake Snell’s recent comments about not playing unless he receives his full salary was “a little bit of bad look” on the players.
NFL
NFL owners will vote on rule change proposals next week, including the use of a sky judge and an alternative to the onside kick. Teams received a list of potential rule changes yesterday, with a virtual vote set for next Thursday. The onside kick alternative would be a 4th-and-15 from a team’s own 25.
NBA
Sports Illustrated is reporting that the league is thinking about shortening the regular season to 70 games before conducting a full playoffs in the summer. Teams had played between 63 and 67 games before the season was halted in March by the coronavirus, and the proposal would allow playoff contenders a final opportunity to battle for position.
The Athletic reported Wednesday that the NBA is aiming to resume in mid-July with games to be played at neutral sites without fans, with Orlando and Las Vegas believed to be the front-runners to host games.
Golf
Australian Adam Scott tells Golf Digest he may not return to the links until the week before the PGA Championship in August. Scott said Thursday his reason for not coming back when the PGA Tour does next month is his concern over Covid-19 testing. He says the tests aren’t stringent enough. The PGA Tour returns June 11th with the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, TX.