Tag: the coronavirus

How COVID-19 could renew the Texas-Texas A&M rivalry

Nobody is quite sure how college football is going to look in the fall. Could the coronavirus cause Texas and Texas A&M to finally play?

College football took a massive blow on Wednesday afternoon, as the Ivy League announced they would be canceling all fall sports. The league also said they will not consider bringing back any sort of athletic events until January 1, 2021.

The difference between leagues such as the Ivy League and the Big 12 is there is much more money at stake. Power Five universities throughout the country depend on football revenue to keep other Olympic sports afloat.

Because of this, conference commissioners and school athletic directors have been searching for answers as to how they can still have a football season but in a safe manner.

A topic that has been discussed is only playing games within your conference or in close proximity. For Texas, a regular Big 12 schedule would do, playing a round-robin of the nine teams in the conference. The Longhorns’ first three games against South Florida, LSU, and UTEP would all be canceled.

What if schools were allowed to play teams within a certain mileage of each other though? With airplanes and hotels possibly off the board, teams would need to be able to travel via bus, so they can return to their hometowns within the same day.

If only there was a former rival within 115 miles who would not only need to fill three matchups, but four…

Yes, I am talking about the Texas A&M Aggies, a team Texas has been bickering with since the end of the on the field rivalry in 2011. A bitter, bitter rivalry which dates back to 1903, the Longhorns and Aggies have been back and forth with the idea of playing each other on the football field.

With close proximity to each other and the need to fill weekends with games, COVID-19 could renew the Lone Star Showdown.

Texas A&M’s non-conference schedule consists of Abilene Christian, North Texas, Colorado, and Fresno State. The Buffaloes and Bulldogs are both nearly 1,000 miles away and would not be deemed safe to play.

It would take some working around the schedule, but if the two teams could agree to a one-off game, it would be the most important matchup of the season for both schools.

On the field, it would finally put to rest the constant comparisons between Tom Herman-Jimbo Fisher, Sam Ehlinger-Kellen Mond. Both of the duos were listed among the top five according to ESPN. Not to mention  other in-state recruits the two have fought for. It would all be settled on the field with the winner having bragging rights until the next matchup.

From a financial perspective, it would bode well for both schools, especially if the state of Texas continues to allow 50% attendance at stadiums. Wherever the game occurred, it would sell out in minutes, if not seconds.

TV networks would fight for the opportunity to broadcast the game as ratings would more than likely be higher than normal. Not only in the state of Texas but people throughout the country who are desperate for entertainment via sports.

Choosing a venue would create a problem, however, as neither Texas nor Texas A&M are going to want to give in to each other and go on the road. Even neutral-site venues have been determined to be unsafe, as games such as Northwestern vs Wisconsin at Wrigley Field have been canceled and moved to a home game for the Wildcats.

A long shot at best, it would be amazing to finally renew this rivalry. Even without the coronavirus, it seems as if it will be at least another decade before Texas and Texas A&M will meet on the gridiron, unless it is a New Year’s Six bowl or a College Football Playoff semi-final game.

For now, football is happening in the Big 12 and the SEC. What it will look like, we do not know. If there is a scenario where Texas and Texas A&M can find a way to play each other, it would be a bright spot during this pandemic.

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Eli Manning thanks healthcare workers battling the coronavirus

Retired New York Giants QB Eli Manning made a rare social media appearance on Thursday to thank first repsonders battling COVID-19.

New York Giants legend Eli Manning interrupted his retirement on Thursday to discuss his post-football playing career, Big Blue’s free agent additions and, of course, the coronavirus pandemic that is gripping both the nation and the world.

But Manning did not stop there. He also offered a heartfelt thank you to all medical personnel, healthcare workers and other first responders as they continue to wage war against COVID-19 in an exceptionally rare social media appearance.

“Hello to everyone at Hackensack Meridian Health and thank you for your dedication and selflessness during these past few weeks. It’s a difficult time for a lot of people and a lot of families. But knowing you’re here to take care of us and to fight for our families and friends in times of need brings me great comfort,” Manning said.

“I’ve had the good fortune to meet many of the Hackensack Meridian team members. Nurses, doctors, technicians, security, scientists, environmental service workers, administrators. I’ve seen you in action and I’m amazed by your commitment, your creativity, your work and your courage. I can’t imagine what you’re going through but your bravery is remarkable.

“I’m so proud to be even just a small part of your team and I want you to know I believe in you and I’m honored to be associated with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Please be safe. Because of your hard work and devotion, the world will get well again. Thank you so much.”

On Thursday night, the United States surpassed China, the origin country, with the most diagnosed cases of the coronavirus with nearly 86,000 positive tests. New York is considered the epicenter in the U.S. with more than 23,000 cases and an additional 7,000-plus cases in the state of New Jersey.

COVID-19 forces Giants to close all facilities, which may be used as staging areas

The New York Giants have closed all facilities in New Jersey, which may now be used as staging areas in battle against COVID-19.

The New York Giants announced on Monday that as of March 20, all team facilities in East Rutherford, New Jersey have been closed in accordance with the state’s stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Giants had previously pulled all scouts and personnel off the road, and mandated that the majority of employees work from home.

With the team’s facilities now empty, the space could be used by first-responders, medical personnel and/or FEMA in the continued battle against COVID-19. It is something that has reportedly been discussed.

The Meadowlands Sports Complex is a three-venue complex that houses MetLife Stadium, the Quest Diagnostics Training Center and the Meadowlands Racetrack.

Also on the property are the America Dream Entertainment Venue and the now-closed Meadowlands Arena.

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See it: Titans’ Ben Jones uses side of house, pickup truck to work out

Honestly, we’re just surprised that Ben Jones didn’t start pulling his truck.

The coronavirus outbreak has brought sports at all levels to a halt in a way we haven’t quite seen in recent history.

Facilities and gymnasiums across the nation are shut down, making it more difficult for athletes — or any of the population in general — to get their regular workouts in.

But that isn’t stopping Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones on Fitness Friday from preparing himself for the upcoming 2020 season. He can find a gym anywhere.

Honestly, we’re just surprised that he didn’t start pulling his truck in this video released by the team’s Twitter account on Friday afternoon.

Quarantine is really getting the best of everyone, and looking at the reports that have emerged surrounding the outbreak, its effects could be over in as little as roughly a month or could extend into the latter part of the year.

Regardless, you can bet that people like Jones will continue to find creative ways to get things done until we return to normal life.

Whenever that may be.

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Daniel Jones, Golden Tate deliver message of support for first responders

New York Giants QB Daniel Jones and WR Golden Tate shared messages of support to first responders amid the coronavirus pandemic.

On Friday, the New York Giants revealed that they will fund a childcare program that will be free for emergency responders for the next 10 weeks at the Meadowlands YMCA as they continue to battle the global coronavirus pandemic.

“Our staff is well-organized and well-trained to manage in this situation and is complying with the State and County Departments of Health’s standards in their health safety protocols,” says David Kisselback, President and CEO of the Meadowlands YMCA. “While we are cognizant of the CDC and other guidelines being issued to limit social gatherings, we also are committed to our mission of supporting the community, and our daycare program, food distribution programs, blood drives and education support programming are all being administered with the greatest of care.”

Shortly after the announcement regarding the childcare program, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Golden Tate appeared in a short series of videos thanking all first responders and medical personnel.

“As we go through such a difficult and trying time across our country and our communities, I’d like to sincerely thank all the health care workers and first responders who are out on the front lines fighting this virus,” Jones said. “Challenging times bring out the best in so many and you all have risen to the occasion. Thank you so much for all you do.”

“We’re so thankful that while we’re all stuck at home, you guys are out there trying to help others save lives. And I just want you to know it’s not going un(noticed),” Tate said. “God bless to everyone out there who is affected.”

In addition to the above video message, Tate has also been running a program through his Golden Future Foundation that aims to help military families impacted by the coronavirus.

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Giants defer 2020 season ticket payments due to the coronavirus

New York Giants co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch announced on Wednesday that they are deferring 2020 season ticket payments.

New York Giants co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch penned a letter to season ticket holders on Wednesday evening, informing fans that payments for the 2020 preseason and regular season will be deferred as the result of the global coronavirus pandemic.

The Giants value our fans and we trust that you and your families are safe and healthy during this difficult time. We thank you for your loyalty to the Giants.

As part of our commitment to you, we want to share the following updates regarding 2020 season ticket payments:

For those enrolled in our six-month payment plan:

Your next two season ticket payments scheduled on March 20 & April 13 will now be deferred. Your next payment will not be due until May 13. The final two payments on your six-month payment plan will be moved to August 13 & September 14.

There is nothing you need to do to take advantage of this change. We will automatically enroll you in the new payment plan immediately.

For those selecting our Pay-In-Full option:

• We have extended our pay-in-full deadline from May 1 to June 1 if you would like to remain on the single payment option; or

• We have created a four-month payment plan option where your first payment is not due until May 13. This will provide you more flexibility if needed. You can choose this option by logging onto your account at www.giants.com/myaccount.

We continue to closely monitor the latest developments so that we may ensure the safety and health of our players, staff and fans. We will communicate any updates as needed. If you have any questions or would like to connect with a Giants representative, please email us at premium@nygfootball.com and we will get back to you shortly.

We understand that this is an unsettling time for everyone. We will get through this together. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you at MetLife Stadium this season.

Sincerely,

John K. Mara | Steve Tisch

Should things not clear up across the country in the coming months, the Giants have left room for additional payment deferments. However, any decisions on that will be made further down the line.

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Giants will limit visits, require most employees to work from home due to COVID-19

The New York Giants will limit all visits in East Rutherford and require that a majority of their employees work from home due to

The New York Giants pulled their scouts and personnel off the road on Thursday morning due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, but that will not be all.

In addition to removing their presence from the road, the Giants announced on Thursday afternoon that they will limit all visits to the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford and require that most employees work from home for the next two weeks.

“Ten days ago, we convened an internal task force to monitor the developments of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The group, led by our medical, legal and human resources departments, is responsible for communicating to our organization the latest information, advisories and protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local health officials and other resources,” the team said in a statement.

“As of today and for the foreseeable future, we have taken our scouts and coaches off the road for pro days and campus workouts. All business travel has been suspended until further notice. In addition, we will limit visitors and personnel to the Quest Diagnostics Training Center and have required most of our employees to work from home for the next two weeks.

“We will continue to assess our operations and procedures based on what the medical community and science dictates. Our concern and care is for those in our organization, our staff and players, and the communities in which they live.”

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Giants pulling scouts, personnel off the road amid coronavirus fears

The New York Giants are pulling all scouts and personnel off the road as the result of the global coronavirus pandemic.

The New York Giants had resisted altering their offseason travel plans amid fears over the coronavirus, but acknowledged in a Thursday morning statement that it was a “fluid situation.”

“This is a fluid situation for all of us. At this point, we have not altered any of our plans. We have been and continue to follow the CDC guidelines designed to limit the spread of the virus,” the Giants said in a statement on Thursday morning.

A mere two hours later, the organization decided it was prudent to pull all scouts and personnel off the road.

The Giants had representatives, including offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, at five different Pro Days on Wednesday and were prepared to attend six more on Thursday. That, of course, will not happen now.

Additionally, multiple teams are considering the possibility of closing their facilities entirely, which could force the NFL to push back or reschedule the start to the 2020 league year (March 18).

Meanwhile, NFL agents are publicly advising their players (prospects and veterans) to cease any and all pre-draft and free agent visits.

We could be headed for a complete NFL shutdown.

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Giants have yet to alter plans as the coronavirus, fear spreads

The New York Giants have yet to alter any of their offseason travel plans despite the spread of the coronavirus.

The NBA has suspended the regular season, the XFL’s Seattle Dragons will play in an empty stadium, the NCAA Tournament will be played without fans and the Texas Rodeo has been cancelled for the first time since the 1930s.

Those are just some of the ways the spread of the coronavirus have impacted the world of sports, but the New York Giants have not seemed to notice.

Without missing a beat, the Giants have kept normal operations in place and as of Wednesday afternoon, there were no immediate plans for that to change.

While many NFL teams have pulled their scouts and personnel off the road, the Giants remain full-steam ahead, attending five different college Pro Days on Wednesday with more scheduled on Thursday.

In addition to their scouts, head coach Joe Judge, offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, outside linebackers coach Bret Bielema and others all remain on the road, engaged and evaluating ahead of the 2020 NFL Draft, which may be the next event to see major changes.

College teams are also beginning to alter their approach with many shutting out the media during Pro Day workouts and keeping person-to-person interaction at a minimum.

While the Giants have yet to make changes to their schedule or approach due to the worldwide pandemic, you can all but guarantee that will not remain the case for much longer.

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