Blog

Report 1

NFL: Fans attending games will be required to wear masks amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.

By: Miles Wurtsbaugh, July 17, 2020

If you want to attend an NFL game this season you better have a mask in hand. Commissioner Roger Goodell announced after months of waiting for a decision on the future of the upcoming season. Although this means fans will get to be at games that’s not the case for all teams. New Jersey governor Phil Murphy announced a state-wide ban of any gathering of people above 500. 

No stadium will allow full capacity, the Los Angeles Rams announced they will only let 10,000-20,000 fans in the SOFI stadium compared to the usual sold out crowd of 70,000. 

Players voiced their concerns over the past few weeks about the safety of playing during a pandemic. Some even threatening to sit out the season because of the risks. Texans star JJ Watt even tweeted at the league with a list of things players want to see. This will hopefully help them find a mutual understanding with the league. No one wants to lose an entire season of football. 

Doing this will certainly erase the spread of the virus and allow fans to enjoy the game while being safe. As well as the NFL’s plan of social distancing measurers for all teams to follow to keep the players, staff and coach’s protected. Many teams haven’t announced their protocols for fans yet but if your team allows fans just know to bring your masks.

Report 2

Wake County Public Schools: All fall sports are suspended until further notice amid the COVID-19 pandemic

By: Miles Wurtsbaugh June 22, 2020

All high school sports in the Wake County region have been temporarily suspended due to health concerns with the Corona Virus. This doesn’t come as a shock but for some senior players it’s heartbreaking especially for those who were counting on a scholarship offer going into their final year. 

Parents of players are also hurt but understanding of the decision of keeping their kids safe. Panther Creek team mom, Irene Shupe said “I feel disappointed for the boys who weren’t able to experience their senior year of football or any seniors in sports. I know how much it means to them to go out on the field one more time, but I understand WCPSS decision. Hopefully in the Spring they can play.”

With an increase of 6,000 cases in the last couple of weeks many feel that this was the best decision for now. In early June, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association allowed schools in the state to resume sporting activities while maintaining social distancing requirements.  Some the restrictions for football teams where they could only be in teams of 6, masks were mandatory, and you could not touch a football. PC senior, Chase Hattley, who has offers from FSU, NCSU, Oklahoma and many more was upset about the announcement. “It’s really frustrating that I can’t go out there with my brothers one more time. I didn’t ever see my high school career ending like this. I heard we have a chance to play in spring so I’m going to keep praying for that.” 

The N.C. Department of Health on Friday reported a decline of about 1,982 virus cases. A glimpse of hope for those high school players to play their last season of sports. Though, it’s a long shot it’s all they have to hope for.