Decisions On Return To Competition To Be Decided By Campuses, Local Government

&nbsp; KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The MIAA athletic administrators approved a series of Principles to help guide campus decisions about “Return to Competition” as a result of the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic. The principles were recommended by the Association’s COVID-19 Task Force. <a href="https://www.themiaa.com/documents/2020/6/3//MIAA_COVID_19_Task_Force_Guiding_Principles.pdf?id=1283">The MIAA’s Guiding Principles</a>&nbsp;focus on the safety of the student-athletes, coaches, and staff in the Association and acknowledges decisions will be made by each campus according to local government restrictions. It also allows the conference office to serve as a resource for member institutions.&nbsp;&nbsp; "The MIAA's&nbsp;Guiding Principles for Return to Campus, Return to Competition is an important tool for our member institutions as they continue to develop action plans and protocols to welcome students, staff, and visitors back to campus", explained MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. "These important decisions about how each campus will prepare for fall sports will be made at the local level, and the MIAA office will continue to provide important resources to aid these decisions." The Guiding Principles document notes two important resources for MIAA member athletic departments, the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/resocialization-collegiate-sport-action-plan-considerations">NCAA’s Core Principles and Campus Action Plan</a>&nbsp;considerations “for the Resocialization of Sports” and the U.S. Council on Athletes Health’s intercollegiate athletics focused&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscah.com/blog/">document titled “Return to Sports Health and Safety Framework”</a>.&nbsp; “The MIAA COVID-19 Task Force has been working diligently these last several months to help guide our member institutions through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. The task force has now shifted its focus to help guide our member institutions transitioning to the 2020-2021 year,” stated Lori Hopkins, chairperson of the Association’s COVID-19 Task Force and IRC. We are discussing and recommending guidelines to help schools put the health and safety of our student-athletes first as we begin to prepare for returning to campus and future competitions.” "Campus leadership, community health partnerships, and industry-specific athletic health resources, like the information being shared with the MIAA from the US Council for Athletes' Health, will be the keys to our success in playing sports this fall," added Racy.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<h2>Decisions On Return To Competition To Be Decided By Campuses, Local Government</h2>&nbsp; KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The MIAA athletic administrators approved a series of Principles to help guide campus decisions about “Return to Competition” as a result of the COVID-19 Global Health Pandemic. The principles were recommended by the Association’s COVID-19 Task Force. <a href="https://www.themiaa.com/documents/2020/6/3//MIAA_COVID_19_Task_Force_Guiding_Principles.pdf?id=1283">The MIAA’s Guiding Principles</a>&nbsp;focus on the safety of the student-athletes, coaches, and staff in the Association and acknowledges decisions will be made by each campus according to local government restrictions. It also allows the conference office to serve as a resource for member institutions.&nbsp;&nbsp; "The MIAA's&nbsp;Guiding Principles for Return to Campus, Return to Competition is an important tool for our member institutions as they continue to develop action plans and protocols to welcome students, staff, and visitors back to campus", explained MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy. "These important decisions about how each campus will prepare for fall sports will be made at the local level, and the MIAA office will continue to provide important resources to aid these decisions." The Guiding Principles document notes two important resources for MIAA member athletic departments, the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/resocialization-collegiate-sport-action-plan-considerations">NCAA’s Core Principles and Campus Action Plan</a>&nbsp;considerations “for the Resocialization of Sports” and the U.S. Council on Athletes Health’s intercollegiate athletics focused&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscah.com/blog/">document titled “Return to Sports Health and Safety Framework”</a>.&nbsp; “The MIAA COVID-19 Task Force has been working diligently these last several months to help guide our member institutions through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. The task force has now shifted its focus to help guide our member institutions transitioning to the 2020-2021 year,” stated Lori Hopkins, chairperson of the Association’s COVID-19 Task Force and IRC. We are discussing and recommending guidelines to help schools put the health and safety of our student-athletes first as we begin to prepare for returning to campus and future competitions.” "Campus leadership, community health partnerships, and industry-specific athletic health resources, like the information being shared with the MIAA from the US Council for Athletes' Health, will be the keys to our success in playing sports this fall," added Racy.&nbsp; &nbsp;

MIAA rolls out return to competition guiding principles

Relive the Fort Hays State basketball team's run to the 1984 NAIA national championship with a thrilling overtime win over Chicago State in the national semifinals.

Relive the Fort Hays State basketball team's run to the 1984 NAIA national championship with a thrilling overtime win over Chicago State in the national semifinals.<div><iframe title="1984 NAIA national semifinals vs. Chicago State (March 19, 1984)" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/ase83-dea66c?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=7&auto=0&share=1&fonts=Helvetica&download=1&rtl=0&pbad=1"></iframe></div>

🎧Defend the Fort Podcast: 1984 NAIA semifinals vs. Chicago State

UNDATED (AP) — Instead of X's and O's, the Denver Broncos spent Tuesday talking about racial injustice, police brutality and healing a nation rocked by demonstrations over George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis on top of the coronavirus outbreak and its economic devastation.

Team president Joe Ellis addressed the offense and defense in separate Zoom calls that replaced the team’s regular video conference sessions, which are a substitute for in-person training during the pandemic.

Coach Vic Fangio and general manager John Elway also participated in the calls in which Ellis emphasized society’s need to eradicate racism and told the players that the organization shares in the outrage over Floyd’s death at the hands of police.

After the Zoom calls, the Broncos tweeted, “We will stand by our players. We will lift up their voices. We can do more. We will do more.”

UNDATED (AP) — Instead of X's and O's, the Denver Broncos spent Tuesday talking about racial injustice, police brutality and healing a nation rocked by demonstrations over George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis on top of the coronavirus outbreak and its economic devastation.Team president Joe Ellis addressed the offense and defense in separate Zoom calls that replaced the team’s regular video conference sessions, which are a substitute for in-person training during the pandemic.Coach Vic Fangio and general manager John Elway also participated in the calls in which Ellis emphasized society’s need to eradicate racism and told the players that the organization shares in the outrage over Floyd’s death at the hands of police.After the Zoom calls, the Broncos tweeted, “We will stand by our players. We will lift up their voices. We can do more. We will do more.”

Broncos stop football to talk about race relations, Floyd

The Fort Hays State women's soccer team has announced the signing of Hays High senior Isabel Robben.

The program made the announcement Tuesday through its Twitter account.

Robben is a goalkeeper and becomes the second local product at that position, joining former TMP-Marian standout Deonna Wellbrock.

The Fort Hays State women's soccer team has announced the signing of Hays High senior Isabel Robben.The program made the announcement Tuesday through its Twitter account.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Please help us officially welcome local product <a href="https://twitter.com/isabel_robben?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@isabel_robben</a> to the family! We are super excited to be keeping her home and can’t wait to have her join us this fall. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RollTiges?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RollTiges</a>🐯 <a href="https://t.co/fjBG2cLQ4z">pic.twitter.com/fjBG2cLQ4z</a>&mdash; FHSU Women&#39;s Soccer (@FHSU_WSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FHSU_WSoccer/status/1267863592382103552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Robben is a goalkeeper and becomes the second local product at that position, joining former TMP-Marian standout Deonna Wellbrock.

FHSU women's soccer signs Robben

KANSAS CITY -- Words alone fail us. There is no place in our world for the senseless acts of racial injustice that have tragically taken lives. No place in Kansas City, nor in any city. Not today, not ever.

We humbly stand in solidarity and peaceful protest with the Black community, both here and across America. We pledge to actively and intentionally use our voice for good. And to live by a standard that says we treat all of us the way each of us wants to be treated.

The Kansas City Royals are committed to doing all we can, wherever we can, to help turn this moment into the sustained change we seek.

KANSAS CITY -- Words alone fail us. There is no place in our world for the senseless acts of racial injustice that have tragically taken lives. No place in Kansas City, nor in any city. Not today, not ever.We humbly stand in solidarity and peaceful protest with the Black community, both here and across America. We pledge to actively and intentionally use our voice for good. And to live by a standard that says we treat all of us the way each of us wants to be treated.The Kansas City Royals are committed to doing all we can, wherever we can, to help turn this moment into the sustained change we seek.Royals Release

Royals: 'We humbly stand in solidarity and peaceful protest with the Black community'

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The MIAA conference office shared a statement on the current state of affairs in the United States.&nbsp; As a conference, the MIAA promotes equality and justice for all. We are firm believers in sports bringing all people together in moments of celebration and triumph, and sports serving as a catalyst for social change. We are a conference committed, as individuals and together, to taking the steps to make our society just and equal for all people. We stand for treating each student, coach, administrator, staff member, and fan with respect, equality, and love. The MIAA is dedicated to a culture of caring.&nbsp; You can #CountUsIn.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY, Mo. -&nbsp;The MIAA conference office shared a statement on the current state of affairs in the United States.&nbsp; As a conference, the MIAA promotes equality and justice for all. We are firm believers in sports bringing all people together in moments of celebration and triumph, and sports serving as a catalyst for social change. We are a conference committed, as individuals and together, to taking the steps to make our society just and equal for all people. We stand for treating each student, coach, administrator, staff member, and fan with respect, equality, and love. The MIAA is dedicated to a culture of caring.&nbsp; You can #CountUsIn.&nbsp;&nbsp;MIAA Release

MIAA conference office shares message on inequality and injustice

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball owners and players have reverted to form -- the type displayed over the past half-century during eight work stoppages filled with salary squabbles.

Players proposed to resume the sport in the coronavirus pandemic with a 114-game regular season and full prorated salaries, leaving each player with approximately 70% of what he had been slated to earn.

That proposal was made Sunday, five days after Major League Baseball’s plan for an 82-game season with additional pay cuts that would leave each player taking in 23-47% of his original pay, with the highest earners accepting the biggest cuts.

MLB claims an additional $640,000 would be lost with each extra regular-season game played. The union has said it doesn’t believe those calculations and asked MLB for more economic documents and data.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred discussed the next move with owners on Monday.

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball owners and players have reverted to form -- the type displayed over the past half-century during eight work stoppages filled with salary squabbles.Players proposed to resume the sport in the coronavirus pandemic with a 114-game regular season and full prorated salaries, leaving each player with approximately 70% of what he had been slated to earn.That proposal was made Sunday, five days after Major League Baseball’s plan for an 82-game season with additional pay cuts that would leave each player taking in 23-47% of his original pay, with the highest earners accepting the biggest cuts.MLB claims an additional $640,000 would be lost with each extra regular-season game played. The union has said it doesn’t believe those calculations and asked MLB for more economic documents and data.Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred discussed the next move with owners on Monday.

MLB owners, players revert to salary squabbles of old

Due to the on-going developments related to COVID-19 the Big 12 Conference previously announced that all team activities whether required or voluntary, including team and individual practices, meetings, and other organized gatherings, were suspended until May 31 and would be re-evaluated at that time. In addition, all conference and non- conference competitions were cancelled through the end of the academic year, including spring sports that compete beyond the academic year. After re-evaluation, the following Big 12 Student-Athlete policies become effective June 1.

Each institution should use its discretion to make the best decision for its student-athletes when determining when student-athletes return to campus prior to the first permissible date to begin voluntary activity.

1.&nbsp; No in-person, required team activities of any type, in any location.

a.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Football: Voluntary on-campus activity is permissible beginning&nbsp;June 15.

b.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Fall Sports: Voluntary on-campus activity is permissible beginning&nbsp;July 1.

c.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basketball: Voluntary on-campus activity is permissible beginning&nbsp;July 6.

d.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All Other Sports: Voluntary on-campus activity is permissible beginning&nbsp;July 15.

--sports medicine treatments, physical therapy and rehabilitation

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Big 12 Conference Board and Directors of Athletics will convene regularly to assess changing circumstances and to make shared decisions regarding amendments to the above-listed policies. The policies noted will commence at 7am CDT, Monday, June 1, 2020 and remain in effect until further notice or until additional guidance is provided.

10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Decisions on the structure, schedule and components of training during the post Pandemic period will be made as circumstances dictate.

Big 12 Camps, Clinics and Other Instruction Policy

Virtual and in-person institutional camps and clinics with individuals are prohibited through August 31, 2020. In addition, athletics department staff members are prohibited from the following: (1) working, volunteering or otherwise participating in any outside camps and clinics with individuals, including virtual and fantasy camps; (2) working, volunteering or otherwise participating with a local sports club; and (3) providing private lessons to any individual. Coaching clinics involving coach-to-coach interaction are permissible.

Due to the on-going developments related to COVID-19 the Big 12 Conference previously announced that all team activities whether required or voluntary, including team and individual practices, meetings, and other organized gatherings, were suspended until May 31 and would be re-evaluated at that time. In addition, all conference and non- conference competitions were cancelled through the end of the academic year, including spring sports that compete beyond the academic year. After re-evaluation, the following Big 12 Student-Athlete policies become effective June 1.Each institution should use its discretion to make the best decision for its student-athletes when determining when student-athletes return to campus prior to the first permissible date to begin voluntary activity.1.&nbsp; No in-person, required team activities of any type, in any location.<ol>
 <li>No in-person, voluntary activities (e.g., workouts, film study sessions, meetings, technique drills or captains’ practices/OTA sessions) of any type, in any location.</li>
 </ol>a.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Football: Voluntary on-campus activity is permissible beginning&nbsp;June 15.b.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Fall Sports: Voluntary on-campus activity is permissible beginning&nbsp;July 1.c.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basketball: Voluntary on-campus activity is permissible beginning&nbsp;July 6.d.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All Other Sports: Voluntary on-campus activity is permissible beginning&nbsp;July 15.<ol>
 <li>Virtual or on-line supervised physical workouts and skill instruction, regardless of location, are not permitted.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>All required “virtual” activities, including film study, are limited to eight hours per week in all sports. Only countable coaches may conduct virtual film study, technical discussions, tactical sessions and other non-physical activities. These policies will be revisited and adjusted at regular intervals and as circumstances dictate.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>Coaches can recommend written, self-directed workout plans provided&nbsp; they&nbsp; are approved in accordance with proper procedures&nbsp; as&nbsp; outlined by each institution’s appropriate sport performance, medical and/or athletic training personnel (and in accordance with the NCAA Recommendations on Preventing Catastrophic Injury and Death). Taped demonstration videos on respective workout plans are allowed in order to demonstrate proper form and technique. Institutional personnel may not supervise, conduct or monitor workouts on or off campus.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>In-person, on-campus meals and nutritional supplements may be provided pursuant to NCAA guidance. Off-campus nutritional supplements are limited to the permissible items as outlined in NCAA Bylaw 16.5.2.8.</li>
 </ol><ol>
 <li>It is fully permissible to provide non-athletically-related support to student-athletes including:</li>
 </ol>--sports medicine treatments, physical therapy and rehabilitation--academic support--mental health and wellness support<ol>
 <li>It is permissible for institutions to provide student-athletes with apparel and personal equipment that is regularly available to student-athletes when they are on campus for conditioning workouts. The provision of other equipment is not to extend to rental, purchase or arrangement of conditioning or strength training equipment or machines (e.g. stationary bicycles, treadmills, free weights, benches or weight machines) but is intended to allow for reasonable supplies such as stretching band/straps, foam rollers, etc. It is not permissible to provide incoming signed prospects with apparel or equipment until they trigger student-athlete status.</li>
 </ol>9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Big 12 Conference Board and Directors of Athletics will convene regularly to assess changing circumstances and to make shared decisions regarding amendments to the above-listed policies. The policies noted will commence at 7am CDT, Monday, June 1, 2020 and remain in effect until further notice or until additional guidance is provided.10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Decisions on the structure, schedule and components of training during the post Pandemic period will be made as circumstances dictate.Big 12 Camps, Clinics and Other Instruction PolicyVirtual and in-person institutional camps and clinics with individuals are prohibited through August 31, 2020. In addition, athletics department staff members are prohibited from the following: (1) working, volunteering or otherwise participating in any outside camps and clinics with individuals, including virtual and fantasy camps; (2) working, volunteering or otherwise participating with a local sports club; and (3) providing private lessons to any individual. Coaching clinics involving coach-to-coach interaction are permissible.Big 12 Press Release

Big 12 releases a revised Student-Athlete athletic activities policy

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The smell of barbecue wafts through the parking lots hours before kickoff at Arrowhead Stadium, and when the first salvo of fireworks explode overhead, thousands of Chiefs fans begin to march en masse toward the entrance gates.

That’s how things normally are on an NFL game day in Kansas City.

But these days, very little is normal, and like so many things in life the football season ahead is rife with uncertainty. The coronavirus pandemic that brought sports to a standstill for months has everyone wondering what games will be like when spectators are finally allowed back in — and whether they will even want to show up.

The changes will be big and small, temporary and long-lasting.

Fans could have their every move scrutinized by cameras and lasers. There might be nobody in the next seat to high-five after a touchdown. The idea of passing cash to a beer vendor between innings will be a memory. Temperature screenings and medical checks could be mandatory to get in. By having virtual tickets scanned on their smart phones, fans could be acknowledging the health risk of attending a game while surrendering some of their personal privacy.

It all begs the question: Will fans be able to have any fun?

“There’s a wealth of unanticipated casualties, I guess, that are going to be part of this, things we all took for granted as part of the live game-day experience,” explained Nate Appleman, director of the sports, recreation and entertainment practice for Kansas City-based architectural firm HOK. “Some things we have yet to fathom but will become painfully clear once we are allowed back into venues and get back to truly human nature, which is to gather and celebrate community.”

Some leagues are returning with few or no fans, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/185e24c3aa636de347cd22bc2bc29d0f">soccer in Germany</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b0b5f4d0a268041fce95a1e92637089c">stock car racing in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4ab840a43120cbe7c50e03175e0a4eb3">baseball in Japan</a>. But as sports ramp up, The Associated Press found during interviews with more than two dozen experts in stadium design and infrastructure that the only thing that might look the same is what happens on the field of play.

The biggest short-term change will be social distancing, something that already has become a fact of everyday life. Ticket sales will be capped. Entire rows and sections will be blocked off. Seats on the aisle will be left open to maintain a buffer from those walking up the stairs. Fans will be given an entrance time to prevent crowding at the gates. Lines at restrooms and concessions will be limited. Congregating in the corridors will no longer be allowed.

The college football season is still some three months away, yet Iowa State anticipates capacity at Jack Trice Stadium will be cut in half based on “current guidelines established by state and local officials” — roughly the number of fans that have purchased season tickets. At Kansas, athletic director Jeff Long said the Jayhawks have planned for some 16,000 fans in Memorial Stadium this fall — about a third of official capacity.

Several NFL teams, including Miami and New Orleans, are modeling for reduced capacities this season. It will no doubt look different for fans in the stadium, not to mention the millions that will tune in on TV.

“There’s the old saying, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention.’ I would say we’re in a heightened situation of necessity right now,” Appleman said. “There are a lot of really smart people coming up with really cool initiatives that could just be a new way of doing things, and new isn’t always bad. Sometimes change is good. Sometimes we have to adapt.”

Indeed, such plans bring both hope and fear: hope that some fans will be able to see their favorite teams live and fear that colleges and leagues such as Major League Soccer that rely heavily on ticket sales will be able to make ends meet.

To help fill some of those gaps — both optically and financially — many facility operators have been exploring options with firms such as Arizona-based Bluemedia, which designs and produces screens that can cover large swaths of seats. Such screens already are used when arenas want to cap capacity or create more intimate settings, but Bluemedia vice president R.J. Orr said those same products can present sponsorship and marketing opportunities.

“Of course they can sell advertising,” Orr said, “but there are many ways to get creative. What if a ticket-sales guy went out to season-ticket holders and you can upload a photo and we can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/185e24c3aa636de347cd22bc2bc29d0f">put your image in the stands</a>? We’re trying to come up with a bunch of cool ideas that may work.”

Other companies also are tailoring products to help with social distancing and crowd control.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the new home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, already has cashless systems in place for merchandise and concessions. Several professional teams are in talks with motion analytics company iinside, whose SafeDistance system uses lasers to map spaces and measure crowd density. At KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, a company called WaitTime utilizes an app to tell Sabres fans how long lines are at restrooms and concessions.

“We have a great opportunity to rewrite the new normal for the return of sports,” WaitTime founder Zack Klima said.

It all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/88f837f24461c6e40480c96b55a4b6db">sounds a bit Orwellian</a>&nbsp;— like Big Brother is very much watching. And such systems do dance a fine line between informative and intrusive. But they also could help mitigate the spread of a virus, and that could make the difference between having Michigan Stadium empty on a fall Saturday or having 100,000 fans rooting on the Wolverines again.

Not everything will be as overt as barren concourses and empty seats, either. Most of the changes that colleges and teams are implementing will go unnoticed by those who settle in for the kickoff or first pitch.

Premier League club Tottenham recently opened its new London stadium after spending millions to create more than 1,600 WiFi access points and 700 Bluetooth beacons, ensuring fans are able to utilize crowd-density apps and other technology. Many facilities are upgrading heating, cooling and ventilation systems to scrub air as it circulates through their buildings, while others are toying with the use of QR codes to monitor the health of their patrons.

“We’re extrapolating off these trends that have already existed, and I think we’re going to kick-start into 2025 even though it’s only 2020,” said Jason Jennings, director of strategy and digital integration for the sports and entertainment group at Mortenson, which is wrapping construction on the Raiders’ new $2.4 billion stadium in Las Vegas. “The technology is going to be deployed much faster because of the value it has for the fan experience and public health.”

Even the way facilities are cleaned will change. No longer will hosing down seats and sweeping up trash left by fans be enough. Venue giant ASM Global recently announced a new hygiene protocol for its 325 facilities worldwide, noting the importance of hewing to international health recommendations from the likes of the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.

Few professional teams have been willing to divulge their reopening strategies, whether that be potential seating layouts or infrastructure upgrades. The rapidly changing social and political environment coupled with the unpredictable nature of the virus have made planning difficult. But the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium recently committed to being the first public facility to receive a STAR rating from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, which involves completing a rigorous program to help provide what Dolphins chief executive Tom Garfinkel “the safest environment possible.”

Of course, even that might not be enough. While much remains unknown about the novel coronavirus, one fact that is painfully clear is how easily it spreads. No league or team wants their games to become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ae59cfc0641fc63afd09182bb832ebe2">a “super spreader” event,</a>&nbsp;and everyone acknowledges all the preparations in the world cannot guarantee safety.

“In large masses, there is no system that can effectively prevent another person from giving germs to a second individual,” said Philip Tierno, clinical professor of pathology at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine. “If they sneeze or cough or talk directly, or even breathe directly on a person, there is no system that can prevent that.”

That hasn’t stopped sports facilities from spending millions of dollars during the months-long shutdown to minimize the risk. Giving fans some measure of confidence is an investment in the bottom line.

“We will get back to stadiums and watching football, basketball, baseball, etcetera, there is no question,” said Ryan Demmer, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health. “But it’s going to take a little bit of time to do it safely. And that’s going to take a little bit of innovation to do it safely in the short-term.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The smell of barbecue wafts through the parking lots hours before kickoff at Arrowhead Stadium, and when the first salvo of fireworks explode overhead, thousands of Chiefs fans begin to march en masse toward the entrance gates.That’s how things normally are on an NFL game day in Kansas City.But these days, very little is normal, and like so many things in life the football season ahead is rife with uncertainty. The coronavirus pandemic that brought sports to a standstill for months has everyone wondering what games will be like when spectators are finally allowed back in — and whether they will even want to show up.The changes will be big and small, temporary and long-lasting.Fans could have their every move scrutinized by cameras and lasers. There might be nobody in the next seat to high-five after a touchdown. The idea of passing cash to a beer vendor between innings will be a memory. Temperature screenings and medical checks could be mandatory to get in. By having virtual tickets scanned on their smart phones, fans could be acknowledging the health risk of attending a game while surrendering some of their personal privacy.It all begs the question: Will fans be able to have any fun?“There’s a wealth of unanticipated casualties, I guess, that are going to be part of this, things we all took for granted as part of the live game-day experience,” explained Nate Appleman, director of the sports, recreation and entertainment practice for Kansas City-based architectural firm HOK. “Some things we have yet to fathom but will become painfully clear once we are allowed back into venues and get back to truly human nature, which is to gather and celebrate community.”Some leagues are returning with few or no fans, including&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/185e24c3aa636de347cd22bc2bc29d0f">soccer in Germany</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/b0b5f4d0a268041fce95a1e92637089c">stock car racing in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/4ab840a43120cbe7c50e03175e0a4eb3">baseball in Japan</a>. But as sports ramp up, The Associated Press found during interviews with more than two dozen experts in stadium design and infrastructure that the only thing that might look the same is what happens on the field of play.The biggest short-term change will be social distancing, something that already has become a fact of everyday life. Ticket sales will be capped. Entire rows and sections will be blocked off. Seats on the aisle will be left open to maintain a buffer from those walking up the stairs. Fans will be given an entrance time to prevent crowding at the gates. Lines at restrooms and concessions will be limited. Congregating in the corridors will no longer be allowed.The college football season is still some three months away, yet Iowa State anticipates capacity at Jack Trice Stadium will be cut in half based on “current guidelines established by state and local officials” — roughly the number of fans that have purchased season tickets. At Kansas, athletic director Jeff Long said the Jayhawks have planned for some 16,000 fans in Memorial Stadium this fall — about a third of official capacity.Several NFL teams, including Miami and New Orleans, are modeling for reduced capacities this season. It will no doubt look different for fans in the stadium, not to mention the millions that will tune in on TV.“There’s the old saying, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention.’ I would say we’re in a heightened situation of necessity right now,” Appleman said. “There are a lot of really smart people coming up with really cool initiatives that could just be a new way of doing things, and new isn’t always bad. Sometimes change is good. Sometimes we have to adapt.”Indeed, such plans bring both hope and fear: hope that some fans will be able to see their favorite teams live and fear that colleges and leagues such as Major League Soccer that rely heavily on ticket sales will be able to make ends meet.To help fill some of those gaps — both optically and financially — many facility operators have been exploring options with firms such as Arizona-based Bluemedia, which designs and produces screens that can cover large swaths of seats. Such screens already are used when arenas want to cap capacity or create more intimate settings, but Bluemedia vice president R.J. Orr said those same products can present sponsorship and marketing opportunities.“Of course they can sell advertising,” Orr said, “but there are many ways to get creative. What if a ticket-sales guy went out to season-ticket holders and you can upload a photo and we can&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/185e24c3aa636de347cd22bc2bc29d0f">put your image in the stands</a>? We’re trying to come up with a bunch of cool ideas that may work.”Other companies also are tailoring products to help with social distancing and crowd control.Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the new home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, already has cashless systems in place for merchandise and concessions. Several professional teams are in talks with motion analytics company iinside, whose SafeDistance system uses lasers to map spaces and measure crowd density. At KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, a company called WaitTime utilizes an app to tell Sabres fans how long lines are at restrooms and concessions.“We have a great opportunity to rewrite the new normal for the return of sports,” WaitTime founder Zack Klima said.It all&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/88f837f24461c6e40480c96b55a4b6db">sounds a bit Orwellian</a>&nbsp;— like Big Brother is very much watching. And such systems do dance a fine line between informative and intrusive. But they also could help mitigate the spread of a virus, and that could make the difference between having Michigan Stadium empty on a fall Saturday or having 100,000 fans rooting on the Wolverines again.Not everything will be as overt as barren concourses and empty seats, either. Most of the changes that colleges and teams are implementing will go unnoticed by those who settle in for the kickoff or first pitch.Premier League club Tottenham recently opened its new London stadium after spending millions to create more than 1,600 WiFi access points and 700 Bluetooth beacons, ensuring fans are able to utilize crowd-density apps and other technology. Many facilities are upgrading heating, cooling and ventilation systems to scrub air as it circulates through their buildings, while others are toying with the use of QR codes to monitor the health of their patrons.“We’re extrapolating off these trends that have already existed, and I think we’re going to kick-start into 2025 even though it’s only 2020,” said Jason Jennings, director of strategy and digital integration for the sports and entertainment group at Mortenson, which is wrapping construction on the Raiders’ new $2.4 billion stadium in Las Vegas. “The technology is going to be deployed much faster because of the value it has for the fan experience and public health.”Even the way facilities are cleaned will change. No longer will hosing down seats and sweeping up trash left by fans be enough. Venue giant ASM Global recently announced a new hygiene protocol for its 325 facilities worldwide, noting the importance of hewing to international health recommendations from the likes of the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.Few professional teams have been willing to divulge their reopening strategies, whether that be potential seating layouts or infrastructure upgrades. The rapidly changing social and political environment coupled with the unpredictable nature of the virus have made planning difficult. But the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium recently committed to being the first public facility to receive a STAR rating from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, which involves completing a rigorous program to help provide what Dolphins chief executive Tom Garfinkel “the safest environment possible.”Of course, even that might not be enough. While much remains unknown about the novel coronavirus, one fact that is painfully clear is how easily it spreads. No league or team wants their games to become&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ae59cfc0641fc63afd09182bb832ebe2">a “super spreader” event,</a>&nbsp;and everyone acknowledges all the preparations in the world cannot guarantee safety.“In large masses, there is no system that can effectively prevent another person from giving germs to a second individual,” said Philip Tierno, clinical professor of pathology at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine. “If they sneeze or cough or talk directly, or even breathe directly on a person, there is no system that can prevent that.”That hasn’t stopped sports facilities from spending millions of dollars during the months-long shutdown to minimize the risk. Giving fans some measure of confidence is an investment in the bottom line.“We will get back to stadiums and watching football, basketball, baseball, etcetera, there is no question,” said Ryan Demmer, an epidemiologist at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health. “But it’s going to take a little bit of time to do it safely. And that’s going to take a little bit of innovation to do it safely in the short-term.”

Future of stadiums, arenas promises high tech, low capacity

INDIANAPOLIS -&nbsp;The NCAA announced attendance numbers for the 2019 football season and Fort Hays State ranked in the top-20.

An average of 5,414 fans packed Lewis Field for the Tigers five home games which ranked 18th in all of Division II. The MIAA had seven schools rank in the top-25 led by Pittsburg State who finished fifth nationally with an average of 7,705 fans per game last season. Central Missouri ranked ninth as it had an average of 7,360 fans per game. In the top 15 was Missouri Western with an average of 5,833 fans and Washburn with an average of 5,654.&nbsp; Northwest Missouri also averaged over 5,400 fans per game and ranked 16th in the Division. Missouri Southern was the final member of the Association to be rank in the top 25 as it drew an average of 4,802 fans.&nbsp; Over 343,500 fans attended a football game on MIAA campus' last fall which ranked third best in Division II. The 2019 season also saw an increase of MIAA football fans compared to the previous year.

To see the complete attendance numbers for the NCAA,&nbsp;<a href="http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/Attendance/2019.pdf">click here</a>.&nbsp;

INDIANAPOLIS -&nbsp;The NCAA announced attendance numbers for the 2019 football season and Fort Hays State ranked in the top-20.An average of 5,414 fans packed Lewis Field for the Tigers five home games which ranked 18th in all of Division II. The MIAA had seven schools rank in the top-25 led by Pittsburg State who finished fifth nationally with an average of 7,705 fans per game last season. Central Missouri ranked ninth as it had an average of 7,360 fans per game. In the top 15 was Missouri Western with an average of 5,833 fans and Washburn with an average of 5,654.&nbsp; Northwest Missouri also averaged over 5,400 fans per game and ranked 16th in the Division. Missouri Southern was the final member of the Association to be rank in the top 25 as it drew an average of 4,802 fans.&nbsp; Over 343,500 fans attended a football game on MIAA campus' last fall which ranked third best in Division II. The 2019 season also saw an increase of MIAA football fans compared to the previous year. To see the complete attendance numbers for the NCAA,&nbsp;<a href="http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/Attendance/2019.pdf">click here</a>.&nbsp;

FHSU ranks in top-20 in football attendance

UNDATED (AP) — Major League Baseball's players have proposed a 114-game regular season, up from 82 in management's offer.

That’s according to a person familiar with the plan who told The Associated Press that the proposal includes no additional pay cuts beyond the one they agreed to in March.

Opening day in the coronavirus-delayed season would be June 30 and the regular season would end Oct. 31, nearly five weeks after the Sept. 27 conclusion that MLB's proposal stuck to from the season's original schedule. The union offered scheduling flexibility to include more doubleheaders.

A player would receive about 70% of his salary under the union plan. MLB's offer Tuesday included a sliding scale in which those at the $563,500 minimum would get about 47%. Top-salaried players like Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole at $36 million would receive less than 23%.

Players are OK with MLB’s plan to increase the number of postseason teams from 10 to 14. Management would expand the postseason for just this year, but the union would like it to run through 2021.

UNDATED (AP) — Major League Baseball's players have proposed a 114-game regular season, up from 82 in management's offer.That’s according to a person familiar with the plan who told The Associated Press that the proposal includes no additional pay cuts beyond the one they agreed to in March.Opening day in the coronavirus-delayed season would be June 30 and the regular season would end Oct. 31, nearly five weeks after the Sept. 27 conclusion that MLB's proposal stuck to from the season's original schedule. The union offered scheduling flexibility to include more doubleheaders.A player would receive about 70% of his salary under the union plan. MLB's offer Tuesday included a sliding scale in which those at the $563,500 minimum would get about 47%. Top-salaried players like Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole at $36 million would receive less than 23%.Players are OK with MLB’s plan to increase the number of postseason teams from 10 to 14. Management would expand the postseason for just this year, but the union would like it to run through 2021.

MLB players present counter-proposal to restarting season

University of Kansas Unified Against Racism

“Our core mission of Kansas Athletics is to protect the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes. We do not tolerate any acts of racism or violence and promote an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity. We celebrate individuals from all walks of life and do not discriminate based on background, color of skin, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or anything else. Recent acts of racial divide and violence are unacceptable. We respect and support each and every one of our 450-plus student-athletes and value their individuality. We join together as an athletic department, united in hopes to end the unconscionable acts of racism.”

Statement from men’s basketball head coach Bill Self:

“In most of our lives, things are only put into perspective because of an event that directly affects us or someone close to us. However, the recent tragedies over the past week are something that should personally affect each individual across this country that requires our full commitment to create change. The avoidable death of George Floyd, and too many others, saddens my family greatly.

It is incomprehensible that this level of racism still occurs in this day and age, and it’s unacceptable. Anyone possessing basic human kindness must support each other and stand up for those that have been oppressed for far too long.

No one should have to worry that they will be treated differently, or worse yet fear for their lives on a daily basis, simply because the color of their skin or where they are from.

The conversations we have had as a team recently about the racial acts of violence is one that no amount of words can ever do justice. I am frustrated that we as a country have not done our part to create equal rights for all individuals. We must be better.”

Statement from football head coach Les Miles:

“As a football coach, I have had the good fortune of bringing young men together from different backgrounds to achieve a common goal – becoming a team.

I have struggled to express the feelings and emotions with the events that have occurred over the past several days. My deepest condolences to the Floyd family. I am a father, and also a coach to many players both past and present who have enriched my life, and I am thankful for that.

I’ve had players from around the country with a variety of backgrounds and have truly enjoyed working with and serving those quality young men. I encourage these men to go be leaders and make a positive impact in the world.

My heart hurts as I reflect on the racism that still exists in this country and the civil unrest we currently find ourselves in. Regardless of race and color we cannot keep turning a blind eye to those that need our support through words and actions now more than ever.

University of Kansas Unified Against Racism“Our core mission of Kansas Athletics is to protect the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes. We do not tolerate any acts of racism or violence and promote an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusivity. We celebrate individuals from all walks of life and do not discriminate based on background, color of skin, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or anything else. Recent acts of racial divide and violence are unacceptable. We respect and support each and every one of our 450-plus student-athletes and value their individuality. We join together as an athletic department, united in hopes to end the unconscionable acts of racism.”Statement from men’s basketball head coach Bill Self:“In most of our lives, things are only put into perspective because of an event that directly affects us or someone close to us. However, the recent tragedies over the past week are something that should personally affect each individual across this country that requires our full commitment to create change. The avoidable death of George Floyd, and too many others, saddens my family greatly.It is incomprehensible that this level of racism still occurs in this day and age, and it’s unacceptable. Anyone possessing basic human kindness must support each other and stand up for those that have been oppressed for far too long.No one should have to worry that they will be treated differently, or worse yet fear for their lives on a daily basis, simply because the color of their skin or where they are from.The conversations we have had as a team recently about the racial acts of violence is one that no amount of words can ever do justice. I am frustrated that we as a country have not done our part to create equal rights for all individuals. We must be better.”Statement from football head coach Les Miles:“As a football coach, I have had the good fortune of bringing young men together from different backgrounds to achieve a common goal – becoming a team.I have struggled to express the feelings and emotions with the events that have occurred over the past several days. My deepest condolences to the Floyd family. I am a father, and also a coach to many players both past and present who have enriched my life, and I am thankful for that.I’ve had players from around the country with a variety of backgrounds and have truly enjoyed working with and serving those quality young men. I encourage these men to go be leaders and make a positive impact in the world.My heart hurts as I reflect on the racism that still exists in this country and the civil unrest we currently find ourselves in. Regardless of race and color we cannot keep turning a blind eye to those that need our support through words and actions now more than ever.God Bless.”KU Athletics

Kansas athletics Unified Against Racism

The
Fort Hays State men’s basketball team has added another guard to their recruiting
class with the signing of Elijah Nnanabu.

Nannabu is a Seattle native
who is listed as a combo guard and great defender. He played four years at West
Seattle High School before playing at Cooper International Academy in Ontario,
Calif. where he averaged 25 points, five rebounds and five assists per game and
was named the team’s Newcomer of the Year in 2018-19. 

Nnanabu is the fourth signee for the Tigers for the 2020-21 season joining high school
seniors Quinten Rock, a 6-0 guard from Smoky Hill HS in Aurora, Colo.; Haggan Hilgendorf, a 6-9 forward from Hastings HS in Hastings, Neb.; and Traejon Davis, a 6-5 guard from Hoops for Christ in Oklahoma City, Okla.

The
Fort Hays State men’s basketball team has added another guard to their recruiting
class with the signing of Elijah Nnanabu.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Hey tiger fans!! We are excited to announce the signing of Elijah Nnanabu from Cooper Academy Prep (CA)!! <a href="https://t.co/tVqshTnwbc">pic.twitter.com/tVqshTnwbc</a>&mdash; Tiger Hoops (@fhsutigerhoops) <a href="https://twitter.com/fhsutigerhoops/status/1266144032834686979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Nannabu is a Seattle native
who is listed as a combo guard and great defender. He played four years at West
Seattle High School before playing at Cooper International Academy in Ontario,
Calif. where he averaged 25 points, five rebounds and five assists per game and
was named the team’s Newcomer of the Year in 2018-19. Nnanabu is the fourth signee for the Tigers for the 2020-21 season joining high school
seniors Quinten Rock, a 6-0 guard from Smoky Hill HS in Aurora, Colo.; Haggan Hilgendorf, a 6-9 forward from Hastings HS in Hastings, Neb.; and Traejon Davis, a 6-5 guard from Hoops for Christ in Oklahoma City, Okla.

FHSU men's basketball adds combo guard for 2020-21

UNDATED (AP) — NFL owners approved several rules on Thursday without accepting an alternative to the onside kick.

Owners have tabled a proposal that would have offered a fourth-and-15 play as an alternative to the onside kick. Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay said there were more clubs receptive to the onside kick alternative than in the past and it will be further explored and likely brought up again.

Owners approved testing expanded use of video replay in the preseason to aid in officiating, and they also increased the number of players who may be designated for return from the injured list during a season from two to three.

The owners voted to make permanent the expansion of automatic replay reviews to include scoring plays and turnovers negated by a foul, and any successful or unsuccessful extra points.

Also approved was the competition committee's recommendation to expand defenseless player protection to a kickoff or punt returner who is in possession of the ball but has not had time to avoid or ward off contact of an opponent.

Another approved recommendation stops teams from manipulating the game clock by committing multiple dead-ball fouls while the clock is running. That’s an issue that came up several times in 2019, including during the postseason.

Using video replay for pass interference calls was dropped after a one-year experiment that led to more uncertainty than clarity.

A proposal to have a booth judge serve as an eighth official on each crew was tabled.

UNDATED (AP) — NFL owners approved several rules on Thursday without accepting an alternative to the onside kick.Owners have tabled a proposal that would have offered a fourth-and-15 play as an alternative to the onside kick. Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay said there were more clubs receptive to the onside kick alternative than in the past and it will be further explored and likely brought up again.Owners approved testing expanded use of video replay in the preseason to aid in officiating, and they also increased the number of players who may be designated for return from the injured list during a season from two to three.The owners voted to make permanent the expansion of automatic replay reviews to include scoring plays and turnovers negated by a foul, and any successful or unsuccessful extra points.Also approved was the competition committee's recommendation to expand defenseless player protection to a kickoff or punt returner who is in possession of the ball but has not had time to avoid or ward off contact of an opponent.Another approved recommendation stops teams from manipulating the game clock by committing multiple dead-ball fouls while the clock is running. That’s an issue that came up several times in 2019, including during the postseason.Using video replay for pass interference calls was dropped after a one-year experiment that led to more uncertainty than clarity.A proposal to have a booth judge serve as an eighth official on each crew was tabled.

NFL owners table onside kick alternative proposal

Kicker Dante Brown shares his thoughts on being drafted by the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League and looks back at his All-America career at Fort Hays State.

Kicker Dante Brown shares his thoughts on being drafted by the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League and looks back at his All-America career at Fort Hays State.<div><iframe title="Dante Brown" height="400" width="400" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/media/player/b2dnr-ddf9cd?from=yiiadmin&download=1&version=1&vjs=1&skin=7&auto=0&download=1&pbad=1"></iframe></div>

🎧 Defend the Fort Podcast: Dante Brown

UNDATED (AP) - Financially challenged schools considering cutting sports in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic are making difficult decisions of who gets to keep playing and who doesn’t.

The choices aren’t just about money when they involve women’s sports. And while Title IX doesn’t prevent women’s sports from being eliminated, the federal law is a huge part of the conversations.

“I wouldn’t say that women’s sports are more at risk,” said attorney Timothy J. O’Brien, who is based in Maine with a practice focused on employment and college sports law. “I would say that all sports in an economic downturn will be scrutinized. But it should be done in a fair and equitable manner so at the end of the day the institution is compliant with Title IX.”

The civil-rights law, which applies to each gender, is credited with expanding women’s opportunities and participation in sports.

With the shutdown of college and professional sports in March amid the pandemic, it’s unclear how many schools will be able to have sports on reopened campuses this fall. Some – including Appalachian State, Cincinnati, East Carolina, Furman and Old Dominion – have already cut non-revenue sports programs, but any move must ensure equitable treatment of remaining men’s and women’s athletics programs to comply with Title IX.

Established in 1972, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal funds, such as student financial aid. It applies to sports by ensuring men and women have equitable participation opportunities, as well as access to scholarships.

While schools are facing financial hardships, Boston-based attorney Janet P. Judge said that fact doesn’t nullify Title IX responsibilities.

“Title IX still applies,” said Judge, who focuses on sports and civil rights law. “It’s a federal law that still applies. It’s not suspended because there are financial challenges for the institutions.”

Schools are reviewing guidelines with college athletics facing an uncertain financial future – including big-budget programs that rely on football as the revenue driver through lucrative TV deals and the ability to fund lower-profile sports. There was also the hit from the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament, which meant far less money distributed to Division I schools.

O’Brien, who joined Judge in co-authoring the NCAA gender equity manual, said schools are “keenly aware” that decisions can’t be based solely on which programs cost the most money with the least return. That’s because any decision to cut sports can affect the “delicate balancing act” in complying with Title IX when it comes to the school’s gender breakdown of athletes and sports, he said.

Still, it doesn’t mandate schools offer men’s and women’s programs that are mirror images. As an example, NCAA guidelines require Football Bowl Subdivision schools to sponsor at least 16 varsity sports with a minimum of six for men or mixed-gender teams, and eight for women.

O’Brien said compliance can be measured in multiple ways, including whether the overall sports program’s gender breakdown is proportionate to that of the general student body.

“That’s really the focal point of the analysis: what’s left, not what was eliminated?” O’Brien said.

Like O’Brien, Judge does not believe women’s programs are at more risk because it “would be difficult” for schools to comply with Title IX while widely cutting women’s sports. So far, they’re right; more men’s programs (16) have been cut than women’s (four) in Division I as of Tuesday, according to a count by The Associated Press.

Old Dominion said in early April it would discontinue wrestling, saving about $1 million. The school said that decision followed a six-month outside study of its athletics program that included Title IX compliance considerations, with athletics director Camden Wood Selig saying the decision to cut a sport “became even more clear” with the pandemic.

Later that month, Cincinnati eliminated a men’s soccer program in existence since 1973.

In May, Florida International dissolved its men’s indoor track and field program. Akron eliminated three sports — men’s cross country, men’s golf and women’s tennis — to save $4.4 million. Bowling Green followed with the shutdown of baseball to reduce the athletics department’s operating budget by $2 million.

Last week, Furman cut baseball and men’s lacrosse, while East Carolina eliminated four sports — men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s tennis — in a plan to save $4.9 million.

And Tuesday, Appalachian State cut men’s soccer, men’s tennis and men’s indoor track and field in a plan to reduce the budget by $5 million for the 2021 fiscal year.

There are other financial considerations, too.

Wake Forest athletics director John Currie noted that non-revenue sports frequently have athletes on partial scholarships, meaning a team roster could have the equivalent of numerous athletes paying full tuition. So cutting a sport might reduce expenses for an athletics department yet cause a net revenue loss for a school more broadly.

It’s just one example, he said, of detailed evaluations any school must make while also fulfilling its Title IX requirements.

Meeting that threshold is not optional, though Currie noted a harsh reality: “Not every school can be everything to everybody.”

“Allocation of resources is among the most difficult decisions that leaders have to make, and the prioritization of how they’re going to allocate those resources,” Currie said. “Because there’s lots of great things we could do. We can’t do everything, if we want to do things in an excellent fashion.

“Despite what people want to believe, college athletics as a whole is an enterprise with some business principles. It’s not a business, because there’s no business that operates a predominant number of its programs at a net loss.”

UNDATED (AP) - Financially challenged schools considering cutting sports in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic are making difficult decisions of who gets to keep playing and who doesn’t.The choices aren’t just about money when they involve women’s sports. And while Title IX doesn’t prevent women’s sports from being eliminated, the federal law is a huge part of the conversations.“I wouldn’t say that women’s sports are more at risk,” said attorney Timothy J. O’Brien, who is based in Maine with a practice focused on employment and college sports law. “I would say that all sports in an economic downturn will be scrutinized. But it should be done in a fair and equitable manner so at the end of the day the institution is compliant with Title IX.”The civil-rights law, which applies to each gender, is credited with expanding women’s opportunities and participation in sports.With the shutdown of college and professional sports in March amid the pandemic, it’s unclear how many schools will be able to have sports on reopened campuses this fall. Some – including Appalachian State, Cincinnati, East Carolina, Furman and Old Dominion – have already cut non-revenue sports programs, but any move must ensure equitable treatment of remaining men’s and women’s athletics programs to comply with Title IX.Established in 1972, Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal funds, such as student financial aid. It applies to sports by ensuring men and women have equitable participation opportunities, as well as access to scholarships.While schools are facing financial hardships, Boston-based attorney Janet P. Judge said that fact doesn’t nullify Title IX responsibilities.“Title IX still applies,” said Judge, who focuses on sports and civil rights law. “It’s a federal law that still applies. It’s not suspended because there are financial challenges for the institutions.”Schools are reviewing guidelines with college athletics facing an uncertain financial future – including big-budget programs that rely on football as the revenue driver through lucrative TV deals and the ability to fund lower-profile sports. There was also the hit from the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament, which meant far less money distributed to Division I schools.O’Brien, who joined Judge in co-authoring the NCAA gender equity manual, said schools are “keenly aware” that decisions can’t be based solely on which programs cost the most money with the least return. That’s because any decision to cut sports can affect the “delicate balancing act” in complying with Title IX when it comes to the school’s gender breakdown of athletes and sports, he said.Still, it doesn’t mandate schools offer men’s and women’s programs that are mirror images. As an example, NCAA guidelines require Football Bowl Subdivision schools to sponsor at least 16 varsity sports with a minimum of six for men or mixed-gender teams, and eight for women.O’Brien said compliance can be measured in multiple ways, including whether the overall sports program’s gender breakdown is proportionate to that of the general student body.“That’s really the focal point of the analysis: what’s left, not what was eliminated?” O’Brien said.Like O’Brien, Judge does not believe women’s programs are at more risk because it “would be difficult” for schools to comply with Title IX while widely cutting women’s sports. So far, they’re right; more men’s programs (16) have been cut than women’s (four) in Division I as of Tuesday, according to a count by The Associated Press.Old Dominion said in early April it would discontinue wrestling, saving about $1 million. The school said that decision followed a six-month outside study of its athletics program that included Title IX compliance considerations, with athletics director Camden Wood Selig saying the decision to cut a sport “became even more clear” with the pandemic.Later that month, Cincinnati eliminated a men’s soccer program in existence since 1973.In May, Florida International dissolved its men’s indoor track and field program. Akron eliminated three sports — men’s cross country, men’s golf and women’s tennis — to save $4.4 million. Bowling Green followed with the shutdown of baseball to reduce the athletics department’s operating budget by $2 million.Last week, Furman cut baseball and men’s lacrosse, while East Carolina eliminated four sports — men’s and women’s swimming and diving, men’s and women’s tennis — in a plan to save $4.9 million.And Tuesday, Appalachian State cut men’s soccer, men’s tennis and men’s indoor track and field in a plan to reduce the budget by $5 million for the 2021 fiscal year.There are other financial considerations, too.Wake Forest athletics director John Currie noted that non-revenue sports frequently have athletes on partial scholarships, meaning a team roster could have the equivalent of numerous athletes paying full tuition. So cutting a sport might reduce expenses for an athletics department yet cause a net revenue loss for a school more broadly.It’s just one example, he said, of detailed evaluations any school must make while also fulfilling its Title IX requirements.Meeting that threshold is not optional, though Currie noted a harsh reality: “Not every school can be everything to everybody.”“Allocation of resources is among the most difficult decisions that leaders have to make, and the prioritization of how they’re going to allocate those resources,” Currie said. “Because there’s lots of great things we could do. We can’t do everything, if we want to do things in an excellent fashion.“Despite what people want to believe, college athletics as a whole is an enterprise with some business principles. It’s not a business, because there’s no business that operates a predominant number of its programs at a net loss.”

Title IX major factor for colleges looking at sports cuts

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball players appeared likely to propose more regular-season games this year while holding to their demand for full prorated salaries, people familiar with their deliberations told The Associated Press.

Washington pitcher Max Scherzer, among eight players on the union’s executive subcommittee,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Max_Scherzer/status/1265842546619691010/photo/1" target="_blank">issued a statement</a>&nbsp;late Wednesday night calling management’s proposal for more salary cuts a non-starter.

A day after Major League Baseball&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ea330800b6886f0396d3b000680584e">proposed a sliding scale of salary slashing</a>&nbsp;for a pandemic-delayed season with an 82-game schedule in ballparks without fans, the union held a conference call Wednesday that included its executive board, player representatives and alternate player representatives, the people said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because no details were announced.

Scherzer, among the sport’s highest-paid players, confirmed the call without divulging who was on it.

“After discussing the latest developments with the rest of the players there’s no need to engage with MLB in any further compensation reductions,” he said in a statement posted to Twitter. “We have previously negotiated a pay cut in the version of prorated salaries, and there’s no justification to accept a 2nd pay cut based upon the current information the union has received.”

“I’m glad to hear other players voicing the same viewpoint,” he added, “and believe MLB’s economic strategy would completely change if all documentation were to become public information.”

It was unclear when the union will respond to MLB’s plan, the people said.

<a href="https://apnews.com/e4de6351d5546a7b0251f85c7015d700">Stars Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole would lose the most</a>&nbsp;under MLB’s plan, about 77% of the $36 million each they were set to be paid this season. In all, there are 133 players whose contracts call for salaries of $10 million or more, not including shares of signing bonuses.

A big leaguer earning $1 million or less would keep at least 43% of his salary under the six-tier scale. That includes a share of $200 million earmarked for players that is contingent on the postseason being completed. About 460 of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e4ec65ed068d9b636ac9c302453eac26">approximately 900 players on rosters and injured lists</a>&nbsp;when spring training was stopped in mid-March due to the new coronavirus make $1 million or less.

Trout and Cole would be cut to about $8 million each. Colorado’s Nolan Arenado would drop from $35 million to $7.84 million.

“Interesting strategy of making the best most marketable players potentially look like the bad guys,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/_BAnderson30_/status/1265378764281786368" target="_blank">Milwaukee pitcher Brett Anderson tweeted.</a>

The players’ association called the proposal “extremely disappointing.” The union has argued players already accepted a cut to prorated shares of their salaries in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dd87bcc774d608e53624594fe56fab0">March 26 agreement</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c11a2c671c69868fb11acc2b57b0fb70">should not have to bargain again.</a>

MLB would like to start the season around the Fourth of July in empty ballparks and proposed an 82-game regular season. It claims teams would lose billions of dollars by playing with no ticket money and gate-related revenue.

“This season is not looking promising,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/STR0/status/1265390446668324876" target="_blank">New York Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman tweeted</a>. “Keeping the mind and body ready regardless.”

Union head Tony Clark has not commented publicly on MLB’s proposal and has said very little publicly since late March. Agent Scott Boras has repeatedly criticized MLB for proposing more salary reductions and has questioned the accuracy of management’s financial claims.

“Hearing a LOT of rumors about a certain player agent meddling in MLBPA affairs,” Cincinnati pitcher Trevor Bauer tweeted Wednesday. “If true — and at this point, these are only rumors — I have one thing to say... Scott Boras, rep your clients however you want to, but keep your damn personal agenda out of union business.”

Boras declined to comment on Bauer’s remarks.

“Working together to manage the public health issue has brought great solidarity among the players,” Boras said earlier in the day. “They are a strong united front and resolute in their support of the MLBPA.”

A season with more than 82 games would lead to players earning a higher percentage of their original salaries. MLB says that without fans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/75087708a030c20637c5ea25b5c99c40">each additional game would result in a $640,000 loss.</a>

Brewers chairman Mark Attanasio told the Greater Milwaukee Committee on Tuesday “the be-careful-what-you-wish-for part is hours every day.”

“It’s got to come together very quickly or we won’t be able to, we will just run out of time,” he said. “To pay players at a full contract rate, pretty much 90% of that would go to pay them and wouldn’t cover any other costs.”

Details of the plan have been disclosed to the AP by several people familiar with the proposal. They spoke on condition of anonymity because details had not been announced.

MLB’s proposal says that within 48 hours of the ratification of an agreement for player compensation terms and health and safety protocols, the commissioner’s office would announce a proposed timeline for the resumption of the season.

The resumption would include a training period of at least 21 days, and each team would be allowed a maximum of three exhibition games, all in the final seven days of the training period.

Opening day would be in early July, and the final scheduled regular-season game would be no later than Sept. 27 — the same as in the original 2020 schedule.

Issues such as roster size, trade deadlines, series length and treatment of the luxury tax would be delegated to a subcommittee.

AP Sports Writer Steve Megargee in Milwaukee contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball players appeared likely to propose more regular-season games this year while holding to their demand for full prorated salaries, people familiar with their deliberations told The Associated Press.Washington pitcher Max Scherzer, among eight players on the union’s executive subcommittee,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Max_Scherzer/status/1265842546619691010/photo/1" target="_blank">issued a statement</a>&nbsp;late Wednesday night calling management’s proposal for more salary cuts a non-starter.A day after Major League Baseball&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/7ea330800b6886f0396d3b000680584e">proposed a sliding scale of salary slashing</a>&nbsp;for a pandemic-delayed season with an 82-game schedule in ballparks without fans, the union held a conference call Wednesday that included its executive board, player representatives and alternate player representatives, the people said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because no details were announced.Scherzer, among the sport’s highest-paid players, confirmed the call without divulging who was on it.“After discussing the latest developments with the rest of the players there’s no need to engage with MLB in any further compensation reductions,” he said in a statement posted to Twitter. “We have previously negotiated a pay cut in the version of prorated salaries, and there’s no justification to accept a 2nd pay cut based upon the current information the union has received.”“I’m glad to hear other players voicing the same viewpoint,” he added, “and believe MLB’s economic strategy would completely change if all documentation were to become public information.”It was unclear when the union will respond to MLB’s plan, the people said.<a href="https://apnews.com/e4de6351d5546a7b0251f85c7015d700">Stars Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole would lose the most</a>&nbsp;under MLB’s plan, about 77% of the $36 million each they were set to be paid this season. In all, there are 133 players whose contracts call for salaries of $10 million or more, not including shares of signing bonuses.A big leaguer earning $1 million or less would keep at least 43% of his salary under the six-tier scale. That includes a share of $200 million earmarked for players that is contingent on the postseason being completed. About 460 of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/e4ec65ed068d9b636ac9c302453eac26">approximately 900 players on rosters and injured lists</a>&nbsp;when spring training was stopped in mid-March due to the new coronavirus make $1 million or less.Trout and Cole would be cut to about $8 million each. Colorado’s Nolan Arenado would drop from $35 million to $7.84 million.“Interesting strategy of making the best most marketable players potentially look like the bad guys,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/_BAnderson30_/status/1265378764281786368" target="_blank">Milwaukee pitcher Brett Anderson tweeted.</a>The players’ association called the proposal “extremely disappointing.” The union has argued players already accepted a cut to prorated shares of their salaries in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/dd87bcc774d608e53624594fe56fab0">March 26 agreement</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/c11a2c671c69868fb11acc2b57b0fb70">should not have to bargain again.</a>MLB would like to start the season around the Fourth of July in empty ballparks and proposed an 82-game regular season. It claims teams would lose billions of dollars by playing with no ticket money and gate-related revenue.“This season is not looking promising,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/STR0/status/1265390446668324876" target="_blank">New York Mets pitcher Marcus Stroman tweeted</a>. “Keeping the mind and body ready regardless.”Union head Tony Clark has not commented publicly on MLB’s proposal and has said very little publicly since late March. Agent Scott Boras has repeatedly criticized MLB for proposing more salary reductions and has questioned the accuracy of management’s financial claims.“Hearing a LOT of rumors about a certain player agent meddling in MLBPA affairs,” Cincinnati pitcher Trevor Bauer tweeted Wednesday. “If true — and at this point, these are only rumors — I have one thing to say... Scott Boras, rep your clients however you want to, but keep your damn personal agenda out of union business.”Boras declined to comment on Bauer’s remarks.“Working together to manage the public health issue has brought great solidarity among the players,” Boras said earlier in the day. “They are a strong united front and resolute in their support of the MLBPA.”A season with more than 82 games would lead to players earning a higher percentage of their original salaries. MLB says that without fans&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/75087708a030c20637c5ea25b5c99c40">each additional game would result in a $640,000 loss.</a>Brewers chairman Mark Attanasio told the Greater Milwaukee Committee on Tuesday “the be-careful-what-you-wish-for part is hours every day.”“It’s got to come together very quickly or we won’t be able to, we will just run out of time,” he said. “To pay players at a full contract rate, pretty much 90% of that would go to pay them and wouldn’t cover any other costs.”Details of the plan have been disclosed to the AP by several people familiar with the proposal. They spoke on condition of anonymity because details had not been announced.MLB’s proposal says that within 48 hours of the ratification of an agreement for player compensation terms and health and safety protocols, the commissioner’s office would announce a proposed timeline for the resumption of the season.The resumption would include a training period of at least 21 days, and each team would be allowed a maximum of three exhibition games, all in the final seven days of the training period.Opening day would be in early July, and the final scheduled regular-season game would be no later than Sept. 27 — the same as in the original 2020 schedule.Issues such as roster size, trade deadlines, series length and treatment of the luxury tax would be delegated to a subcommittee.___AP Sports Writer Steve Megargee in Milwaukee contributed to this report.

MLB players want more games, no more salary cuts

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State sophomore forward Kaosi Ezeagu (Brampton, Ontario/GTA Prep/UTEP) has received a waiver from the NCAA that will allow him to play immediately in 2020-21, head coach Bruce Weber announced on Wednesday.

A 6-foot-10, 245-pound transfer from UTEP, Ezeagu enrolled at K-State on January 17 for the Spring 2020 semester and was able to practice with the team. He sat out the remainder of the 2019-20 season and was expected to do so for the Fall 2020 semester before earning the waiver. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.

"We are excited for Kaosi that he was able to gain this waiver and become immediately eligible," said Weber. "When we signed him, I thought he filled a big need, giving us an older, experienced big guy that has played Division I basketball. He made big strides on the court and in the weight room this past semester and helped raise the physicality and competitive spirit in practice. He really helped push (departing senior) Mak (Mawien) down the stretch. We are appreciative to Coach (Rodney) Terry, his staff and UTEP for supporting this waiver."

Prior to enrolling at K-State, the native of Brampton, Ontario played one season at UTEP for head coach Rodney Terry in 2018-19. He played in all 29 games for the Miners as a true freshman, averaging 3.2 points on a team-best 56.9 field goal percentage (37-of-65) with 3.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 12.4 minutes per game. He led the team with 24 blocked shots and registered at least 2 blocks in eight contests with a season-high 3 against Rice on February 23, 2019. Twice he scored in double figures, including 10 in his first game against UTPB on November 16, 2018 and a season-best 12 against Middle Tennessee State on March 6, 2019.

Ezeagu started each of the Miners' last seven games, averaging 3.9 points on 47.8 percent shooting (11-of-23) with 4.3 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game. He nearly had a double-double in his final home game against Middle Tennessee State with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting with 9 rebounds in a season-best 29 minutes.

Ezeagu was born in the Bahamas but went to prep school in Brampton, Ontario (a suburb of Toronto, where he was rated one of the top prep players in Canada after averaging 11.4 points and 10.4 rebounds at GTA Prep at Mississauga Secondary School in 2017-18. The only player in the league to average a double-double, he was named the Defensive Player of the Year by the National Preparatory Association. He was also selected as the co-MVP of the Signature All-Canadian Showcase.

Ezeagu joins an acclaimed recruiting class that includes community college transfers Rueadale "Rudi" Williams (Hamilton, Ontario/Forest Trail [N.C]/NE Oklahoma A&amp;M College) and Carlton Linguard (San Antonio, Texas/Stevens/Temple College [Texas]) as well as high school seniors Davion Bradford (St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville, Luke Kasubke (St. Louis, Mo./Chaminade, Seryee Lewis (Chicago, Ill./Compass Prep [Ariz.], Selton Miguel (Orlando, Fla./West Oaks Academy) and Nijel Pack (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central).

The seven-man recruiting class ranks among the best in the country by several recruiting services, including No. 17 by Rivals.com and No. 30 by 247Sports.com. Historically speaking, it is the highest rated recruiting class under Weber and the highest collective class by K-State since recruiting rankings have been kept. Three players (Selton Miguel, Nijel Pack and Davion Bradford) are rated among the Top 150 players by both 247Sports and Rivals, while Williams and Linguard are both ranked among the best community college signees by 247Sports.

<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball">Kansas State Athletics</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State sophomore forward Kaosi Ezeagu (Brampton, Ontario/GTA Prep/UTEP) has received a waiver from the NCAA that will allow him to play immediately in 2020-21, head coach Bruce Weber announced on Wednesday.A 6-foot-10, 245-pound transfer from UTEP, Ezeagu enrolled at K-State on January 17 for the Spring 2020 semester and was able to practice with the team. He sat out the remainder of the 2019-20 season and was expected to do so for the Fall 2020 semester before earning the waiver. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining."We are excited for Kaosi that he was able to gain this waiver and become immediately eligible," said Weber. "When we signed him, I thought he filled a big need, giving us an older, experienced big guy that has played Division I basketball. He made big strides on the court and in the weight room this past semester and helped raise the physicality and competitive spirit in practice. He really helped push (departing senior) Mak (Mawien) down the stretch. We are appreciative to Coach (Rodney) Terry, his staff and UTEP for supporting this waiver."Prior to enrolling at K-State, the native of Brampton, Ontario played one season at UTEP for head coach Rodney Terry in 2018-19. He played in all 29 games for the Miners as a true freshman, averaging 3.2 points on a team-best 56.9 field goal percentage (37-of-65) with 3.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in 12.4 minutes per game. He led the team with 24 blocked shots and registered at least 2 blocks in eight contests with a season-high 3 against Rice on February 23, 2019. Twice he scored in double figures, including 10 in his first game against UTPB on November 16, 2018 and a season-best 12 against Middle Tennessee State on March 6, 2019.Ezeagu started each of the Miners' last seven games, averaging 3.9 points on 47.8 percent shooting (11-of-23) with 4.3 rebounds in 17.3 minutes per game. He nearly had a double-double in his final home game against Middle Tennessee State with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting with 9 rebounds in a season-best 29 minutes.Ezeagu was born in the Bahamas but went to prep school in Brampton, Ontario (a suburb of Toronto, where he was rated one of the top prep players in Canada after averaging 11.4 points and 10.4 rebounds at GTA Prep at Mississauga Secondary School in 2017-18. The only player in the league to average a double-double, he was named the Defensive Player of the Year by the National Preparatory Association. He was also selected as the co-MVP of the Signature All-Canadian Showcase.Ezeagu joins an acclaimed recruiting class that includes community college transfers Rueadale "Rudi" Williams (Hamilton, Ontario/Forest Trail [N.C]/NE Oklahoma A&amp;M College) and Carlton Linguard (San Antonio, Texas/Stevens/Temple College [Texas]) as well as high school seniors Davion Bradford (St. Louis, Mo./Mehlville, Luke Kasubke (St. Louis, Mo./Chaminade, Seryee Lewis (Chicago, Ill./Compass Prep [Ariz.], Selton Miguel (Orlando, Fla./West Oaks Academy) and Nijel Pack (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central).The seven-man recruiting class ranks among the best in the country by several recruiting services, including No. 17 by Rivals.com and No. 30 by 247Sports.com. Historically speaking, it is the highest rated recruiting class under Weber and the highest collective class by K-State since recruiting rankings have been kept. Three players (Selton Miguel, Nijel Pack and Davion Bradford) are rated among the Top 150 players by both 247Sports and Rivals, while Williams and Linguard are both ranked among the best community college signees by 247Sports.<a href="https://www.kstatesports.com/sports/mens-basketball">Kansas State Athletics</a>

K-State's Ezeagu earns waiver to play immediately in 2020-21

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - The athletic department at the University of Kansas has told donors it will make across-the-board pay cuts and furloughs as it faces a budget shortfall of up to 20%, even if full football and basketball seasons are played.

Jayhawks athletic director Jeff Long said in an email that employees making less than $50,000 will face a three-week furlough this summer; those making up to $149,000 can choose between a 10-day furlough or a pay cut of either 3.5% or 5% depending on their salary; those making up to $299,000 can choose a 10-day furlough or cut of either 7.5% and 10%; and those making $300,000 or more will take a 10% pay cut.

Long joined football coach Les Miles and basketball coach Bill Self in taking pay cuts in April. When those are combined with the latest cuts, Long said the athletic department would save about $1.15 million.

"We prolonged enacting measures that impact our people as long as we could,'' Long said in the email, "but it has become clear that the across-the-board reductions were necessary for the short and long-term financial needs of this department.''

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - The athletic department at the University of Kansas has told donors it will make across-the-board pay cuts and furloughs as it faces a budget shortfall of up to 20%, even if full football and basketball seasons are played.Jayhawks athletic director Jeff Long said in an email that employees making less than $50,000 will face a three-week furlough this summer; those making up to $149,000 can choose between a 10-day furlough or a pay cut of either 3.5% or 5% depending on their salary; those making up to $299,000 can choose a 10-day furlough or cut of either 7.5% and 10%; and those making $300,000 or more will take a 10% pay cut.Long joined football coach Les Miles and basketball coach Bill Self in taking pay cuts in April. When those are combined with the latest cuts, Long said the athletic department would save about $1.15 million."We prolonged enacting measures that impact our people as long as we could,'' Long said in the email, "but it has become clear that the across-the-board reductions were necessary for the short and long-term financial needs of this department.''

Kansas athletic department to impose furloughs, pay cuts

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL has tabled a proposal for a booth official who would aid calls by using a video feed, a person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press.

The league’s competition committee told teams last month it supports studying ways to determine how officiating personnel who have access to a video feed could help on-field officials. A booth umpire would serve as an eighth game official.

But when the owners vote on rules proposals in a conference call Thursday, they instead will be looking at alternatives to a booth official, the person said on condition of anonymity because the league has not announced the move.

Those alternatives will focus on preseason tests of expanding the authority of the current replay assistant as he communicates with on-field officials.

Several reasons for dismissing the booth official suggestion have been offered, from the extra cost of another permanent official to the fact college football has such a setup. Regardless, the league’s approach to improving officiating now will center on enhancing the current system.

Earlier Wednesday, the NFL clarified the rules proposal for an alternative to an onside kick.

The Philadelphia Eagles have proposed allowing one fourth-and-15 scrimmage play from 25-yard line of the team kicking off. It can only be done in regulation time, and be used twice. Should the team attempting the play succeed, it would keep the ball. If the defense is successful, its offense gets the ball at the spot where the play is blown dead.

NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL has tabled a proposal for a booth official who would aid calls by using a video feed, a person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press.The league’s competition committee told teams last month it supports studying ways to determine how officiating personnel who have access to a video feed could help on-field officials. A booth umpire would serve as an eighth game official.But when the owners vote on rules proposals in a conference call Thursday, they instead will be looking at alternatives to a booth official, the person said on condition of anonymity because the league has not announced the move.Those alternatives will focus on preseason tests of expanding the authority of the current replay assistant as he communicates with on-field officials.Several reasons for dismissing the booth official suggestion have been offered, from the extra cost of another permanent official to the fact college football has such a setup. Regardless, the league’s approach to improving officiating now will center on enhancing the current system.Earlier Wednesday, the NFL clarified the rules proposal for an alternative to an onside kick.The Philadelphia Eagles have proposed allowing one fourth-and-15 scrimmage play from 25-yard line of the team kicking off. It can only be done in regulation time, and be used twice. Should the team attempting the play succeed, it would keep the ball. If the defense is successful, its offense gets the ball at the spot where the play is blown dead.A regular onside kick would remain an option.Team owners will discuss and possibly vote on the Eagles’ suggestion on Thursday. The idea is to virtually eliminate the onside kick that is considered more dangerous than most other football plays, while offering a substitute that could be exciting — and game changing.Recent rules changes regarding alignments on onside kicks and run-ups for kicking team players have turned the exercise into something of a relic attempted only in desperate situations. In the last two years, less than 10% of onside kicks succeeded.After the kicking team notifies the referee it wants to attempt the fourth-and-15 play, it would need to reach its 40-yard line to convert. However, penalties incurred on the previous play, such as a field goal or extra point, would apply and would change the line of scrimmage for the play, which would remain a fourth-and-15 attempt.Once a team has opted for the scrimmage play, that decision sticks — unless the team calls a timeout before running the fourth-and-15 play. It could then notify the referee it has decided to kick off instead, and do so. That would seem like a waste of a timeout.If the offense has run the alternative play and been flagged for a penalty, the yardage is marked off and another scrimmage play is run. Switching to kicking off instead is barred in that scenario.The game clock would not run for the play, though a 25-second play clock would be in force.Some people within the NFL find the proposal gimmicky, and there’s some support for trying it in the preseason as an experiment, then evaluating its impact. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s uncertain if the NFL will have a preseason or what it would look like.