NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley thinks the NCAA needs to cancel the annual March Madness basketball tournaments altogether as a result of the COVID-19 (aka coronavirus) outbreak. The NCAA announced on Wednesday night that both the men's and women's tournaments will be played without fans in attendance, but Barkley thinks they need to take things a step further.
During a call to ESPN's "Get Up" on Thursday morning, Chuck explained, "I'm gonna say this and I'm probably gonna get in trouble because I work for Turner and March Madness and CBS... Turner Sports and CBS need to close down March Madness, man."
Barkley continued:
"Even if there's no fans in the stadium, you can't have these players breathing on each other for 2 weeks, even if they stay at a hotel, they're going to be at different cities around the country."
"I hate to say it and I probably shouldn't say it because I work for CBS, but I think we're gonna have to shut down March Madness until we know more."
"I know these kids want to play. Think about it, these kids are sweating, breathing, leaning on each other ... that's crazy! Even if you lose, you go back home, you don't know if you've got the virus for a week or two."
The NCAA has not yet announced a definitive plan for the tournament, and as of now the conference tournaments are still scheduled to take place as planned. However, with the NBA suspending their season, it's tough to envision a scenario where the NCAA allows college players, coaches and staff to continue playing, and travelling, throughout the country.
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
NCAA Tournament To Be Held Without Fans Due To Coronavirus
NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments will be held without any fans in attendance this year as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
The NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments will be held without any fans in attendance this year, due to the COVID-19 (aka coronavirus) outbreak. NCAA President Mark Emmert announced the decision on Wednesday afternoon, right in the middle of the ongoing conference tournaments, many of which are still being played in full arenas.
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
According to the press release, the only people allowed on tournament sites will be the players and coaches, essential staff and a limited amount of family members. The NCAA's official statement reads:
"The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel. Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance. While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is 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. Today, we will move forward and conduct championships consistent with the current information and will continue to monitor and make adjustments as needed."
The official brackets for the men's tournament will be unveiled on Sunday night. Typically, the top seeds are placed in regions nearby their school, giving those teams a home court advantage in the opening rounds - but there will be no such advantages this year as all games will essentially be played on an eerily quiet neutral floor.
NCAA Pressured To Host Fan-Less March Madness Due To Coronavirus
Some believe the Coronavirus will make the tournament an unsafe environment for fans.
Coronavirus is perhaps one of the biggest viruses of our time when it comes to the rate of transmission and the potential for an epidemic. While there is still a lot we don’t know about the virus, people are still extremely scared about the possibility of catching it. This mass hysteria has led to flight cancelations, store closures, and even the collapse of the stock market. Now, sporting events could be affected. There have been talks about canceling the Olympics in Tokyo this summer and now, some want to see changes to the NCAA basketball March Madness tournament.
According to TMZ, the National College Players Association recently released a statement demanding the NCAA hold the March Madness tournament without any people in the stands. The organization believes that students and spectators could be at risk throughout the tournament and that no audience would make things a lot safer.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
“In the wake of the emerging Coronavirus pandemic, the NCAA and its colleges should take precautions to protect college athletes,” the NCPA said. The NCAA recently responded to the statement saying they are taking every single precaution necessary and for now, the tournament will go on as planned.
Stay tuned for updates on this situation as we will be sure to bring them to you.
