Sports fans aren’t going to like what ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy said about the coronavirus pandemic.
The former New York Knicks head coach appeared on a Portland, Ore. radio show on Monday. When asked about the impact of COVID-19 on the sports world, here was his answer:
“I don’t think we’re going to play NBA basketball again this year. I don’t see Major League Baseball happening and I see the NFL and college football starting late.”
Van Gundy expanded on his thought process per the Boston Globe:
“Until we start developing a herd immunity to it, we come up with a protocol to treat it, or a vaccine becomes available, I don’t see games being played. ... I understand how you can start again, but what’s the plan if the next person gets sick, like another Rudy Gobert-type of situation, we’re going to play through it? We’re going to cancel it again? That to me is why I don’t see any of these things taking place. ... I have no idea how (the NBA) can pull off the season, and I have no idea what’s going to happen, and I hope next season isn’t impacted."
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The NBA suspended its season almost three weeks ago, when Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert was diagnosed with the coronavirus. A total of 10 active players have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
The NHL and MLB quickly followed suit, as did the NCAA, which canceled all winter and spring championships, including March Madness and on-campus spring football programs.
The NFL canceled its annual meeting in Florida but is proceeding with the NFL Draft next month. However fans will not be in attendance and teams won’t be able to use their facilities. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ordered all 32 teams to close their headquarters, leaving the offseason workout program in the air.
In addition, the NFL regular-season schedule is not expected to be released until May at the earliest. Traditionally, it comes out the week before the NFL Draft.
Van Gundy is not alone in his prediction. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit said last week he would" be shocked if we have NFL football this fall, if we have college football. I’ll be so surprised if that happens."
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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.