Coronavirus update and what it means for Alabama players and fans

Simply put, no fans will be allowed to attend any spring games until further notice. This includes softball and baseball.

On Wednesday evening, the SEC made an announcement that it will conduct the 2020 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament with only essential staff, limited family and credentialed media in attendance. But that’s not all. The SEC also shared that all regular season contests in all sports on SEC campuses and SEC Championship events will be conducted with similar attendance restrictions effective Thursday, March 12 through at least March 30 at which time the conference and its member universities will re-evaluate conditions.

Simply put, no fans will be allowed to attend any spring games until further notice. This includes softball and baseball.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey had this to say:

“In light of recent developments beyond our control related to the spread of the coronavirus, including a recommendation from the NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel, and after consultation with our member universities, we have made the difficult decision to hold the 2020 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament in Nashville without spectators beginning with games of Thursday, March 12. Effective immediately, the policy will also apply to other SEC Championship events and on-campus regular season games scheduled through at least the end of March.

“After conferring with local and national health authorities, we remain confident in our ability to safeguard the health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches and other staff who will be participating as well as the limited number of family members and media who will be in attendance at the tournament.

“We regret the inconvenience and disappointment this decision has caused our fans, especially those who have already traveled to Nashville for the tournament.”

At least for these college athletes can still play their games, even if it’s in front of only a few family members and a few members of the media. It may not be an ideal situations for college athletes who thrive on the crowd, but unlike the NBA, the games will still go on.

The NBA decided on Wednesday evening to suspend games until further notice.

Regardless of opinions on whether this was the right or wrong decision, there’s no doubt that the SEC is simply trying to keep everyone safe and healthy.

The SEC Network will televise the entire first and second round of the tournament and the quarterfinals evening session. ESPN will broadcast the afternoon session of the quarterfinals, both semifinal matchups and the championship game.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date on the very latest!

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