News/Commentary

NCAA and the Cornovarius Return

December 16, 2020 by Staff

 

There is no doubting the continued impact that the coronavirus is making in not only sport but virtually all industries around the world. Many have suffered but also some have been positively impacted. Online entertainment has been the key example and has never been more important than in 2020. From online casino and gaming platforms, to these moving streaming services. All have seen growth, even as we have finally seen the return of sport. This brings the conversation to college sports and the big question is now where these will stand moving into 2021, with public health issues needing to be addressed.

November has continued to provide much more news on the impact to college sports, with November 21st seeing the match between Florida State and Clemson being postponed. The team’s medical personnel did not agree with moving ahead with the game, with sources also showing that a Clemson player had tested positive for COVID.

Also in November, Alabama head coach Nick Saban and Louisiana coach Billy Napier were among those who tested positive. This therefore impacted the squad, with others having to self-isolate, which gives another example of the continued issues that come with the current situation.

The latter period of November also saw both of the New Mexico basketball teams being temporarily relocated to Texas. That was due to the current coronavirus restrictions in the state but does also show the measures that are being put forward by sides in order to keep teams safe and ensure that college sport can continue.

November also saw a number of other positive tests arise for sides. Tennessee athletic director Phillip Fulmer tested positive and then had to self-isolate but announced he was feeling fine and asymptomatic. Miami Coach Manny Diaz also tested positive for coronavirus, so had to self-isolate but continued to work with the team virtually. These are both further examples of the impact this is playing on sides but also how they are still able to continue.

What we have also continued to see his cancellations of fixtures and this is the problem moving forward. San Jose state and Fresno state had their match cancelled and it also led to a no contest being declared. DePaul has paused their opening three fixtures of the season, due to a positive COVID case. The fixture between Washington state and Stanford also had to be cancelled in November and a similar story for the fixture between Michigan State and Maryland. The latter another to be declared a no-contest. That was despite markets already forming at sites listed at bet-michigan.com for the fixture, as these were also void.

These are just a limited few examples and there are endless others. The impact of COVID has been damaging on college sport and we can only hope this continues moving forward and into 2021.