PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies say five players have tested positive for COVID-19 this week at the team’s spring training complex in Clearwater, Florida. The situation has prompted the Phillies to indefinitely shut their camp. 

The Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants also closed their spring training sites because of virus concerns. The moves came while Major League Baseball owners and players try to negotiate a deal to start the season. They had hoped to begin a second round of spring training on June 26. Most teams would likely hold those workouts at their home ballparks, rather than at their spring camps in Florida and Arizona.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies say five players have tested positive for COVID-19 this week at the team’s spring training complex in Clearwater, Florida. The situation has prompted the Phillies to indefinitely shut their camp. The Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants also closed their spring training sites because of virus concerns. The moves came while Major League Baseball owners and players try to negotiate a deal to start the season. They had hoped to begin a second round of spring training on June 26. Most teams would likely hold those workouts at their home ballparks, rather than at their spring camps in Florida and Arizona.

Five Phils test positive for virus, three teams shut spring camps

The NCAA Division I Council  approved a plan to allow college basketball players to start working with their coaches for the first time since the pandemic wiped out March Madness. 

The summer access period for men’s and women’s players will begin July 20. The NCAA also announced the expected approval by the council of an extended preseason model for football teams. And the council introduced a legislative proposal to create a path for schools to transition straight from Division III to Division I, paving the way for St. Thomas (Minn.) to make that jump as soon as next year.&nbsp;

The NCAA Division I Council approved a plan to allow college basketball players to start working with their coaches for the first time since the pandemic wiped out March Madness. The summer access period for men’s and women’s players will begin July 20. The NCAA also announced the expected approval by the council of an extended preseason model for football teams. And the council introduced a legislative proposal to create a path for schools to transition straight from Division III to Division I, paving the way for St. Thomas (Minn.) to make that jump as soon as next year.&nbsp;

NCAA approves plan for basketball players to access coaches

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State Athletics will honor a group of 11 outstanding individuals with induction into its Athletics Hall of Fame in September, school officials announced today.

The 2020 Hall of Fame class includes three football greats in&nbsp;David Allen,&nbsp;Jordy Nelson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Darren Sproles,&nbsp;Laurie Koehn&nbsp;(women’s basketball),&nbsp;Liz Wegner&nbsp;(volleyball),&nbsp;A.J. Morris&nbsp;(baseball),&nbsp;Mike Wreblewski&nbsp;(men’s basketball),&nbsp;Attila Zsiovczky&nbsp;(track and field) and&nbsp;Marty, John and Mary Vanier&nbsp;(contributors).

“This year’s group of 11 individuals is a star-studded class, and we are excited to welcome them into the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame,” said&nbsp;Kenny Lannou, Executive Associate Athletics Director for Communications and K-State Athletics Hall of Fame Chairperson. “Each of these inductees has made a lasting impact on K-State Athletics and Kansas State University, and we look forward to welcoming them back to Manhattan this fall for a special induction weekend.”

The class is the 13th in the history of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame, including the charter class of 1990, and will be honored during the weekend of September 5. Official induction ceremonies will take place on Friday, September 4, before the inductees are recognized at halftime of the football game against Buffalo the following day.

More ceremony details will be announced later this summer.

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410133716.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State Athletics will honor a group of 11 outstanding individuals with induction into its Athletics Hall of Fame in September, school officials announced today.The 2020 Hall of Fame class includes three football greats in&nbsp;David Allen,&nbsp;Jordy Nelson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Darren Sproles,&nbsp;Laurie Koehn&nbsp;(women’s basketball),&nbsp;Liz Wegner&nbsp;(volleyball),&nbsp;A.J. Morris&nbsp;(baseball),&nbsp;Mike Wreblewski&nbsp;(men’s basketball),&nbsp;Attila Zsiovczky&nbsp;(track and field) and&nbsp;Marty, John and Mary Vanier&nbsp;(contributors).“This year’s group of 11 individuals is a star-studded class, and we are excited to welcome them into the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame,” said&nbsp;Kenny Lannou, Executive Associate Athletics Director for Communications and K-State Athletics Hall of Fame Chairperson. “Each of these inductees has made a lasting impact on K-State Athletics and Kansas State University, and we look forward to welcoming them back to Manhattan this fall for a special induction weekend.”The class is the 13th in the history of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame, including the charter class of 1990, and will be honored during the weekend of September 5. Official induction ceremonies will take place on Friday, September 4, before the inductees are recognized at halftime of the football game against Buffalo the following day.More ceremony details will be announced later this summer.RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for Communications

Kansas State announces 2020 Athletics Hall of Fame Class

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that two student-athletes have tested positive for active COVID-19 following PCR (polymerase chain reaction)&nbsp;testing and the on-boarding process of approximately 120 student-athletes through June 16. All student-athletes are required to follow the department’s return-to-campus policy which includes a 7-day stay-at-home recommendation and quarantine upon arrival in Manhattan and prior to testing. Under this protocol, student-athletes are not allowed inside any department facilities nor can they participate in any voluntary or required team activities until they have received a negative test result. “We will always keep our focus on the health and well-being of our student-athletes and staff,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “A small number of positive tests was something that we were anticipating based on what we are seeing from across college football, and our medical staff and coaching staffs are well-prepared for the next steps. While we know this is a very fluid situation, we have a great plan in place and all of our student-athletes have done their part in following the correct procedures to return to campus.” Each student-athlete that tests positive is medically managed according to current local, state, national, and CDC guidelines, which begins with self-isolation for 10 days and until the patient is without fever for 72 hours without medication, whichever takes longer. These guidelines would also include quarantine for any individuals known to have been in contact with someone who tested positive. The department will continue PCR and antibody testing of student-athletes as they return to campus, and those results will be released upon completion.

– k-statesports.com –

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

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that two student-athletes have tested positive for active COVID-19 following PCR (polymerase chain reaction)&nbsp;testing and the on-boarding process of approximately 120 student-athletes through June 16. All student-athletes are required to follow the department’s return-to-campus policy which includes a 7-day stay-at-home recommendation and quarantine upon arrival in Manhattan and prior to testing. Under this protocol, student-athletes are not allowed inside any department facilities nor can they participate in any voluntary or required team activities until they have received a negative test result. “We will always keep our focus on the health and well-being of our student-athletes and staff,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “A small number of positive tests was something that we were anticipating based on what we are seeing from across college football, and our medical staff and coaching staffs are well-prepared for the next steps. While we know this is a very fluid situation, we have a great plan in place and all of our student-athletes have done their part in following the correct procedures to return to campus.” Each student-athlete that tests positive is medically managed according to current local, state, national, and CDC guidelines, which begins with self-isolation for 10 days and until the patient is without fever for 72 hours without medication, whichever takes longer. These guidelines would also include quarantine for any individuals known to have been in contact with someone who tested positive. The department will continue PCR and antibody testing of student-athletes as they return to campus, and those results will be released upon completion. – k-statesports.com –KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics

K-State Athletics Confirms Two Active Positives for COVID-19 with PCR Testing as of June 16

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A pair of K-State Football Ring of Honor members,&nbsp;Michael Bishop&nbsp;and&nbsp;Darren Sproles, were among 78 Football Bowl Subdivision players named to the 2021 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced today.

Sproles is on the ballot for the first time, while Bishop is a repeat candidate.

“It’s an enormous honor to just be on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot considering more than 5.4 million people have played college football and only 1,027 players have been inducted,” NFF President &amp; CEO Steve Hatchell said. “The Hall’s requirement of being a First Team All-American creates a much smaller pool of about 1,500 individuals who are even eligible. Being in today’s elite group means an individual is truly among the greatest to have ever played the game, and we look forward to announcing the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT early next year.”

One of the most dynamic players in program history, Bishop played a major role in propelling the Wildcats to their first-ever No. 1 national ranking during the second of his two seasons at K-State (1997-1998). He still holds the K-State season passing efficiency record after a 159.6 rating in 1998 (164-of-295 for 2,844 yards and 23 TDs/4 INTs) in addition to ranking second in season total offense at 3,592 yards.

Bishop went 22-3 as a starter, including a 15-1 mark in Big 12 play, as his 88-percent winning clip is the best mark in school history. He was a two-time All-Big 12 performer, the 1997 Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, winner of the 1998 Davey O’Brien Award and runner up for the Heisman Trophy that year.

Sproles, a 2003 First Team All-American and three-time All-Big 12 performer, held 28 school records at the time of graduation, 21 of which still stand 15 years after his playing days. The Olathe, Kansas, product rushed for 4,979 career yards, nearly 2,000 yards more than the player in second place. Sproles, finished fifth in the 2003 Heisman Trophy voting and third in the Associated Press Player of the Year voting that same season, was a three-time All-American, including earning first-team honors in 2003.

Sproles was selected in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers and ended up playing 15 years in the league prior to his retirement at the conclusion of last season. He accumulated 19,696 career all-purpose yards to rank fifth in NFL history, while he ranks seventh in career punt-return yards and eighth in kickoff-return yards. He played in three Pro Bowls and was named to seven All-Pro teams, including six first-team honors.

The ballot was emailed today to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF's Honors Courts, which will deliberate and select the class. The FBS Honors Court, chaired by NFF Board Member and College Football Hall of Famer Archie Griffin from Ohio State, and the Divisional Honors Court, chaired by former Marshall head coach, longtime athletics director and NFF Board Member Jack Lengyel, include an elite and geographically diverse pool of athletic administrators, Hall of Famers and members of the media.

The announcement of the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT will be made in early 2021, with specific details to be announced in the future.

The 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT will be officially inducted during the 64th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on December 7, 2021, at the New York Hilton Midtown. They will also be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2021 season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592325716226.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A pair of K-State Football Ring of Honor members,&nbsp;Michael Bishop&nbsp;and&nbsp;Darren Sproles, were among 78 Football Bowl Subdivision players named to the 2021 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced today.Sproles is on the ballot for the first time, while Bishop is a repeat candidate.“It’s an enormous honor to just be on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot considering more than 5.4 million people have played college football and only 1,027 players have been inducted,” NFF President &amp; CEO Steve Hatchell said. “The Hall’s requirement of being a First Team All-American creates a much smaller pool of about 1,500 individuals who are even eligible. Being in today’s elite group means an individual is truly among the greatest to have ever played the game, and we look forward to announcing the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT early next year.”One of the most dynamic players in program history, Bishop played a major role in propelling the Wildcats to their first-ever No. 1 national ranking during the second of his two seasons at K-State (1997-1998). He still holds the K-State season passing efficiency record after a 159.6 rating in 1998 (164-of-295 for 2,844 yards and 23 TDs/4 INTs) in addition to ranking second in season total offense at 3,592 yards.Bishop went 22-3 as a starter, including a 15-1 mark in Big 12 play, as his 88-percent winning clip is the best mark in school history. He was a two-time All-Big 12 performer, the 1997 Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, winner of the 1998 Davey O’Brien Award and runner up for the Heisman Trophy that year.Sproles, a 2003 First Team All-American and three-time All-Big 12 performer, held 28 school records at the time of graduation, 21 of which still stand 15 years after his playing days. The Olathe, Kansas, product rushed for 4,979 career yards, nearly 2,000 yards more than the player in second place. Sproles, finished fifth in the 2003 Heisman Trophy voting and third in the Associated Press Player of the Year voting that same season, was a three-time All-American, including earning first-team honors in 2003.Sproles was selected in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers and ended up playing 15 years in the league prior to his retirement at the conclusion of last season. He accumulated 19,696 career all-purpose yards to rank fifth in NFL history, while he ranks seventh in career punt-return yards and eighth in kickoff-return yards. He played in three Pro Bowls and was named to seven All-Pro teams, including six first-team honors.The ballot was emailed today to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF's Honors Courts, which will deliberate and select the class. The FBS Honors Court, chaired by NFF Board Member and College Football Hall of Famer Archie Griffin from Ohio State, and the Divisional Honors Court, chaired by former Marshall head coach, longtime athletics director and NFF Board Member Jack Lengyel, include an elite and geographically diverse pool of athletic administrators, Hall of Famers and members of the media.The announcement of the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT will be made in early 2021, with specific details to be announced in the future.The 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT will be officially inducted during the 64th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on December 7, 2021, at the New York Hilton Midtown. They will also be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2021 season.– k-statesports.com –RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for Communications

K-State's Bishop, Sproles on College Football Hall of Fame ballot

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals have long valued high school prospects, but a run of them have failed to pan out. So the past few drafts have been full of college pitchers, and that trend continued with the first-round selection of Texas A&amp;M standout Asa Lacy. 

Now, the Royals have a farm system stocked with pitchers that could hit the majors in just a couple of years, and could form the backbone for a team trying to return to the World Series after back-to-back appearances in 2014 and '15.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals have long valued high school prospects, but a run of them have failed to pan out. So the past few drafts have been full of college pitchers, and that trend continued with the first-round selection of Texas A&amp;M standout Asa Lacy. Now, the Royals have a farm system stocked with pitchers that could hit the majors in just a couple of years, and could form the backbone for a team trying to return to the World Series after back-to-back appearances in 2014 and '15.

Kansas City Royals are stocking the farm system with pitchers

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball players told Major League Baseball additional talks to start the season during the coronavirus pandemic are futile and said owners should order a return to work, which likely would spark lengthy litigation and the sport’s return to labor wars. 

The union’s action could lead to a season of about 50 games rather than the 82 initially proposed by MLB. The Major League Baseball Players Association could respond by filing a grievance that would be heard by arbitrator Mark Irvings

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball players told Major League Baseball additional talks to start the season during the coronavirus pandemic are futile and said owners should order a return to work, which likely would spark lengthy litigation and the sport’s return to labor wars. The union’s action could lead to a season of about 50 games rather than the 82 initially proposed by MLB. The Major League Baseball Players Association could respond by filing a grievance that would be heard by arbitrator Mark Irvings

Baseball players say talks futile, tell MLB to order return

USD 383 Manhattan / Ogden Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marvin Wade has issued a statement saying that in May, the Kansas State High School Activities Association established a summer conditioning start date of June 1. Based upon COVID-19 conditions within Riley County at that time, a start date of July 1 was set for USD 383. Given the accelerated pace at which other community venues (such as health clubs) are opening, plans have been implemented for&nbsp;Manhattan High School conditioning and summer workouts&nbsp;to begin on June 15 rather than July 1. Guidelines have already been approved for supervision, daily cleaning and weekly deep cleaning, and procedures to maintain social distancing with equipment being used this summer.

Arrangements are being made for&nbsp;Anthony Middle School and Eisenhower Middle School&nbsp;voluntary summer workouts/camps&nbsp;for basketball, football and volleyball. As was done with the high school, middle school COVID-19 precautions and guidelines have already been submitted and approved. More information will be provided from the middle schools in the near future as dates become finalized.

USD 383 Manhattan / Ogden Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marvin Wade has issued a statement saying that in May, the Kansas State High School Activities Association established a summer conditioning start date of June 1. Based upon COVID-19 conditions within Riley County at that time, a start date of July 1 was set for USD 383. Given the accelerated pace at which other community venues (such as health clubs) are opening, plans have been implemented for&nbsp;Manhattan High School conditioning and summer workouts&nbsp;to begin on June 15 rather than July 1. Guidelines have already been approved for supervision, daily cleaning and weekly deep cleaning, and procedures to maintain social distancing with equipment being used this summer.Arrangements are being made for&nbsp;Anthony Middle School and Eisenhower Middle School&nbsp;voluntary summer workouts/camps&nbsp;for basketball, football and volleyball. As was done with the high school, middle school COVID-19 precautions and guidelines have already been submitted and approved. More information will be provided from the middle schools in the near future as dates become finalized.

USD 383 Superintendent of Schools provides an update on summer conditioning for athletes

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that no student-athletes have tested positive for active COVID-19 following PCR (polymerase chain reaction)&nbsp;testing and the on-boarding process of approximately 90 student-athletes this week. In addition, one student-athlete did test positive for COVID-19 with antibody testing but is not considered acute. The department will continue PCR and antibody testing of student-athletes as they return to campus, and those results will be released upon completion. Should a student-athlete test positive, each will be medically managed according to current local, state, national, and CDC guidelines, which begins with self-isolation for 10 days and until the patient is without fever for 72 hours without medication, whichever takes longer. These guidelines would also include quarantine for any individuals known to have been in contact with someone who tested positive.

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

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that no student-athletes have tested positive for active COVID-19 following PCR (polymerase chain reaction)&nbsp;testing and the on-boarding process of approximately 90 student-athletes this week. In addition, one student-athlete did test positive for COVID-19 with antibody testing but is not considered acute. The department will continue PCR and antibody testing of student-athletes as they return to campus, and those results will be released upon completion. Should a student-athlete test positive, each will be medically managed according to current local, state, national, and CDC guidelines, which begins with self-isolation for 10 days and until the patient is without fever for 72 hours without medication, whichever takes longer. These guidelines would also include quarantine for any individuals known to have been in contact with someone who tested positive.KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics&nbsp;&nbsp;

K-State Athletics Confirms Zero Active Positives for COVID-19 with PCR Testing as of June 11

Athletic administrators at schools with high ticket demand are making plans to determine who gets a seat if college football stadium capacities are reduced because of concerns about coronavirus. 

Nebraska has sold out every home game since 1962 and the season ticket renewal rate was 93% for this fall.  Officials say priority plans being considered take into account how much money the ticket holder donates and how long he or she has held tickets. 

Alabama and Ohio State are also assessing options.

Athletic administrators at schools with high ticket demand are making plans to determine who gets a seat if college football stadium capacities are reduced because of concerns about coronavirus. Nebraska has sold out every home game since 1962 and the season ticket renewal rate was 93% for this fall. Officials say priority plans being considered take into account how much money the ticket holder donates and how long he or she has held tickets. Alabama and Ohio State are also assessing options.

Seniority, generosity may decide who enters college football stadiums

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas announced late Friday it had reached a settlement with former football coach David Beaty, who had filed a lawsuit against the school alleging athletic department officials were trying to circumvent terms of his contract. 

The school agreed to pay $2.55 million to end all litigation and disputes.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas announced late Friday it had reached a settlement with former football coach David Beaty, who had filed a lawsuit against the school alleging athletic department officials were trying to circumvent terms of his contract. The school agreed to pay $2.55 million to end all litigation and disputes.

KU reaches settlement with former Jayhawk football coach

After Washburn University announced the closure of their campus on May 5th, due to health and safety concerns from COVID-19, the fate of the 47th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl was unknown. 

Friday, the Kansas Shrine Bowl announced that they will stay in Topeka and play their game at Hummer Sports Complex.“While health and safety concerns are still a factor, we are excited to have anew venue and are increasingly hopeful we will be playing football on July 18th,”&nbsp;said B.J. Harris, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl.“Hummer Sports Complex&nbsp;is an amazing facility and their staff and support will bea tremendous asset.”

The new venue is a positive step, but the Kansas Shrine Bowl recognizes the challenges and changes that could affect the event.“All activities are being coordinated with assistance from the Shawnee County COVID-19 Task Force,” added Harris.“The health of our players, participants and fans is the top priority and we look forward to working with local officials to execute a safe event.”

The announcement of Hummer Sports Complex as the sight of the 2020 game is a great step forward, but the 47th annual Kansas Shrine Bowl will be anything but business as usual. The biggest change will be the cancellation of the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band.“After discussions with multiple high school and collegiate band directors it became evident that a successful band camp would not be possible with the expected limitations,” said Harris. “We are disappointed for our band kids, but we’re hopeful we can keep them engaged with our event and execute an alternative that could keep the band present at this year’s&nbsp;game.”

Dr. William Woodsworth, Director of Athletic Bands at Emporia State University and A.J. Pence, Band Director at Valley Falls High School, will be working to put together the 37th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Masonic All-State“Virtual”Band.“It is important to allow these fine students to share their talents and their passion, especially given these trying times,”said Dr. Woodsworth.“Ultimately, although it will never be able to replace an in-person performance, our purpose will still hold true. This summer’s performance of the 2020 KansasMasonic All-State “Virtual”&nbsp;Band will still be‘For the Kids’!”

Other changes to the 47th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl will be the cancellation of the Participant Appreciation Banquet,Strong Legs Run 5K and hospital screening clinic. The Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp has been shortened to a two-day, commuter camp and will take place at a Topeka school district facility. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Parade, highs chool football combine, and Jr. All-Star Challenge are still being considered but could be altered or cancelled.

.East and West training camps are still set to be held in Ottawa and Salina. Further details will be provided to parents and players in the coming days.

After Washburn University announced the closure of their campus on May 5th, due to health and safety concerns from COVID-19, the fate of the 47th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl was unknown. Friday, the Kansas Shrine Bowl announced that they will stay in Topeka and play their game at Hummer Sports Complex.“While health and safety concerns are still a factor, we are excited to have anew venue and are increasingly hopeful we will be playing football on July 18th,”&nbsp;said B.J. Harris, Executive Director of the Kansas Shrine Bowl.“Hummer Sports Complex&nbsp;is an amazing facility and their staff and support will bea tremendous asset.”The new venue is a positive step, but the Kansas Shrine Bowl recognizes the challenges and changes that could affect the event.“All activities are being coordinated with assistance from the Shawnee County COVID-19 Task Force,” added Harris.“The health of our players, participants and fans is the top priority and we look forward to working with local officials to execute a safe event.”The announcement of Hummer Sports Complex as the sight of the 2020 game is a great step forward, but the 47th annual Kansas Shrine Bowl will be anything but business as usual. The biggest change will be the cancellation of the Kansas Masonic All-State Marching Band.“After discussions with multiple high school and collegiate band directors it became evident that a successful band camp would not be possible with the expected limitations,” said Harris. “We are disappointed for our band kids, but we’re hopeful we can keep them engaged with our event and execute an alternative that could keep the band present at this year’s&nbsp;game.”Dr. William Woodsworth, Director of Athletic Bands at Emporia State University and A.J. Pence, Band Director at Valley Falls High School, will be working to put together the 37th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Masonic All-State“Virtual”Band.“It is important to allow these fine students to share their talents and their passion, especially given these trying times,”said Dr. Woodsworth.“Ultimately, although it will never be able to replace an in-person performance, our purpose will still hold true. This summer’s performance of the 2020 KansasMasonic All-State “Virtual”&nbsp;Band will still be‘For the Kids’!”Other changes to the 47th&nbsp;Annual Kansas Shrine Bowl will be the cancellation of the Participant Appreciation Banquet,Strong Legs Run 5K and hospital screening clinic. The Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star Cheer Camp has been shortened to a two-day, commuter camp and will take place at a Topeka school district facility. The Kansas Shrine Bowl Parade, highs chool football combine, and Jr. All-Star Challenge are still being considered but could be altered or cancelled.<figure>
 <img src="https://html1-f.scribdassets.com/yybqh65ts7x6ehq/images/1-5309577ca1.jpg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>.East and West training camps are still set to be held in Ottawa and Salina. Further details will be provided to parents and players in the coming days.

Shrine Bowl officials find new venue for 2020 football game

NFL coaches will be allowed to return beginning Friday to team facilities closed because of the coronavirus pandemic as the league continues preparation for training camps and its season. 

Commissioner Roger Goodell told the 32 clubs that coaching staffs may work from team complexes starting Friday. Previously, only up to 75 people per day could be at the facilities, with coaches and players not seeking treatment for injuries barred. All coaches will count toward the maximum number of club employees in the facility, but that number will be increased to 100. That's also subject to governmental regulations and implementation of health protocols developed by the NFL’s medical staff.

NFL coaches will be allowed to return beginning Friday to team facilities closed because of the coronavirus pandemic as the league continues preparation for training camps and its season. Commissioner Roger Goodell told the 32 clubs that coaching staffs may work from team complexes starting Friday. Previously, only up to 75 people per day could be at the facilities, with coaches and players not seeking treatment for injuries barred. All coaches will count toward the maximum number of club employees in the facility, but that number will be increased to 100. That's also subject to governmental regulations and implementation of health protocols developed by the NFL’s medical staff.

NFL coaches can work at their team facilities

Historic meeting at YMCA
 in 1920 may never have happened if not for 1918 pandemic

By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2020-05-30/how-a-global-pandemic-100-years-ago-led-to-the-founding-of-the-negro-leagues-in-kansas-city">Kansas News Service</a>

Getting past a disruption caused by a global pandemic is nothing new 
for professional baseball. Even as Major League Baseball considers a 
shortened season this year amid the ongoing coroanavirus outbreak, the 
sport faced an even more dire threat a century ago with the flu 
pandemic.

That event, combined with World War I and a major gambling scandal, jeopardized the very future of the game.

Part
 of what came next was history, made in Kansas City: the Negro Leagues 
were formed 100 years ago at the Paseo YMCA, just as professional 
baseball was trying to figure out how to move on from a series of 
world-altering events.

‘The biggest entertainment business in America.’

Before
 1917, Eliot Asinoff wrote in his bestseller “Eight Men Out” that 
baseball was “the biggest entertainment business in America.”

But 
in 1920, at the same time that Kansas City jazz was taking off in the 
18th and Vine district, Rube Foster of Chicago and J.L. Wilkinson, who 
had recently moved to Kansas City from Iowa, met at the nearby YMCA on 
The Paseo to formalize the Negro National League in the Negro Leagues.

It was an unusual partnership for its time. Foster was black, and Wilkinson was white.

“Foster,
 I understand, would’ve preferred to have had all-black leadership for 
the leagues, but could not deny the connection that Wilkinson had,” said
 Raymond Doswell, vice president and curator for Kansas City’s Negro 
Leagues Baseball Museum, which has been closed since mid-March as a 
precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.

Foster knew 
Wilkinson from the integrated barnstorming team Wilkinson owned called 
the All Nations team. It was made up of players from a variety of 
backgrounds, including African Americans, Latino Americans and Asian 
immigrants.

Barnstorming teams —semi-professional outfits that 
traveled around the country playing other local teams— got in on the 
success that professional baseball had produced at that time.

“I 
do know the All Nations played the Chicago American Giants,” said Tom 
Fredrick, a Kansas City attorney who has published research on 
Wilkinson. “In other words, Rube Foster’s team, pre-Negro National 
League formation, in October of 1916. In Kansas City, Missouri.”

Despite the difference in the color of their skin, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson had a lot in common.

“These were two baseball men who were visionaries in many respects, who understood the broader picture,” said Doswell.

Their partnership, though, came out of global tragedy and turmoil.

When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Wilkinson’s All Nations players were among those who enlisted according to Fredrick.

“He (Wilkinson) lost All-Nations roster to the Great War. We know that,” he said.

Things
 worsened in 1918 when baseball—and especially barnstorming teams that 
had to travel to make money—were hit hard by the global flu pandemic.

Then, as now with the coronavirus, the flu impacted black communities more, according to Doswell.

“There’s
 a lot of urbanization, so it’s easy for these kinds of things like the 
flu or even tuberculosis to sweep through black communities very 
easily,” he said. “That was a problem in some large communities for many
 years.”

By 1919, the war had ended and the flu had subsided. But baseball had
 another lingering problem: gambling. Though an issue before the war and
 pandemic, the problem reached its apex when several members of the 
Chicago White Sox took money to intentionally lose the 1919 World Series
 against the Cincinnati Reds.

After those chain of events, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson converged in Kansas City in 1920.

“They
 were being pushed by the black press mostly,” he said. “Black sports 
news editors were sometimes also the editors of different papers. They 
were commenting on the fact that black baseball was loose, and it was 
not organized.”

Kansas City’s signature franchise

From
 Fredrick’s research on Wilkinson, it was discovered that Wilkinson, 
being the shrewd businessman that he was, planned to start up the Kansas
 City Monarchs, with or without an organized league.

But as it 
turned out, the Monarchs became one of the league’s signature teams 
under Wilkinson’s ownership. Wilkinson, who entered the National 
Baseball of Fame in 2006, had earned the respect of his players.

One of them was former Monarchs first baseman and manager Buck O’Neil, who before his death in 2006, praised Wilkinson.

“J.L.
 (Wilkinson was) an outstanding individual. Great baseball mind,” he 
said. “He’s a promoter. He knew how to make money,” O’Neil said at that 
time.

One hundred years ago, the formation of the Negro Leagues 
was a historic step for baseball, one that may never have happened if 
not for world-shaking events. That’ something for Major League Baseball 
to keep in mind now, as it tries to move on after another global 
pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591289256619.png" alt="J.W. Wilkinson's traveling All-Nations team in 1916. The squad was made up of players from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, but its roster was decimated by both World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc." />
 <figcaption>J.W. Wilkinson's traveling All-Nations team in 1916. The squad was made up of players from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, but its roster was decimated by both World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Historic meeting at YMCA
 in 1920 may never have happened if not for 1918 pandemic</h2>By GREG ECHLIN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/sports/2020-05-30/how-a-global-pandemic-100-years-ago-led-to-the-founding-of-the-negro-leagues-in-kansas-city">Kansas News Service</a>Getting past a disruption caused by a global pandemic is nothing new 
for professional baseball. Even as Major League Baseball considers a 
shortened season this year amid the ongoing coroanavirus outbreak, the 
sport faced an even more dire threat a century ago with the flu 
pandemic.That event, combined with World War I and a major gambling scandal, jeopardized the very future of the game.Part
 of what came next was history, made in Kansas City: the Negro Leagues 
were formed 100 years ago at the Paseo YMCA, just as professional 
baseball was trying to figure out how to move on from a series of 
world-altering events.‘The biggest entertainment business in America.’Before
 1917, Eliot Asinoff wrote in his bestseller “Eight Men Out” that 
baseball was “the biggest entertainment business in America.”But 
in 1920, at the same time that Kansas City jazz was taking off in the 
18th and Vine district, Rube Foster of Chicago and J.L. Wilkinson, who 
had recently moved to Kansas City from Iowa, met at the nearby YMCA on 
The Paseo to formalize the Negro National League in the Negro Leagues.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591289387032.png" alt="Kansas City Monarchs owner J.L. Wilkinson (left) and Rube Foster, owner of the Chicago American Giants, were the two driving forces behind the founding of the Negro Leagues in 1920. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc. " />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Monarchs owner J.L. Wilkinson (left) and Rube Foster, owner of the Chicago American Giants, were the two driving forces behind the founding of the Negro Leagues in 1920. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc. </figcaption>
 </figure>It was an unusual partnership for its time. Foster was black, and Wilkinson was white.“Foster,
 I understand, would’ve preferred to have had all-black leadership for 
the leagues, but could not deny the connection that Wilkinson had,” said
 Raymond Doswell, vice president and curator for Kansas City’s Negro 
Leagues Baseball Museum, which has been closed since mid-March as a 
precaution against the spread of the coronavirus.Foster knew 
Wilkinson from the integrated barnstorming team Wilkinson owned called 
the All Nations team. It was made up of players from a variety of 
backgrounds, including African Americans, Latino Americans and Asian 
immigrants.Barnstorming teams —semi-professional outfits that 
traveled around the country playing other local teams— got in on the 
success that professional baseball had produced at that time.“I 
do know the All Nations played the Chicago American Giants,” said Tom 
Fredrick, a Kansas City attorney who has published research on 
Wilkinson. “In other words, Rube Foster’s team, pre-Negro National 
League formation, in October of 1916. In Kansas City, Missouri.”Despite the difference in the color of their skin, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson had a lot in common.“These were two baseball men who were visionaries in many respects, who understood the broader picture,” said Doswell.A war, a pandemic and a scandalTheir partnership, though, came out of global tragedy and turmoil.When the U.S. entered World War I in 1917, Wilkinson’s All Nations players were among those who enlisted according to Fredrick.“He (Wilkinson) lost All-Nations roster to the Great War. We know that,” he said.Things
 worsened in 1918 when baseball—and especially barnstorming teams that 
had to travel to make money—were hit hard by the global flu pandemic.Then, as now with the coronavirus, the flu impacted black communities more, according to Doswell.“There’s
 a lot of urbanization, so it’s easy for these kinds of things like the 
flu or even tuberculosis to sweep through black communities very 
easily,” he said. “That was a problem in some large communities for many
 years.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591289439235.png" alt="The Chicago American Giants, owned by Rube Foster (back row, middle, wearing suit) were a pre-Negro Leagues barnstorming team made up of all black players. This was the 1918 squad. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc." />
 <figcaption>The Chicago American Giants, owned by Rube Foster (back row, middle, wearing suit) were a pre-Negro Leagues barnstorming team made up of all black players. This was the 1918 squad. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Inc.</figcaption>
 </figure>By 1919, the war had ended and the flu had subsided. But baseball had
 another lingering problem: gambling. Though an issue before the war and
 pandemic, the problem reached its apex when several members of the 
Chicago White Sox took money to intentionally lose the 1919 World Series
 against the Cincinnati Reds.After those chain of events, Doswell said Foster and Wilkinson converged in Kansas City in 1920.“They
 were being pushed by the black press mostly,” he said. “Black sports 
news editors were sometimes also the editors of different papers. They 
were commenting on the fact that black baseball was loose, and it was 
not organized.”Kansas City’s signature franchiseFrom
 Fredrick’s research on Wilkinson, it was discovered that Wilkinson, 
being the shrewd businessman that he was, planned to start up the Kansas
 City Monarchs, with or without an organized league.But as it 
turned out, the Monarchs became one of the league’s signature teams 
under Wilkinson’s ownership. Wilkinson, who entered the National 
Baseball of Fame in 2006, had earned the respect of his players.One of them was former Monarchs first baseman and manager Buck O’Neil, who before his death in 2006, praised Wilkinson.“J.L.
 (Wilkinson was) an outstanding individual. Great baseball mind,” he 
said. “He’s a promoter. He knew how to make money,” O’Neil said at that 
time.One hundred years ago, the formation of the Negro Leagues 
was a historic step for baseball, one that may never have happened if 
not for world-shaking events. That’ something for Major League Baseball 
to keep in mind now, as it tries to move on after another global 
pandemic.

How 1918 pandemic sparked founding of Negro Leagues in Kansas City

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has forced sports teams and their leagues to evaluate how they will welcome back fans. Social distancing is very likely whenever it happens. 

In Taiwan, a limited number of fans have been allowed into baseball games and told to sit three seats apart. U.S. colleges and pro leagues are assessing how to handle fans for fall sports, including football. Already Iowa State and Notre Dame are among schools planning for stadiums far less than full. 

Teams are also trying to figure out ways to prevent crowds entering or leaving, and limiting people on concourses.&nbsp;

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The coronavirus pandemic has forced sports teams and their leagues to evaluate how they will welcome back fans. Social distancing is very likely whenever it happens. In Taiwan, a limited number of fans have been allowed into baseball games and told to sit three seats apart. U.S. colleges and pro leagues are assessing how to handle fans for fall sports, including football. Already Iowa State and Notre Dame are among schools planning for stadiums far less than full. Teams are also trying to figure out ways to prevent crowds entering or leaving, and limiting people on concourses.&nbsp;

Empty seats could be prevalent at stadiums when sports returns

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Former Kansas State player and graduate student manager&nbsp;Mason Schoen&nbsp;has been promoted to video coordinator, head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;announced on Monday (June 1).

A former walk-on for the Wildcats from 2014-18, Schoen spent the past season (2019-20) as a graduate student manager at K-State after a one-year stint (2018-19) in a similar position at Clemson.

“We’re excited about Mason and his new opportunity,” said Weber. “As I said when we hired Shane (Southwell) in March, it’s always a proud moment when one of your former players wants to go into the coaching profession. Aside from being a former player who was part of some really, good teams, Mason is a sharp individual with two Master’s degrees. He has put the work and effort into earning this next step in the coaching profession.”

Schoen returned to his alma mater in June 2019 after spending the 2018-19 season as a graduate assistant at Clemson under head coach&nbsp;Brad Brownell. He was part of a staff that helped the Tigers post a 20-14 overall record, including a 9-9 mark in the rugged Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC, and advance to the second round of the Postseason NIT.

A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Schoen played a significant leadership role as a four-year walk-on, guiding the Wildcats to consecutive 20-win seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances as a junior and senior, including serving as a captain during the run to the Elite Eight in 2017-18. An eight-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, he was twice named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team (2017, 2018) while was a two-time Honors Court recipient from the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). He also participated in the NCAA Career in Sports Forum in June 2016 as an undergraduate.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591034283244.jpeg" alt="Mason Schoen" />
 <figcaption>Mason Schoen</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Former Kansas State player and graduate student manager&nbsp;Mason Schoen&nbsp;has been promoted to video coordinator, head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;announced on Monday (June 1).A former walk-on for the Wildcats from 2014-18, Schoen spent the past season (2019-20) as a graduate student manager at K-State after a one-year stint (2018-19) in a similar position at Clemson.“We’re excited about Mason and his new opportunity,” said Weber. “As I said when we hired Shane (Southwell) in March, it’s always a proud moment when one of your former players wants to go into the coaching profession. Aside from being a former player who was part of some really, good teams, Mason is a sharp individual with two Master’s degrees. He has put the work and effort into earning this next step in the coaching profession.”Schoen returned to his alma mater in June 2019 after spending the 2018-19 season as a graduate assistant at Clemson under head coach&nbsp;Brad Brownell. He was part of a staff that helped the Tigers post a 20-14 overall record, including a 9-9 mark in the rugged Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC, and advance to the second round of the Postseason NIT.A native of Overland Park, Kansas, Schoen played a significant leadership role as a four-year walk-on, guiding the Wildcats to consecutive 20-win seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances as a junior and senior, including serving as a captain during the run to the Elite Eight in 2017-18. An eight-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, he was twice named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team (2017, 2018) while was a two-time Honors Court recipient from the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). He also participated in the NCAA Career in Sports Forum in June 2016 as an undergraduate.

Schoen elevated to video coordinator for K-State men's basketball

K-State has announced that for the fifth straight season the entirety of the Big 12 Conference and 10 members of the SEC will play in women's basketball for the 2020 SEC / Big 12 Challenge.&nbsp; K-State will host Kentucky in this year's edition. The game date and television designation will be announced at a later date.

Kansas State has hosted auburn in 2016 and Vanderbilt in 2018 in the SEC / Big 12 Challenge, winning both matchups in Manhattan.

K-State has announced that for the fifth straight season the entirety of the Big 12 Conference and 10 members of the SEC will play in women's basketball for the 2020 SEC / Big 12 Challenge.&nbsp; K-State will host Kentucky in this year's edition. The game date and television designation will be announced at a later date.Kansas State has hosted auburn in 2016 and Vanderbilt in 2018 in the SEC / Big 12 Challenge, winning both matchups in Manhattan.

K-State to host Kentucky in women's basketball

Big 12 schools still got a strong payout from the conference during the pandemic. The revenue distribution to the league's 10 schools for the 2019-20 school year averages $37.7 million each. 

That figure announced at the end of the league's virtual spring meetings was down only about $1.1 million a school from last year. That ends a 13-year streak of increasing revenues. The decrease came after the cancellation of the basketball tournaments, and then spring sports. There is still plenty of uncertainty moving forward as campuses get ready to welcome athletes back for voluntary workouts.&nbsp;

Big 12 schools still got a strong payout from the conference during the pandemic. The revenue distribution to the league's 10 schools for the 2019-20 school year averages $37.7 million each. That figure announced at the end of the league's virtual spring meetings was down only about $1.1 million a school from last year. That ends a 13-year streak of increasing revenues. The decrease came after the cancellation of the basketball tournaments, and then spring sports. There is still plenty of uncertainty moving forward as campuses get ready to welcome athletes back for voluntary workouts.&nbsp;

Big 12 revenue distribution down only slightly during pandemic

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have moved -- not actually, but legally. The Royals changed their legal home from Missouri to Delaware last fall during the process of the team’s sale from David Glass to a group headed by John Sherman. 

The switch was mentioned in court papers in a suit by minor leaguers against Major League Baseball. Kansas City Royals Baseball Corp., a Missouri corporation, became Kansas City Royals Baseball Club Inc., a Delaware corporation, on Nov 19. That corporation became Kansas City Royals Baseball Club LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals have moved -- not actually, but legally. The Royals changed their legal home from Missouri to Delaware last fall during the process of the team’s sale from David Glass to a group headed by John Sherman. The switch was mentioned in court papers in a suit by minor leaguers against Major League Baseball. Kansas City Royals Baseball Corp., a Missouri corporation, became Kansas City Royals Baseball Club Inc., a Delaware corporation, on Nov 19. That corporation became Kansas City Royals Baseball Club LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Kansas City Royals change their legal home

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State sophomore forward&nbsp;Kaosi Ezeagu&nbsp;(Brampton, Ontario/GTA Prep/UTEP)&nbsp;has received a waiver from the NCAA that will allow him to play immediately in 2020-21, head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;announced on Wednesday (May 27).

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&nbsp;Rodney Terry&nbsp;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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/5/1590668738277.jpeg" alt="ksu e.jpg" />
 <figcaption>ksu e.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State sophomore forward&nbsp;Kaosi Ezeagu&nbsp;(Brampton, Ontario/GTA Prep/UTEP)&nbsp;has received a waiver from the NCAA that will allow him to play immediately in 2020-21, head coach&nbsp;Bruce Weber&nbsp;announced on Wednesday (May 27).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&nbsp;Rodney Terry&nbsp;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.

K-State forward can play immediately in the upcoming school year

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas athletic department has imposed pay cuts and furloughs for all employees in response to financial problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Kansas City Star reports that Athletic Director Jeff Long announced the moves in an email to donors Wednesday. Long, men’s basketball coach Bill Self and football coach Les Miles already said last month that they would take 10% pay cuts for six months. The department's top-paid employees now face pay cuts of 10% and its lowest-paid employees will be furloughed for three weeks. Some employees will have a choice between a furlough and a pay cut.&nbsp;

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The University of Kansas athletic department has imposed pay cuts and furloughs for all employees in response to financial problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Kansas City Star reports that Athletic Director Jeff Long announced the moves in an email to donors Wednesday. Long, men’s basketball coach Bill Self and football coach Les Miles already said last month that they would take 10% pay cuts for six months. The department's top-paid employees now face pay cuts of 10% and its lowest-paid employees will be furloughed for three weeks. Some employees will have a choice between a furlough and a pay cut.&nbsp;

KU Athletics imposing new pay cuts, furloughs to cut costs

NEW YORK (AP) — College football conferences and television networks have agreed to hold off on announcing start times for early-season games. CBS Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports and their affiliated networks typically announce early game times for the Football Bowl Subdivision conferences on June 1. 

The two sides decided to wait a few weeks for the 2020 season as sports like the NHL and NBA work toward returning after shutting down due to the coronavirus pandemic. The college football season is scheduled to begin with a handful of games on Aug. 29 and a full slate of games the following week.

NEW YORK (AP) — College football conferences and television networks have agreed to hold off on announcing start times for early-season games. CBS Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports and their affiliated networks typically announce early game times for the Football Bowl Subdivision conferences on June 1. The two sides decided to wait a few weeks for the 2020 season as sports like the NHL and NBA work toward returning after shutting down due to the coronavirus pandemic. The college football season is scheduled to begin with a handful of games on Aug. 29 and a full slate of games the following week.

There will be a delay on announcing early season college football game starting times

NEW YORK (AP) — A rookie at the major league minimum would make a higher percentage of his salary than multimillionaire stars like Mike Trout or Gerrit Cole under a sliding-scale proposal by big league teams that players found “extremely disappointing.”

 Major League Baseball made the proposal to the players’ union rather than the 50-50 revenue-sharing plan that owners initially approved for their negotiators on May 11, two people familiar with the proposal told The Associated Press. The union said “the sides also remain far apart on health and safety protocols” aimed at starting the pandemic-delayed season around the Fourth of July.

NEW YORK (AP) — A rookie at the major league minimum would make a higher percentage of his salary than multimillionaire stars like Mike Trout or Gerrit Cole under a sliding-scale proposal by big league teams that players found “extremely disappointing.” Major League Baseball made the proposal to the players’ union rather than the 50-50 revenue-sharing plan that owners initially approved for their negotiators on May 11, two people familiar with the proposal told The Associated Press. The union said “the sides also remain far apart on health and safety protocols” aimed at starting the pandemic-delayed season around the Fourth of July.

Players call MLB economic proposal 

UNDATED (AP) — The NBA could become a Mickey Mouse operation, although the idea isn’t Goofy.

The league is in talks with The Walt Disney Company on a single-site scenario for a resumption of play in Central Florida in late July. It's the clearest sign yet that the NBA believes the season can continue amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The National Basketball Players Association is also part of the talks with Disney.

Games would be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a massive campus on the Disney property near Orlando. NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the conversations were still “exploratory,” and that the site would be used for practices and housing as well.

ESPN is primarily owned by Disney, one of the NBA’s broadcast partners.

Space won’t be an issue, even if Major League Soccer — which is also in talks to resume its season at Disney — is there at the same time as the NBA. The entire Disney complex is roughly 40 square miles, with nearly 24,000 hotel rooms owned or operated by Disney.

UNDATED (AP) — The NBA could become a Mickey Mouse operation, although the idea isn’t Goofy.The league is in talks with The Walt Disney Company on a single-site scenario for a resumption of play in Central Florida in late July. It's the clearest sign yet that the NBA believes the season can continue amid the coronavirus pandemic.The National Basketball Players Association is also part of the talks with Disney.Games would be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a massive campus on the Disney property near Orlando. NBA spokesman Mike Bass said the conversations were still “exploratory,” and that the site would be used for practices and housing as well.ESPN is primarily owned by Disney, one of the NBA’s broadcast partners.Space won’t be an issue, even if Major League Soccer — which is also in talks to resume its season at Disney — is there at the same time as the NBA. The entire Disney complex is roughly 40 square miles, with nearly 24,000 hotel rooms owned or operated by Disney.

NBA talking about a single location for possibly resuming play

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A group of Power Five coaches led by Michigan’s Erik Bakich is proposing a later start to the college baseball season. They say it would trim expenses in the post-coronavirus era, make the game more fan friendly and reduce the risk of injury to players. Under the 35-page proposal, there would be nine weeks of preseason practice instead of five, the regular season would run from the third week of March to the third week of June and the College World Series would wrap up the last week of July. Bakich said the move would increase revenue.&nbsp;

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A group of Power Five coaches led by Michigan’s Erik Bakich is proposing a later start to the college baseball season. They say it would trim expenses in the post-coronavirus era, make the game more fan friendly and reduce the risk of injury to players. Under the 35-page proposal, there would be nine weeks of preseason practice instead of five, the regular season would run from the third week of March to the third week of June and the College World Series would wrap up the last week of July. Bakich said the move would increase revenue.&nbsp;