Along with several other institutions and leagues across the globe, U of L athletics was affected drastically by the coronavirus outbreak.
U of L announced today that effective immediately, it would be suspending all athletic-related activities, including games, practices, and recruiting. You can read more on U of L’s statement from Louisville’s website here.
The announcement made by Louisville athletics was among several over the past two days, in lieu of the coronavirus outbreak sweeping both the U.S. and abroad. Multiple sporting bodies, including the NBA and NHL, have also suspended league play in an effort to contain the virus spreading.
The NBA’s decision to suspend its season affected a former Louisville player as well. Hours after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus, Donovan Mitchell was also revealed to have tested positive for COVID-19 (first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski).
Among other decisions influenced by the coronavirus outbreak was the cancellation of both the ACC and NCAA tournaments. Moments before the first game of today’s quarterfinals matchup between Florida State and Clemson, the decision was made to cancel the remainder of its conference tournament. The decision was joined by its Power Five counterparts, including the SEC, Pac-12, Big Ten and Big XII, along with several others.
In addition, the ACC also announced that it would be suspending all athletic-related activities indefinitely.
Statement from the Atlantic Coast Conference:
“The Atlantic Coast Conference has suspended all athletic related activities including all competition, formal and organized practice, recruiting and participation in NCAA championships until further notice."
— The ACC (@theACC) March 12, 2020
The NCAA would also make their own announcement, stating that they would be cancelling not only the basketball tournaments, but all winter and spring championships. Among those includes the College World Series for both baseball and softball, as well as the lacrosse and wrestling championships.
NCAA cancels remaining winter and spring championships: https://t.co/qzKAS4McEI pic.twitter.com/G6XreZx35E
— NCAA (@NCAA) March 12, 2020
The cancellation of both the ACC and NCAA tournaments means that both the U of L men’s and women’s basketball teams see their promising seasons come to an abrupt end. The men finish 24-7 with a 15-5 conference record, finishing in a three-way tie for second in the ACC regular season standings. The women’s team finished 28-4 with a 16-2 conference record, claiming the ACC regular season title.
