NEW YORK (AP) — Five more baseball players tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week, raising the total to 80 since testing started in late June.

Major League Baseball and the players’ association said six of 10,548 samples were new positives in the week ending Thursday, a rate of 0.05%. In addition to players, one staff member tested positive.

The sides do not announce names of those who test positive, but some players have allowed teams to identify themselves. Tampa Bay All-Star outfielder Austin Meadows was placed on the injured list Thursday night after testing positive for the coronavirus

The week included a five-day span with no new positive tests, MLB and the union said Friday.

For the past two weeks of monitoring testing, 23 of 17,949 samples have been new positives, a rate of 0.1% The new positives included 18 players and five staff members, all among 13 teams.

Including the initial intake screening that started in late June, 93 of of 21,701 samples have resulted in new positives, a rate of 0.4%. The positives included 80 players and 13 staff members, including four players who were additions to 60-man club player pools.

Twenty-eight teams have had a positive test result, including players and staff.

NEW YORK (AP) — Five more baseball players tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week, raising the total to 80 since testing started in late June.Major League Baseball and the players’ association said six of 10,548 samples were new positives in the week ending Thursday, a rate of 0.05%. In addition to players, one staff member tested positive.The sides do not announce names of those who test positive, but some players have allowed teams to identify themselves. Tampa Bay All-Star outfielder Austin Meadows was placed on the injured list Thursday night after testing positive for the coronavirusThe week included a five-day span with no new positive tests, MLB and the union said Friday.For the past two weeks of monitoring testing, 23 of 17,949 samples have been new positives, a rate of 0.1% The new positives included 18 players and five staff members, all among 13 teams.Including the initial intake screening that started in late June, 93 of of 21,701 samples have resulted in new positives, a rate of 0.4%. The positives included 80 players and 13 staff members, including four players who were additions to 60-man club player pools.Twenty-eight teams have had a positive test result, including players and staff.

Five more MLB players test positive for COVID-19

The Kansas State High School Activities Association released a statement through twitter concerning the upcoming fall sports season.

The KSHSAA believes participation in school and school activities is critical for the students of Kansas and we strive to provide those opportunities for students this fall.

This Friday (7/17) the KSHSAA had planned to distribute considerations and guidance for all fall&nbsp;activities to take place starting August 17. With the announcement Wednesday (7/15) from Governor Kelly, we will not release any information Friday. Rather we will go back and look at models and plans that are in place with a delayed start and release information when appropriate.

Governor Kelly announced on Wednesday that she plans to issue an executive order next Monday delaying the start of the K-12 school year until after Labor Day.

The Kansas State High School Activities Association released a statement through twitter concerning the upcoming fall sports season.The KSHSAA believes participation in school and school activities is critical for the students of Kansas and we strive to provide those opportunities for students this fall.This Friday (7/17) the KSHSAA had planned to distribute considerations and guidance for all fall&nbsp;activities to take place starting August 17. With the announcement Wednesday (7/15) from Governor Kelly, we will not release any information Friday. Rather we will go back and look at models and plans that are in place with a delayed start and release information when appropriate.Governor Kelly announced on Wednesday that she plans to issue an executive order next Monday delaying the start of the K-12 school year until after Labor Day.

KSHSAA issues statement about the fall sports season

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Three Kansas State football players – fullback&nbsp;Nick Lenners, defensive end&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert&nbsp;and kick returner&nbsp;Joshua Youngblood&nbsp;– have been named to the 2020 Preseason All-Big 12 team as chosen by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Thursday.

It is the first honor for all three players, each of whom were&nbsp;named First Team All-Big 12 performers by the league’s coaches following the 2019 season. The three Wildcats on the list are tied for the fourth most in the league and are the most by K-State since 2017.

Lenners played in 13 games a year ago with four starts, tallying 13 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown. It was the most catches by a Wildcat fullback or tight end since 2014 and the most yards among those positions since 2015. A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, Lenners was also a force in the running attack, helping block for a unit that ranked fourth in the Big 12 with 178.0 rushing yards per game and third in the league with 29 rushing touchdowns.

Hubert, who also received votes for the conference’s defensive player and defensive lineman of the year awards in 2019, tallied 33 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks in 12 games a year ago. He has 11.5 career sacks to tie for the second most ever by a Wildcat prior to his junior campaign. Hubert, a product of Topeka, Kansas, enters the 2020 season ranked 12th&nbsp;nationally among active players in career sacks per game (0.50) and 13th&nbsp;in TFLs per game (0.91).

The 2019 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, Youngblood was an All-American as a kick returner by multiple outlets after he returned a nation-leading three kickoffs for touchdowns. The first true freshman in Big 12 history to be named the league’s player of the year on offense, defense or special teams, Youngblood averaged 35.9 yards per kickoff return, a mark that would have led the nation and set the school record if he had two more attempts to meet the NCAA required minimum. A native of Tampa, Florida, Youngblood’s three kickoff returns – including a 100-yarder at Texas Tech – ranks third in Big 12 history and fourth in K-State history for a season.

KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594926313439.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Three Kansas State football players – fullback&nbsp;Nick Lenners, defensive end&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert&nbsp;and kick returner&nbsp;Joshua Youngblood&nbsp;– have been named to the 2020 Preseason All-Big 12 team as chosen by media representatives who cover the league, the conference office announced Thursday.It is the first honor for all three players, each of whom were&nbsp;named First Team All-Big 12 performers by the league’s coaches following the 2019 season. The three Wildcats on the list are tied for the fourth most in the league and are the most by K-State since 2017.Lenners played in 13 games a year ago with four starts, tallying 13 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown. It was the most catches by a Wildcat fullback or tight end since 2014 and the most yards among those positions since 2015. A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, Lenners was also a force in the running attack, helping block for a unit that ranked fourth in the Big 12 with 178.0 rushing yards per game and third in the league with 29 rushing touchdowns.Hubert, who also received votes for the conference’s defensive player and defensive lineman of the year awards in 2019, tallied 33 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks in 12 games a year ago. He has 11.5 career sacks to tie for the second most ever by a Wildcat prior to his junior campaign. Hubert, a product of Topeka, Kansas, enters the 2020 season ranked 12th&nbsp;nationally among active players in career sacks per game (0.50) and 13th&nbsp;in TFLs per game (0.91).The 2019 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year, Youngblood was an All-American as a kick returner by multiple outlets after he returned a nation-leading three kickoffs for touchdowns. The first true freshman in Big 12 history to be named the league’s player of the year on offense, defense or special teams, Youngblood averaged 35.9 yards per kickoff return, a mark that would have led the nation and set the school record if he had two more attempts to meet the NCAA required minimum. A native of Tampa, Florida, Youngblood’s three kickoff returns – including a 100-yarder at Texas Tech – ranks third in Big 12 history and fourth in K-State history for a season.– k-statesports.com –KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics

Three Wildcats earn nod on Preseason All-Big 12 team

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State was rewarded for an outstanding year in the classroom, as the Wildcats earned the 2019-20 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award in an announcement by the organization on Thursday (July 16).

Each year, the NABC recognizes men’s basketball programs across all levels (NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA Divisions and community colleges) with the Team Academic Excellence Award for excelling in academics during the athletics year. To be eligible for the honor, a team must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

“I’m extremely proud of our guys for their efforts in the classroom,” said head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber. “Obviously, this has been a challenging academic environment for our players and I can’t thank them enough for their hard work. Many thanks to Mike (Furlong) on our staff as well as Maryclare (Wheeler), Liane (Fowler) and many other members of the student-athlete services department for the support and dedication they give to our players.”

K-State was one of a selected number of teams from power conferences to earn the honor in 2019-20, including one of four schools (Oklahoma State, Texas and West Virginia) from the Big 12. It also marked the first time that the Wildcats have been selected for the honor since the award’s inception in 2012-13.

The accolade capped another solid academic year for K-State in 2019-20, as three players (Cartier Diarra,&nbsp;Pierson McAtee&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mike McGuirl) were selected to the 2020 Academic All-Big 12 Team, sophomore&nbsp;DaJuan Gordon&nbsp;was named to the 2020 Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team and players combined to place 20 times on the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Rolls, including a program-best 12 this past spring.

In addition to Weber and the coaching staff, several individuals play a pivotal role in the support of men’s basketball academic excellence, including director of student-athlete development&nbsp;Mike Furlong, academic counselor&nbsp;Maryclare Wheeler, director of specialized learning&nbsp;Liane Fowler, assistant director of specialized learning&nbsp;Jana Buehler&nbsp;and learning specialist&nbsp;Rebekah Thornton-Savage.

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State was rewarded for an outstanding year in the classroom, as the Wildcats earned the 2019-20 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Team Academic Excellence Award in an announcement by the organization on Thursday (July 16).Each year, the NABC recognizes men’s basketball programs across all levels (NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA Divisions and community colleges) with the Team Academic Excellence Award for excelling in academics during the athletics year. To be eligible for the honor, a team must achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.“I’m extremely proud of our guys for their efforts in the classroom,” said head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber. “Obviously, this has been a challenging academic environment for our players and I can’t thank them enough for their hard work. Many thanks to Mike (Furlong) on our staff as well as Maryclare (Wheeler), Liane (Fowler) and many other members of the student-athlete services department for the support and dedication they give to our players.”K-State was one of a selected number of teams from power conferences to earn the honor in 2019-20, including one of four schools (Oklahoma State, Texas and West Virginia) from the Big 12. It also marked the first time that the Wildcats have been selected for the honor since the award’s inception in 2012-13.The accolade capped another solid academic year for K-State in 2019-20, as three players (Cartier Diarra,&nbsp;Pierson McAtee&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mike McGuirl) were selected to the 2020 Academic All-Big 12 Team, sophomore&nbsp;DaJuan Gordon&nbsp;was named to the 2020 Academic All-Big 12 Rookie Team and players combined to place 20 times on the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Rolls, including a program-best 12 this past spring.In addition to Weber and the coaching staff, several individuals play a pivotal role in the support of men’s basketball academic excellence, including director of student-athlete development&nbsp;Mike Furlong, academic counselor&nbsp;Maryclare Wheeler, director of specialized learning&nbsp;Liane Fowler, assistant director of specialized learning&nbsp;Jana Buehler&nbsp;and learning specialist&nbsp;Rebekah Thornton-Savage.

K-State earns NABC Team Academic Excellence Award

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Organizers say they have canceled the 2021 Rose Parade because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on planning for the New Year’s tradition and the risk of spreading infections. 

The Pasadena, California, Tournament of Roses Association said Wednesday the decision was put off until organizers were certain that safety restrictions would prevent staging of the 132nd parade. Since its inception in 1891, the parade has only not occurred during the wartime years of 1942, 1943 and 1945. The association says planning is continuing for the Rose Bowl college football game that normally follows the parade.&nbsp;

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — Organizers say they have canceled the 2021 Rose Parade because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on planning for the New Year’s tradition and the risk of spreading infections. The Pasadena, California, Tournament of Roses Association said Wednesday the decision was put off until organizers were certain that safety restrictions would prevent staging of the 132nd parade. Since its inception in 1891, the parade has only not occurred during the wartime years of 1942, 1943 and 1945. The association says planning is continuing for the Rose Bowl college football game that normally follows the parade.&nbsp;

2021 Rose Parade cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic

By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/college-football-schedules-unsettled-coronavirus-cases-spike-kansas-and-us">Kansas News Service</a>

BALDWIN CITY, Kansas — College athletics departments
 in Kansas are needing to make a call as the number of coronavirus cases
 climb across the country and in their own ranks: Cancel fall sports, 
delay them until the spring, try in-conference games only or something 
in between.

At the center of it all is football — the 
high-contact sport that brings in money from the top college level to 
the small schools.&nbsp;

Dozens of schools have reported coronavirus 
cases among team members at voluntary workouts. And earlier this summer,
 Kansas State became one of the first major college teams in the country
 to shut the workouts down because of a high number of positive tests. 
The University of Kansas soon followed suit.

Already, three of 
the five major college conferences (Big Ten, Atlantic Coast Conference 
and Pac-12) have said they’ll only play against teams in their 
conference. The Ivy and Patriot leagues are calling off their fall 
seasons entirely. The National Junior College Athletic Association voted
 to move football to the spring.

The Big 12, which includes KU and K-State, is expected to make its decision at the end of the month.

Without
 the money from big-time sports, universities that are already hurting 
financially after having to shift fully online in the spring will 
suffer. But so will the college towns.

Baker University drives 
the economy in Baldwin City, Kansas, a town of more than 4,700 that’s 
about a half-hour from Lawrence. Of the roughly 800-plus students on 
campus at Baker, 66% play one of the school’s 24 varsity sports.

In
 early June, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics 
(NAIA) announced that all of its schools — Baker included — would be 
reduced to nine regular-season games from 11. It’s still uncertain if 
fans will be allowed to attend the home games because the NAIA is 
leaving it up to schools to follow state and local requirements.

“The potential of not having our family at games, it’s something 
that’s going to be very, very different,” Baker athletics director Nate 
Houser said.

Already, Baldwin City’s 63rd annual Maple Leaf 
Festival has been cancelled for the fall. Apryl Strawn, the manager of 
Jo’s Diner in town, said the possibility of football without fans could 
be devastating to their business.&nbsp;

“It’ll be awful,” Strawn said. “It’ll be absolutely awful.”&nbsp;

The athletes’ health vs. financial health&nbsp;

Whether
 football is played in Baldwin City or at KU, the issue is the same: How
 do you avoid transmission of coronavirus in a sport where you’re lined 
up next to each other and hit other players constantly?

It’s a question KU Director of Athletics Jeff Long has been pondering all summer, and hasn’t been able to answer.

"We
 don’t know what the impact of practicing, closed-quarters hitting, 
tackling, all those things will have on a team,” Long said during a 
Kansas City Public Library virtual forum last month.

Players came
 back to campus for voluntary workouts from all over the country, 
including Texas, which has seen a dramatic spike in cases.&nbsp;

But epidemiologist Dr. Chris Hostler, who is a consultant for the NFL
 and the Big 12 (which KU and K-State are a part of), said coronavirus 
can be anywhere.

“We’re going to continue to have athletes and 
staff who are positives, who are coming from different areas of the 
country,” said Hostler, who is based in Durham, North Carolina. “Or even
 just remaining in their communities.”

And there’s another thing 
to consider: If any scholarship athlete, man or woman, chooses to sit 
out this fall as a health precaution, would he or she lose that full 
ride to college? The Pac-12 says no. With the Big 12 leaving it up to 
its members — K-State says it will honor scholarships but is still 
working out the terms of the language, while KU hadn’t provided its 
policy by the time this story went to print.&nbsp;

But more than 
anything, college administrators are aware of the added financial pinch 
if there are no college football games this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“When people 
ask, ‘Why is it so important for you to play football, play basketball?”
 It’s to generate the revenue to fund that program,” Long said.

A major college football program like KU or K-State generates an average of $78 million according to a <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2020/04/14/college-football-major-programs-could-see-billions-revenue-go-away/2989466001/">recent study by USA Today</a>.

Within
 the Big 12, the Texas schools (Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor and TCU) 
figure to already see less money. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently 
mandated that no schools can have more than 50% fan capacity at home 
games.

But Hostler said what’s happening in Texas won’t dictate a uniform set of recommendations.

“What
 happens in West Virginia is going to be very different than what 
happens a couple states away in Iowa or in Oklahoma,” he said.

Greg Echlin is a freelance sports reporter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594758329334.png" alt=" Kansas State's football team had several players test positive for COVID-19 this summer. Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3 file photo" />
 <figcaption> Kansas State's football team had several players test positive for COVID-19 this summer. Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3 file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/post/college-football-schedules-unsettled-coronavirus-cases-spike-kansas-and-us">Kansas News Service</a>BALDWIN CITY, Kansas — College athletics departments
 in Kansas are needing to make a call as the number of coronavirus cases
 climb across the country and in their own ranks: Cancel fall sports, 
delay them until the spring, try in-conference games only or something 
in between.At the center of it all is football — the 
high-contact sport that brings in money from the top college level to 
the small schools.&nbsp;Dozens of schools have reported coronavirus 
cases among team members at voluntary workouts. And earlier this summer,
 Kansas State became one of the first major college teams in the country
 to shut the workouts down because of a high number of positive tests. 
The University of Kansas soon followed suit.Already, three of 
the five major college conferences (Big Ten, Atlantic Coast Conference 
and Pac-12) have said they’ll only play against teams in their 
conference. The Ivy and Patriot leagues are calling off their fall 
seasons entirely. The National Junior College Athletic Association voted
 to move football to the spring.The Big 12, which includes KU and K-State, is expected to make its decision at the end of the month.Without
 the money from big-time sports, universities that are already hurting 
financially after having to shift fully online in the spring will 
suffer. But so will the college towns.Baker University drives 
the economy in Baldwin City, Kansas, a town of more than 4,700 that’s 
about a half-hour from Lawrence. Of the roughly 800-plus students on 
campus at Baker, 66% play one of the school’s 24 varsity sports.In
 early June, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics 
(NAIA) announced that all of its schools — Baker included — would be 
reduced to nine regular-season games from 11. It’s still uncertain if 
fans will be allowed to attend the home games because the NAIA is 
leaving it up to schools to follow state and local requirements.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594758388532.jpeg" alt=" Nate House is Baker University's athletic director. Credit Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption> Nate House is Baker University's athletic director. Credit Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>“The potential of not having our family at games, it’s something 
that’s going to be very, very different,” Baker athletics director Nate 
Houser said.Already, Baldwin City’s 63rd annual Maple Leaf 
Festival has been cancelled for the fall. Apryl Strawn, the manager of 
Jo’s Diner in town, said the possibility of football without fans could 
be devastating to their business.&nbsp;“It’ll be awful,” Strawn said. “It’ll be absolutely awful.”&nbsp;The athletes’ health vs. financial health&nbsp;Whether
 football is played in Baldwin City or at KU, the issue is the same: How
 do you avoid transmission of coronavirus in a sport where you’re lined 
up next to each other and hit other players constantly?It’s a question KU Director of Athletics Jeff Long has been pondering all summer, and hasn’t been able to answer."We
 don’t know what the impact of practicing, closed-quarters hitting, 
tackling, all those things will have on a team,” Long said during a 
Kansas City Public Library virtual forum last month.Players came
 back to campus for voluntary workouts from all over the country, 
including Texas, which has seen a dramatic spike in cases.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594758418685.jpeg" alt=" The field before last year's KU vs. K-State rivarly game. Credit Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3 file photo" />
 <figcaption> The field before last year's KU vs. K-State rivarly game. Credit Greg Echlin / KCUR 89.3 file photo</figcaption>
 </figure>But epidemiologist Dr. Chris Hostler, who is a consultant for the NFL
 and the Big 12 (which KU and K-State are a part of), said coronavirus 
can be anywhere.“We’re going to continue to have athletes and 
staff who are positives, who are coming from different areas of the 
country,” said Hostler, who is based in Durham, North Carolina. “Or even
 just remaining in their communities.”And there’s another thing 
to consider: If any scholarship athlete, man or woman, chooses to sit 
out this fall as a health precaution, would he or she lose that full 
ride to college? The Pac-12 says no. With the Big 12 leaving it up to 
its members — K-State says it will honor scholarships but is still 
working out the terms of the language, while KU hadn’t provided its 
policy by the time this story went to print.&nbsp;But more than 
anything, college administrators are aware of the added financial pinch 
if there are no college football games this fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;“When people 
ask, ‘Why is it so important for you to play football, play basketball?”
 It’s to generate the revenue to fund that program,” Long said.A major college football program like KU or K-State generates an average of $78 million according to a <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2020/04/14/college-football-major-programs-could-see-billions-revenue-go-away/2989466001/">recent study by USA Today</a>.Within
 the Big 12, the Texas schools (Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor and TCU) 
figure to already see less money. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently 
mandated that no schools can have more than 50% fan capacity at home 
games.But Hostler said what’s happening in Texas won’t dictate a uniform set of recommendations.“What
 happens in West Virginia is going to be very different than what 
happens a couple states away in Iowa or in Oklahoma,” he said.Greg Echlin is a freelance sports reporter.

College football schedules unsettled as virus cases spike

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Left-hander Danny Duffy will start for the Kansas City Royals when they open the season against the Indians in Cleveland next week. The 31-year-old Duffy will make his third start on opening day, although this one is far different than the others. 

The game July 24 will begin a season shortened to 60 games because of the coronavirus pandemic that will last through August and September. Duffy went 7-6 with a 4.34 ERA in 23 starts last season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Left-hander Danny Duffy will start for the Kansas City Royals when they open the season against the Indians in Cleveland next week. The 31-year-old Duffy will make his third start on opening day, although this one is far different than the others. The game July 24 will begin a season shortened to 60 games because of the coronavirus pandemic that will last through August and September. Duffy went 7-6 with a 4.34 ERA in 23 starts last season.

Danny Duffy to start opening day for Royals against the Indians

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals hope their youth gives them a unique ability to adapt to the rapidly changing environment in which they hope to not just complete a 60-game abbreviated season but actually contend into the final weeks of September. 

Already, that flexibility has been put to the test with four positive COVID-19 tests, including both of the catchers on their 40-man roster. All were asymptomatic and they hope all of them are back for the start of the season next week in Cleveland.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals hope their youth gives them a unique ability to adapt to the rapidly changing environment in which they hope to not just complete a 60-game abbreviated season but actually contend into the final weeks of September. Already, that flexibility has been put to the test with four positive COVID-19 tests, including both of the catchers on their 40-man roster. All were asymptomatic and they hope all of them are back for the start of the season next week in Cleveland.

Royals hope youthful flexibility a plus during unique season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with defensive tackle Chris Jones on a four-year, $85 million contract extension that includes $60 million in guarantees, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday. 

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the signing. The Chiefs and representatives for Jones have been working on a contract extension ever since last year, when they remained far apart on terms and the Pro Bowl selection skipped the entirety of the offseason program. Jones was back in time for training camp and helped the Chiefs win their first Super Bowl in 50 years in February.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed with defensive tackle Chris Jones on a four-year, $85 million contract extension that includes $60 million in guarantees, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the signing. The Chiefs and representatives for Jones have been working on a contract extension ever since last year, when they remained far apart on terms and the Pro Bowl selection skipped the entirety of the offseason program. Jones was back in time for training camp and helped the Chiefs win their first Super Bowl in 50 years in February.

AP; Chiefs, Jones agree to 4-year, $85M extension

Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that only two student-athletes are currently being isolated for active COVID-19, as of Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

Since the department began testing in June a total of 29 student-athletes had tested positive for COVID-19 following PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) testing of 190 student-athletes.

The football program began its summer access program on Monday, which includes eight hours of weight training, conditioning and film review per week. The men's basketball, women's basketball, soccer and volleyball are continuing voluntary workouts.

Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that only two student-athletes are currently being isolated for active COVID-19, as of Monday afternoon.&nbsp;Since the department began testing in June a total of 29 student-athletes had tested positive for COVID-19 following PCR ( polymerase chain reaction ) testing of 190 student-athletes.The football program began its summer access program on Monday, which includes eight hours of weight training, conditioning and film review per week. The men's basketball, women's basketball, soccer and volleyball are continuing voluntary workouts.

K-State athletics provides a COVID-19 update

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;One of the top returning defensive ends in the nation in 2020, Kansas State junior&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert&nbsp;has been named to the watch list for the 26th&nbsp;annual Chuck Bednarik Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday.

Hubert is the first Kansas State Wildcat to land on the watch list for the Bednarik Award – presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year – since&nbsp;D.J. Reed&nbsp;in 2017. He is the eighth player in school history to be considered for the award, which includes 1996 finalist&nbsp;Chris Canty&nbsp;and 2012 semifinalist&nbsp;Arthur Brown.

A 2019 First Team All-Big 12 performer, Hubert enters his junior season ranked 12th&nbsp;nationally among active players in career sacks per game (0.50) and 13th&nbsp;in career tackles for loss per game (0.91). Hubert, who earned votes for both the league’s defensive player and defensive lineman of the year awards last year, has recorded 11.5 sacks over his first two seasons, tied for the second most ever by a Wildcat prior to his junior campaign.

Hubert, a native of Topeka, Kansas, started 12 games last season with 33 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks. He tied for second in the Big 12 in sacks and was 10th&nbsp;in TFLs. He tied his career high with 2.0 sacks against both Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, while he had a season-high for tackles and 1.5 TFLs in K-State’s win over No. 5 Oklahoma.

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;One of the top returning defensive ends in the nation in 2020, Kansas State junior&nbsp;Wyatt Hubert&nbsp;has been named to the watch list for the 26th&nbsp;annual Chuck Bednarik Award, the Maxwell Football Club announced Monday.Hubert is the first Kansas State Wildcat to land on the watch list for the Bednarik Award – presented to the College Defensive Player of the Year – since&nbsp;D.J. Reed&nbsp;in 2017. He is the eighth player in school history to be considered for the award, which includes 1996 finalist&nbsp;Chris Canty&nbsp;and 2012 semifinalist&nbsp;Arthur Brown.A 2019 First Team All-Big 12 performer, Hubert enters his junior season ranked 12th&nbsp;nationally among active players in career sacks per game (0.50) and 13th&nbsp;in career tackles for loss per game (0.91). Hubert, who earned votes for both the league’s defensive player and defensive lineman of the year awards last year, has recorded 11.5 sacks over his first two seasons, tied for the second most ever by a Wildcat prior to his junior campaign.Hubert, a native of Topeka, Kansas, started 12 games last season with 33 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks. He tied for second in the Big 12 in sacks and was 10th&nbsp;in TFLs. He tied his career high with 2.0 sacks against both Oklahoma State and Texas Tech, while he had a season-high for tackles and 1.5 TFLs in K-State’s win over No. 5 Oklahoma.RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for Communications

Wyatt Hubert is named to the Bednarick Award watch list

Catfish anglers from multiple states will travel to Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan on Aug. 29 for a King Kat Tournament Trail qualifier event.&nbsp;&nbsp;Local and traveling anglers will be vying for cash, prizes, and an opportunity to compete at the 2020 King Kat Classic which will feature a guaranteed payout of $120,000 in cash and prizes.

Teams may consist of one to three anglers but limit are based on a two-person team.&nbsp;Early registration can be accomplished on the King Kat website at https://www.kingkatusa.com/Tournament_Registration.cfm. Teams may also enter by calling (502) 384-5924 or by entering at the mandatory pre-tournament seminar on the night before the tournament begins. Late entries are subject to a $25.00 late fee.

Participating anglers must be a member of the King Kat Association (KKA). Membership is $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for spouse and youth memberships.&nbsp;

Anglers will sign up at registration, be given a copy of guidelines for social distancing which will apply during the coronavirus pandemic, be given a copy of the rules, and their weigh-in voucher. At that point, they will leave the registration site.

At the weigh-in, social distancing will be maintained in the weigh-in line and only allow a few teams at a time to be in the line. Other anglers can wait in vehicles and boats. All staff will be wearing face masks and officials encourage all anglers and spectators to do the same.

A pre-tournament seminar will be held the day before the tournament at Four Points by Sheraton. 530 Richards Dr., Manhattan, KS 66502. Only one member of a team may enter at a time to complete registration and receive their voucher.

Late Sign-in begins at 5:00 pm and runs to 7:00 pm. The normal National Sponsor Field Test Product Drawing and seminar will not be held due to the coronavirus.

The tournament weigh-in will be held at Wildcat Marina, 8220 Spillway Marina Rd beginning at 3:00 pm and anglers must be in the weigh-in line by 4:00 pm. Social distancing rules will be followed.

Host lodging is Four Points by Sheraton, 530 Richards Dr. in Manhattan (785-539-5311). The number of rooms in the area may be limited. It is recommended that participants make their reservations early.

This year’s Cabela’s King Kat Classic Championship will be held October 30 – 31, 2020 on Milford Lake in Geary County. The Classic features a guaranteed payout of $120,000 in cash and prizes. The points race is set to payout $30,000 to the top 20 places based on competitor’s the top-five finishes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594481476112.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Catfish anglers from multiple states will travel to Tuttle Creek Lake near Manhattan on Aug. 29 for a King Kat Tournament Trail qualifier event.&nbsp;&nbsp;Local and traveling anglers will be vying for cash, prizes, and an opportunity to compete at the 2020 King Kat Classic which will feature a guaranteed payout of $120,000 in cash and prizes.Teams may consist of one to three anglers but limit are based on a two-person team.&nbsp;Early registration can be accomplished on the King Kat website at https://www.kingkatusa.com/Tournament_Registration.cfm. Teams may also enter by calling (502) 384-5924 or by entering at the mandatory pre-tournament seminar on the night before the tournament begins. Late entries are subject to a $25.00 late fee.Participating anglers must be a member of the King Kat Association (KKA). Membership is $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for spouse and youth memberships.&nbsp;Anglers will sign up at registration, be given a copy of guidelines for social distancing which will apply during the coronavirus pandemic, be given a copy of the rules, and their weigh-in voucher. At that point, they will leave the registration site.At the weigh-in, social distancing will be maintained in the weigh-in line and only allow a few teams at a time to be in the line. Other anglers can wait in vehicles and boats. All staff will be wearing face masks and officials encourage all anglers and spectators to do the same.A pre-tournament seminar will be held the day before the tournament at Four Points by Sheraton. 530 Richards Dr., Manhattan, KS 66502. Only one member of a team may enter at a time to complete registration and receive their voucher.Late Sign-in begins at 5:00 pm and runs to 7:00 pm. The normal National Sponsor Field Test Product Drawing and seminar will not be held due to the coronavirus.The tournament weigh-in will be held at Wildcat Marina, 8220 Spillway Marina Rd beginning at 3:00 pm and anglers must be in the weigh-in line by 4:00 pm. Social distancing rules will be followed.Host lodging is Four Points by Sheraton, 530 Richards Dr. in Manhattan (785-539-5311). The number of rooms in the area may be limited. It is recommended that participants make their reservations early.This year’s Cabela’s King Kat Classic Championship will be held October 30 – 31, 2020 on Milford Lake in Geary County. The Classic features a guaranteed payout of $120,000 in cash and prizes. The points race is set to payout $30,000 to the top 20 places based on competitor’s the top-five finishes.

King Kat Tournament Trail travels to Manhattan

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a>Beginning with a charity exhibition game in October, Kansas State will rekindle its men’s basketball rivalry against Wichita State with a four-game, regular-season series launching in the 2021-22 season, the schools announced on Friday (July 10).</a>

The teams, which last faced off in 2003, will first meet on Saturday, October 24 at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita in a charity exhibition game to benefit organizations providing services for COVID-19 relief. Head coaches&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;of K-State and&nbsp;Gregg Marshall&nbsp;of Wichita State designated charities to benefit from proceeds raised through ticket sales for the game, including Konza United Way, Crisis Center, Inc., United Way of the Plains and the Wichita Children’s Home. Ticket information for the charity exhibition game will be released at a later date. The charity game has been approved by the NCAA.

The four-game, regular-season agreement calls off-campus at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita on December 5, 2021, where WSU will be designated home team, and at the newly renamed T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on December 22, 2023, with K-State serving as the home team. The Wildcats will host the Shockers on December 3, 2022 at Bramlage Coliseum and the series will wrap up with a game at Charles Koch Arena on December 7, 2024.

“We are excited about renewing the series with Wichita State,” said Weber. “Coach Marshall has built a great program in Wichita and this will be yet another opportunity for our players to play against the best.

“I want to thank WSU athletics director&nbsp;Darron Boatright, Coach Marshall and his staff as well as (Executive Associate AD)&nbsp;Casey Scott&nbsp;and (Director of Operations)&nbsp;Drew Speraw&nbsp;for their hard work in getting this series completed. This is a win-win for the schools, their fan bases and our state.”

The regular-season matchup in December 2021 will be the first meeting between the schools since a 54-50 win by K-State on December 10, 2003 at Bramlage Coliseum. The game at the T-Mobile Center in 2023 will be the first in a city other than Manhattan and Wichita, while the visit to Koch Arena in 2024 will be the first on the WSU campus since a 79-66 win by the Wildcats at then Levitt Arena on December 7, 2002.

TOM GILBERT Director for Men’s Basketball Communications | K-State Athletics

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/7/1594393942521.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a>Beginning with a charity exhibition game in October, Kansas State will rekindle its men’s basketball rivalry against Wichita State with a four-game, regular-season series launching in the 2021-22 season, the schools announced on Friday (July 10).</a>The teams, which last faced off in 2003, will first meet on Saturday, October 24 at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita in a charity exhibition game to benefit organizations providing services for COVID-19 relief. Head coaches&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;of K-State and&nbsp;Gregg Marshall&nbsp;of Wichita State designated charities to benefit from proceeds raised through ticket sales for the game, including Konza United Way, Crisis Center, Inc., United Way of the Plains and the Wichita Children’s Home. Ticket information for the charity exhibition game will be released at a later date. The charity game has been approved by the NCAA.The four-game, regular-season agreement calls off-campus at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita on December 5, 2021, where WSU will be designated home team, and at the newly renamed T-Mobile Center in Kansas City on December 22, 2023, with K-State serving as the home team. The Wildcats will host the Shockers on December 3, 2022 at Bramlage Coliseum and the series will wrap up with a game at Charles Koch Arena on December 7, 2024.“We are excited about renewing the series with Wichita State,” said Weber. “Coach Marshall has built a great program in Wichita and this will be yet another opportunity for our players to play against the best.“I want to thank WSU athletics director&nbsp;Darron Boatright, Coach Marshall and his staff as well as (Executive Associate AD)&nbsp;Casey Scott&nbsp;and (Director of Operations)&nbsp;Drew Speraw&nbsp;for their hard work in getting this series completed. This is a win-win for the schools, their fan bases and our state.”The regular-season matchup in December 2021 will be the first meeting between the schools since a 54-50 win by K-State on December 10, 2003 at Bramlage Coliseum. The game at the T-Mobile Center in 2023 will be the first in a city other than Manhattan and Wichita, while the visit to Koch Arena in 2024 will be the first on the WSU campus since a 79-66 win by the Wildcats at then Levitt Arena on December 7, 2002.—www.kstatesports.com—TOM GILBERT Director for Men’s Basketball Communications | K-State Athletics

Charity exhibition and four game regular season series ahead for Kansas State - Wichita State 

BROOKLYN, N.Y.&nbsp;– Former Kansas State forward&nbsp;Michael Beasley&nbsp;has joined the Brooklyn Nets as a Substitute Player for the reminder of the 2019-20 NBA season, which is scheduled to resume later this month at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

Beasley will playing for his eighth NBA franchise in a professional career that spans 11 seasons and includes stints with the Miami Heat (2008-10; 2013-15), Minnesota Timberwolves (2010-12), Phoenix Suns (2012-13), Houston Rockets (2015-16), Milwaukee Bucks (2016-17), New York Knicks (2017-18) and the L.A. Lakers (2018-19). He has played in 609 games in his NBA career, averaging 12.4 points on 46.5 percent shooting, including 34.9 percent from 3-point range, with 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 22.8 minutes per game.

Beasley will be returning to the NBA for the first time since February 2019, as he played in 26 games for the Lakers during the 2018-19 season. He most recently played professionally in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in 2019, averaging 22.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals in helping the squad to the 2019 CBA Championship.

BROOKLYN, N.Y.&nbsp;– Former Kansas State forward&nbsp;Michael Beasley&nbsp;has joined the Brooklyn Nets as a Substitute Player for the reminder of the 2019-20 NBA season, which is scheduled to resume later this month at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.Beasley will playing for his eighth NBA franchise in a professional career that spans 11 seasons and includes stints with the Miami Heat (2008-10; 2013-15), Minnesota Timberwolves (2010-12), Phoenix Suns (2012-13), Houston Rockets (2015-16), Milwaukee Bucks (2016-17), New York Knicks (2017-18) and the L.A. Lakers (2018-19). He has played in 609 games in his NBA career, averaging 12.4 points on 46.5 percent shooting, including 34.9 percent from 3-point range, with 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 22.8 minutes per game.Beasley will be returning to the NBA for the first time since February 2019, as he played in 26 games for the Lakers during the 2018-19 season. He most recently played professionally in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in 2019, averaging 22.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals in helping the squad to the 2019 CBA Championship.

Beasley returns to the NBA

The Big Ten Conference won’t play nonconference games in football or other sports this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The league made the announcement on Thursday citing medical advice, but also added the caveat that that’s only “if the Conference is able to participate in fall sports.” The announcement came a day after the Ivy League Conference canceled sporting events until at least January.

The Big Ten Conference won’t play nonconference games in football or other sports this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic.The league made the announcement on Thursday citing medical advice, but also added the caveat that that’s only “if the Conference is able to participate in fall sports.” The announcement came a day after the Ivy League Conference canceled sporting events until at least January.

Big Ten won't play in nonconference games in the fall

The Ivy League on Wednesday became the first Division I conference to suspend all fall sports, including football, leaving open the possibility of moving some seasons to the spring if the coronavirus pandemic is better controlled by then.

“We simply do not believe we can create and maintain an environment for intercollegiate athletic competition that meets our requirements for safety and acceptable levels of risk,” the Ivy League Council of Presidents said in a statement.

“We are entrusted to create and maintain an educational environment that is guided by health and safety considerations. There can be no greater responsibility — and that is the basis for this difficult decision.”

The Ivy League on Wednesday became the first Division I conference to suspend all fall sports, including football, leaving open the possibility of moving some seasons to the spring if the coronavirus pandemic is better controlled by then.“We simply do not believe we can create and maintain an environment for intercollegiate athletic competition that meets our requirements for safety and acceptable levels of risk,” the Ivy League Council of Presidents said in a statement.“We are entrusted to create and maintain an educational environment that is guided by health and safety considerations. There can be no greater responsibility — and that is the basis for this difficult decision.”

Ivy League suspends fall sports due to the coronavirus pandemic

In conjunction with Major League Baseball, the Kansas City Royals tonight announced their revised 60-game schedule for the 2020 regular season.

Opening Day is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. CT on Friday, July 24 at Progressive Field vs. the Cleveland Indians, to mark just the second time in the last six seasons in which Kansas City will open on the road. It will be the sixth time in Royals’ history in which they will open on a Friday, and the first since 2012. This will represent the latest Opening Day in Royals history, after the club played its&nbsp;earliest&nbsp;Opening Day last season on March 28. Their 2020 opener will mark the 300th&nbsp;day since the Royals last took the field in a regular season game on Sept. 29, 2019, when they closed out the season with a 5-4 walk-off win vs. Minnesota.

The Royals’ 2020 home opener is now scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT on Friday, July 31 vs. the Chicago White Sox, which will end a streak of 305 days without a regular season game at Kauffman Stadium.

Kansas City will play 60 games in 66 days this season, including 30 games at home and 30 on the road. Forty games (66.7%) will be played within the American League Central division, and the remaining 20 games will be played vs. the National League Central division.

The breakdown includes 10 games each vs. Cleveland, the Chicago White Sox, Detroit and Minnesota. Kansas City will host three games vs. Cleveland, seven games vs. the Chicago White Sox, four games vs. Detroit and six games vs. Minnesota. The Royals will travel for seven games in Cleveland, three games at the Chicago White Sox, six games in Detroit and four games in Minnesota.

The Royals’ 20-game Interleague schedule will feature six games vs. their intrastate rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, including a three-game set at Busch Stadium from Aug. 24-26 and a three-game set at Kauffman Stadium from Sept. 21-23. They will host Pittsburgh for the first time since 2015, for a three-game series from Sept. 11-13, and will travel to Milwaukee’s Miller Park for the first time since 2018, for a three-game set from Sept. 18-20. The Royals will round out their Interleague schedule with four games each vs. the Reds and Cubs, including two games in Cincinnati from Aug. 11-12, followed by two games vs. the Reds in Kansas City from Aug. 18-19; and a home-and-home set vs. the Cubs, beginning with two games at Wrigley Field from Aug. 3-4, and concluding with two games at Kauffman Stadium from Aug. 5-6.

The Royals will play on just one national holiday this season, when they travel to Cleveland on Labor Day (Sept. 7).

Kansas City’s home games will feature weeknight first pitch times at 7:05 p.m. CT. Saturday home games will begin at 6:05 p.m. CT and Sunday home games will start at 1:05 p.m. The only two exceptions are on Thursday, Aug. 6, when the Royals will host the Chicago Cubs beginning at 6:15 p.m. CT, and on the final day of the regular season, Sunday, Sept. 27, when the Royals will host Detroit beginning at 2:05 p.m. CT.

The Royals will host two season-high seven-game homestands, from Aug. 31-Sept. 6 vs. Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox, and to close out the regular season from Sept. 21-27 vs. St. Louis and Detroit. Kansas City will open the schedule with a season-long seven-game road trip from July 24-30 at Cleveland and Detroit.&nbsp;The Royals will have two 17-day stretches without an off day, from July 24-Aug. 9 and Aug. 28-Sept. 13. They are scheduled for four off days in August (10th, 13th, 20th&nbsp;and 27th) and two in September (14th&nbsp;and 17th).

The game dates and times are subject to change.&nbsp;

In conjunction with Major League Baseball, the Kansas City Royals tonight announced their revised 60-game schedule for the 2020 regular season.Opening Day is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. CT on Friday, July 24 at Progressive Field vs. the Cleveland Indians, to mark just the second time in the last six seasons in which Kansas City will open on the road. It will be the sixth time in Royals’ history in which they will open on a Friday, and the first since 2012. This will represent the latest Opening Day in Royals history, after the club played its&nbsp;earliest&nbsp;Opening Day last season on March 28. Their 2020 opener will mark the 300th&nbsp;day since the Royals last took the field in a regular season game on Sept. 29, 2019, when they closed out the season with a 5-4 walk-off win vs. Minnesota.The Royals’ 2020 home opener is now scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT on Friday, July 31 vs. the Chicago White Sox, which will end a streak of 305 days without a regular season game at Kauffman Stadium.Kansas City will play 60 games in 66 days this season, including 30 games at home and 30 on the road. Forty games (66.7%) will be played within the American League Central division, and the remaining 20 games will be played vs. the National League Central division.The breakdown includes 10 games each vs. Cleveland, the Chicago White Sox, Detroit and Minnesota. Kansas City will host three games vs. Cleveland, seven games vs. the Chicago White Sox, four games vs. Detroit and six games vs. Minnesota. The Royals will travel for seven games in Cleveland, three games at the Chicago White Sox, six games in Detroit and four games in Minnesota.The Royals’ 20-game Interleague schedule will feature six games vs. their intrastate rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals, including a three-game set at Busch Stadium from Aug. 24-26 and a three-game set at Kauffman Stadium from Sept. 21-23. They will host Pittsburgh for the first time since 2015, for a three-game series from Sept. 11-13, and will travel to Milwaukee’s Miller Park for the first time since 2018, for a three-game set from Sept. 18-20. The Royals will round out their Interleague schedule with four games each vs. the Reds and Cubs, including two games in Cincinnati from Aug. 11-12, followed by two games vs. the Reds in Kansas City from Aug. 18-19; and a home-and-home set vs. the Cubs, beginning with two games at Wrigley Field from Aug. 3-4, and concluding with two games at Kauffman Stadium from Aug. 5-6.The Royals will play on just one national holiday this season, when they travel to Cleveland on Labor Day (Sept. 7).Kansas City’s home games will feature weeknight first pitch times at 7:05 p.m. CT. Saturday home games will begin at 6:05 p.m. CT and Sunday home games will start at 1:05 p.m. The only two exceptions are on Thursday, Aug. 6, when the Royals will host the Chicago Cubs beginning at 6:15 p.m. CT, and on the final day of the regular season, Sunday, Sept. 27, when the Royals will host Detroit beginning at 2:05 p.m. CT.The Royals will host two season-high seven-game homestands, from Aug. 31-Sept. 6 vs. Cleveland and the Chicago White Sox, and to close out the regular season from Sept. 21-27 vs. St. Louis and Detroit. Kansas City will open the schedule with a season-long seven-game road trip from July 24-30 at Cleveland and Detroit.&nbsp;The Royals will have two 17-day stretches without an off day, from July 24-Aug. 9 and Aug. 28-Sept. 13. They are scheduled for four off days in August (10th, 13th, 20th&nbsp;and 27th) and two in September (14th&nbsp;and 17th).The game dates and times are subject to change.&nbsp;

Royals announce revised 2020 regular season schedule

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State football players have called off a threatened boycott in response to an insensitive tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd.

The decision, announced on social media by several players, follows moves by the school to address diversity concerns.

“We appreciate the diligent work of our university and athletics administration as we work through these important issues,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Pbrooks124/status/1279083238640824320?s=20" target="_blank">according to the letter posted on Twitter</a>. “The plans and action items released Wednesday are great first steps in our goal of defeating hate and racism on our campus, and therefore, we have decided to return to workouts with our teammates.

“However, we know that this process is far from completed, and should it slow or diminish for any reason we would re-evaluate the situation and our options at that time.”

Kansas State players aren’t currently participating in any practices or workouts because team activities were suspended earlier this month after a coronavirus outbreak within the team. Summer workouts are expected to resume July 13.

Last week, one month after Floyd died when a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on the Black handcuffed man’s neck, Kansas State student Jaden McNeil tweeted: “Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!”

Several football players immediately threatened to boycott if the university declined to take action, and basketball players and other athletes soon joined the push. On Saturday, the football team issued a formal statement calling on university President Richard Myers and other administrative staff to make meaningful changes to the campus culture.

The school responded Wednesday by launching a diversity and education fund. Among other initiatives, Kansas State also promised that athletes, coaches and staff would undergo mandatory diversity and inclusion training that includes monthly town hall sessions; redouble efforts to recruit applicants from diverse backgrounds for staff and coaching positions; utilize home games to support the Black Lives Matter movement; highlight Black History Month; and provide transportation to athletes to voting locations on Election Day.

“The university has committed to developing meaningful, measurable action plans with concrete steps,” Myers wrote in an open letter Wednesday. “These proposed steps take into account the reality that, as a governmental entity, we must operate within the law. There have been many calls for us to expel a student who posted racist messages on social media, and while these messages are disrespectful and abhorrent, we cannot violate the law.”

Football coach Chris Klieman, who is entering his second season, said he supported his players and that “I am excited to help every player unite for the solution now, so that we can come together stronger than ever. Black lives matter.”

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State football players have called off a threatened boycott in response to an insensitive tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd.The decision, announced on social media by several players, follows moves by the school to address diversity concerns.“We appreciate the diligent work of our university and athletics administration as we work through these important issues,”&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/Pbrooks124/status/1279083238640824320?s=20" target="_blank">according to the letter posted on Twitter</a>. “The plans and action items released Wednesday are great first steps in our goal of defeating hate and racism on our campus, and therefore, we have decided to return to workouts with our teammates.“However, we know that this process is far from completed, and should it slow or diminish for any reason we would re-evaluate the situation and our options at that time.”Kansas State players aren’t currently participating in any practices or workouts because team activities were suspended earlier this month after a coronavirus outbreak within the team. Summer workouts are expected to resume July 13.Last week, one month after Floyd died when a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on the Black handcuffed man’s neck, Kansas State student Jaden McNeil tweeted: “Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!”Several football players immediately threatened to boycott if the university declined to take action, and basketball players and other athletes soon joined the push. On Saturday, the football team issued a formal statement calling on university President Richard Myers and other administrative staff to make meaningful changes to the campus culture.The school responded Wednesday by launching a diversity and education fund. Among other initiatives, Kansas State also promised that athletes, coaches and staff would undergo mandatory diversity and inclusion training that includes monthly town hall sessions; redouble efforts to recruit applicants from diverse backgrounds for staff and coaching positions; utilize home games to support the Black Lives Matter movement; highlight Black History Month; and provide transportation to athletes to voting locations on Election Day.“The university has committed to developing meaningful, measurable action plans with concrete steps,” Myers wrote in an open letter Wednesday. “These proposed steps take into account the reality that, as a governmental entity, we must operate within the law. There have been many calls for us to expel a student who posted racist messages on social media, and while these messages are disrespectful and abhorrent, we cannot violate the law.”Football coach Chris Klieman, who is entering his second season, said he supported his players and that “I am excited to help every player unite for the solution now, so that we can come together stronger than ever. Black lives matter.”

K-State football players end threat of boycott over Floyd tweet

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dodger Stadium’s 40-year wait to host the All-Star Game is going to last even longer.

The game scheduled for July 14 was canceled Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic, and Dodger Stadium was awarded the 2022 Midsummer Classic. The 2021 game is set for Atlanta’s Truist Park, home to the Braves since 2017.

Because of the pandemic, opening day had already been delayed from March 26 to July 23 or 24.

“Once it became clear we were unable to hold this year’s All-Star festivities, we wanted to award the Dodgers with the next available All-Star Game, which is 2022,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.

No date for the 2022 game has been announced, although Dodgers President Stan Kasten said it would take place in the third week of July.

This year will be the first time since 1945 that no game is held. Travel restrictions because of World War II kept the game scheduled for Boston’s Fenway Park and any player selections from taking place that year. It was pushed back to the next season.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dodger Stadium’s 40-year wait to host the All-Star Game is going to last even longer.The game scheduled for July 14 was canceled Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic, and Dodger Stadium was awarded the 2022 Midsummer Classic. The 2021 game is set for Atlanta’s Truist Park, home to the Braves since 2017.Because of the pandemic, opening day had already been delayed from March 26 to July 23 or 24.“Once it became clear we were unable to hold this year’s All-Star festivities, we wanted to award the Dodgers with the next available All-Star Game, which is 2022,” baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.No date for the 2022 game has been announced, although Dodgers President Stan Kasten said it would take place in the third week of July.This year will be the first time since 1945 that no game is held. Travel restrictions because of World War II kept the game scheduled for Boston’s Fenway Park and any player selections from taking place that year. It was pushed back to the next season.

MLB cancels All Star game for 2020

UNDATED (AP) — A person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that the NFL will cut the preseason in half and push the start of exhibition play back a week to give players more time to get in shape. 

Players are still discussing with their union whether to ask for cancellation of all preseason games, according to two people familiar with their thinking. The pandemic forced teams to conduct their entire offseason programs via videoconference. So, teams will be gathering together for the first time when training camps open July 28.

UNDATED (AP) — A person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that the NFL will cut the preseason in half and push the start of exhibition play back a week to give players more time to get in shape. Players are still discussing with their union whether to ask for cancellation of all preseason games, according to two people familiar with their thinking. The pandemic forced teams to conduct their entire offseason programs via videoconference. So, teams will be gathering together for the first time when training camps open July 28.

NFL to reduce the number of preseason games

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The NCAA’s infractions case against the University of Kansas men’s basketball program has been accepted into a newly created independent investigation process that was created to handle especially complex cases. 

The Independent Accountability Resolution Process said Wednesday that a referral of the case against the Jayhawks and coach Bill Self had been approved by the infractions referral committee. It is the first step in a process that was created in August 2018 to deal with select cases and minimize perceived conflicts of interest.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The NCAA’s infractions case against the University of Kansas men’s basketball program has been accepted into a newly created independent investigation process that was created to handle especially complex cases. The Independent Accountability Resolution Process said Wednesday that a referral of the case against the Jayhawks and coach Bill Self had been approved by the infractions referral committee. It is the first step in a process that was created in August 2018 to deal with select cases and minimize perceived conflicts of interest.

NCAA case against Kansas hoops taken for independent review

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas State is launching a diversity and education fund to address racial injustice after football players threatened a boycott in response to an insensitive tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd. 

The school also said student-athletes, coaches and staff would undergo mandatory diversity and inclusion training that includes monthly town hall sessions. And it announced that it would provide transportation for athletes to voting locations on Election Day.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas State is launching a diversity and education fund to address racial injustice after football players threatened a boycott in response to an insensitive tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd. The school also said student-athletes, coaches and staff would undergo mandatory diversity and inclusion training that includes monthly town hall sessions. And it announced that it would provide transportation for athletes to voting locations on Election Day.

KSU will start a diversity and education fund

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball’s minor leagues canceled their seasons because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the head of their governing body said more than half the 160 teams were in danger of failing without government assistance or private equity injections. 

The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues made the long-expected announcement. Pat O'Conner, the president of the governing body, O’Conner estimated 85-90% of revenue was related to ticket money, concessions, parking and ballpark advertising. 

The minors drew 41.5 million fans last year for 176 teams in 15 leagues.

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball’s minor leagues canceled their seasons because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the head of their governing body said more than half the 160 teams were in danger of failing without government assistance or private equity injections. The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues made the long-expected announcement. Pat O'Conner, the president of the governing body, O’Conner estimated 85-90% of revenue was related to ticket money, concessions, parking and ballpark advertising. The minors drew 41.5 million fans last year for 176 teams in 15 leagues.

Minor League baseball seasons are canceled

PHOENIX (AP) — Players like Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake and Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman say they're opting out of the upcoming 60-game season. The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff to protect the health of some older coaches. 

Major League Baseball is lurching toward a late July start during the coronavirus crises and it's clear flexibility will be key. Teams and players are trying to prepare for the season while keeping everyone healthy, which has already proven to be difficult. The Philadelphia Phillies had an outbreak at their spring training facility earlier this month that showed how challenging the task will be.

PHOENIX (AP) — Players like Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake and Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman say they're opting out of the upcoming 60-game season. The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff to protect the health of some older coaches. Major League Baseball is lurching toward a late July start during the coronavirus crises and it's clear flexibility will be key. Teams and players are trying to prepare for the season while keeping everyone healthy, which has already proven to be difficult. The Philadelphia Phillies had an outbreak at their spring training facility earlier this month that showed how challenging the task will be.

Plans change in mlb because of health issues 

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State football players say they will boycott all team activities until administrators create a policy that would allow a student to be expelled for “openly racist, threatening or disrespectful actions.”

The move that most players announced Saturday on social media follows a tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd that prompted outrage on campus.

“We are demanding that Kansas State University put a policy in place that allows a student to be dismissed for displaying openly racist, threatening or disrespectful actions toward a student or groups of students,” the players said in the letter they posted. “We have resolved that we cannot play, practice or meet until these demands are heard and actions taken. We love Kansas State, but we must stand together and protect all students moving forward.”

On Thursday, one month after Floyd, a Black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on his neck for nearly eight minutes, student Jaden McNeil tweeted, “Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!”

University officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9cbc7e6f1ea966a3ed52b19adbeee4ff">have said they are exploring their options</a>&nbsp;for action after the tweet. University President Richard Myers said Friday that “divisive statements do not represent for the values of our university.”

McNeil describes himself as the founder of a conservative group called America First Students, which Kansas State says is not currently registered on the campus because of a lack of membership. America First Students had already drawn the ire of students for past statements made by McNeil.

McNeil has previously said America First Students is a “mainstream, Christian, conservative organization that supports President Donald Trump.”

The statement from football players Saturday came a day after a pair of Kansas State basketball players and a handful of football players threatened a boycott if the university didn’t take action. A number of college athletes around the country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0499502808a6b4cfd68bf082928a59ec">have used their influence to push for social justice</a>&nbsp;since Floyd’s death.

Kansas State football players aren’t currently participating in any practices or workouts because team activities were suspended earlier this month after a coronavirus outbreak within the team. Summer workouts are expected to resume July 13.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State football players say they will boycott all team activities until administrators create a policy that would allow a student to be expelled for “openly racist, threatening or disrespectful actions.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are all Wildcats <a href="https://twitter.com/KState?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KState</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrideMonth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrideMonth</a> <a href="https://t.co/bQl7x5aRFO">pic.twitter.com/bQl7x5aRFO</a>&mdash; K-State Athletics (@kstatesports) <a href="https://twitter.com/kstatesports/status/1277229333082341377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The move that most players announced Saturday on social media follows a tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd that prompted outrage on campus.“We are demanding that Kansas State University put a policy in place that allows a student to be dismissed for displaying openly racist, threatening or disrespectful actions toward a student or groups of students,” the players said in the letter they posted. “We have resolved that we cannot play, practice or meet until these demands are heard and actions taken. We love Kansas State, but we must stand together and protect all students moving forward.”On Thursday, one month after Floyd, a Black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on his neck for nearly eight minutes, student Jaden McNeil tweeted, “Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!”University officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9cbc7e6f1ea966a3ed52b19adbeee4ff">have said they are exploring their options</a>&nbsp;for action after the tweet. University President Richard Myers said Friday that “divisive statements do not represent for the values of our university.”McNeil describes himself as the founder of a conservative group called America First Students, which Kansas State says is not currently registered on the campus because of a lack of membership. America First Students had already drawn the ire of students for past statements made by McNeil.McNeil has previously said America First Students is a “mainstream, Christian, conservative organization that supports President Donald Trump.”The statement from football players Saturday came a day after a pair of Kansas State basketball players and a handful of football players threatened a boycott if the university didn’t take action. A number of college athletes around the country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0499502808a6b4cfd68bf082928a59ec">have used their influence to push for social justice</a>&nbsp;since Floyd’s death.Kansas State football players aren’t currently participating in any practices or workouts because team activities were suspended earlier this month after a coronavirus outbreak within the team. Summer workouts are expected to resume July 13.___