NCAA Urged To Hold Fan-less March Madness Over Coronavirus Scare

There's a players' advocacy group asking NCAA officials to consider holding both the men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments this month at crowd-less venues over coronavirus fears.

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"There should be a serious discussion about holding competitions without an audience present," the National College Players Association said in a statement over the weekend.

...the NCPA is urging officials to possibly hold their biggest events -- the NCAA Tournaments -- without fans to protect players.

"In the wake of the emerging Coronavirus pandemic, the NCAA and its colleges should take precautions to protect college athletes," the group said.

In addition to the possibility of crowd-less tourneys ... the group is also advocating schools cancel meet and greets and press events to reduce athletes' risks of contracting the virus.

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In NCAA spokesperson said of the NCPA's recommendations...

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"NCAA staff continues to prepare for all NCAA winter and spring championships, but we are keenly aware of Coronavirus and will continue to monitor in coordination with state/local health authorities and the CDC."

The spokesperson added, "The NCAA Sport Science Institute sent two memos recently to NCAA members directing schools and conference offices to Center for Disease Control and Prevention resources on the issue."

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