The NFL also faces a stern test. Dr Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN this week that “if there is a second wave, which is certainly a possibility and which would be complicated by the predictable flu season, football may not happen this year.” He has since been criticized for the comments by President Donald Trump.
“Unless players are essentially in a bubble — insulated from the community and they are tested nearly every day — it would be very hard to see how football is able to be played this fall,” Fauci said.
The NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning said on Friday that “three players and additional staff members have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.” Also today, the NHL announced 11 players who entered team facilities for voluntary training have tested positive for coronavirus.
Meanwhile, college football faces its own problems. Houston football has cancelled voluntary workouts after six players tested positive, and Alabama, Auburn, Florida State and several other teams have reported cases among players.
Clemson is the latest college team facing a coronavirus issue.The school announced Friday that 28 student-athletes or staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 since returning to school on June 8, but did not specify which sport. According to The Athletic, 23 of those positive tests were football players.
