Last week we reported that two CenturyLink staff members that had worked the previous Seattle Dragons home game had been diagnosed with the coronavirus. Since then Seattle had led the nation in covid-19 cases and deaths. Wednesday Seattle Gov. Jay Inslee had announced that all events of 250 people or more were to be cancelled for the rest of the month, directly impacting the next two Dragons home games. Since then, a lot has happened.
Wednesday night the world was shocked when the NBA had announced they had suspended the season. It occurred shortly after the Oklahoma City Thunder/Utah Jazz game was postponed after the players had been announced which caused rumors to swirl online as to what the reason for stoppage was. Turns out Jazz Center Rudy Gobert had contracted the Coronavirus, it was also later revealed that Gobert’s teammate Donovan Mitchell also had been diagnosed.
In the perfect example of videos aging badly, two days prior to these events Gobert made it a point to touch all of the microphones and recording equipment as he was leaving the press conference. Insinuating that he wasn’t scared of covid-19.
Rudy Gobert thought it would be funny a few days ago to touch everyone’s mic and tape recorder. The Jazz player has now tested positive for COVID-19.
Not so funny now is it? https://t.co/i77gD9OBFX
— Allie Berube (@allieberube) March 12, 2020
Following the NBA’s announcement to suspend the season we’ve seen the same from MLS and NHL as well as the AAC, Big Ten, Big 12, PAC-12, SEC tournaments and all of March Madness.
Originally it sounded like the XFL would make an official statement around 4pm EST, but 4pm came and went with no word in sight. We had heard multiple stories, but it was when we learned that the DC Defenders/Dallas Renegades game was official cancelled this weekend that the writing was on the wall.
I'm told the XFL has not made a decision on anything beyond this week.
— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) March 12, 2020
One by one, as the announcements came people had wondered if the XFL would follow suit. The league officially comments on the situation and they will indeed suspend their inaugural season. The way it’s written, it looks as if the season is done. Players will be be paid the base pay and benefits for the 2020 season. All season ticket holders will be issued refunds or credit towards future games. The league states that it plans on a 2021 season.
XFL statementhttps://t.co/MbuHgUmzmZ pic.twitter.com/PIZLOl1fld
— XFL (@XFL2023) March 12, 2020
Since we got word a few player reactions have popped up online, all of which confirm the worst.
This is crazy….
— PJ Walker (@pjwalker_5) March 12, 2020
Bro this shit is such an overreaction 🙅🏻♂️🧢
— Jake Sutherland (@JakeSmash004) March 12, 2020
— Anthony Johnson (@AXJ76) March 12, 2020
We the @xfl2020 Champs! @XFLRoughnecks undefeated season complete! Put us up there with the 72 dolphins
— Charles James II (@CJDeuce_) March 12, 2020
XFL. Thank you for taking a chance on the kid.🤟🏼 @XFLDefenders @xfl2020 pic.twitter.com/7vS5qrzZHB
— Tyler Stephen Rausa (@T_Rausa) March 12, 2020
Welp, it’s over.
Thank you so much St Louis for an incredible half of a season!— Nick Fitzgerald (@nickfitz07) March 12, 2020
Smh… this hurt!!
— Lucas Wacha (@Lucas_wacha12) March 12, 2020
Fuckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
— Carlton Agudosi (@Hungry_Humble22) March 12, 2020
Welp….it’s been real @xfl2020
— #1372 (@kreynolds_19) March 12, 2020
We still don’t know the severity of the coronavirus, but peoples safety comes above all. It must have been a hard decision for the XFL to make, especially due to this being their debut season but they could not risk the players or fans safety in the process.
We’ll continue to keep you posted on all the latest XFL news and as soon as we find out more on a return date we’ll let you know.
Do you think the XFL should have suspended the season or continued playing? Did you miss out on going to a game due to the suspension? Let us know down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
