NFL
Sources say Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott has tested positive for the coronavirus. Elliott’s agent, Rocky Arceneaux, confirmed a leaked report yesterday and said the player is not happy the results of the test had been made public. NFL insiders began reporting Monday several members of the Cowboys and the Houston Texans had contracted Covid-19, but it is not believed they were infected at a team facility. Arceneaux added that Elliott feels good and is expected to make a full recovery.
The reigning NFC champion San Francisco 49ers and coach Kyle Shanahan have agreed to a new six-year contract that will run through the 2025 season. According to NFL.com, the new deal replaces the remaining three seasons on the six-year contract Shanahan signed when hired by San Francisco in 2017. Shanahan led the 49ers to a 13-3 regular-season record in 2019 as well as two playoff wins to reach Super Bowl 52 in February, a year after San Francisco went 4-12.
NBA
If there’s any concerns over the NBA’s eventual return this season, commissioner Adam Silver believes they will be addressed. The commissioner discussed returning to an Orlando bubble while also not taking away from protests across the country last night on ESPN. Silver discussed the difficulties of playing right now and that he understands players must do what’s best for them.
WNBA
The WNBA is revealing plans for beginning the 2020 season. The league is finalizing a partnership that would make IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, the home of a 22 game regular season, followed by playoffs. Beginning next month, IMG Academy will be the home for each of the league’s 12 teams and serve as a single site for training camp, games and housing. The season will be played without fans in attendance.
Tennis
The U.S. Tennis Association said Monday it is ready to hold a spectator-free U.S. Open in New York if it gets approval from state officials. The tournament is scheduled to run from August 31 through September 13 at Flushing Meadows and would be the second Grand Slam event of the year following January’s Australian Open.
Horse Racing
The Belmont Stakes will start the 2020 Triple Crown on Saturday. Tiz the Law is the likely favorite. With Nadal, Charlatan and Maxfield out and the race shortened from one-and-half miles to one-and-one-eight, it makes handicapping more difficult.