The Coronavirus Has Hit the Sports World Hard

The Kentucky Derby has been postponed until September. That’s mind boggling. IMS is seriously considering moving the Indianapolis 500 back to August or September. Incredible! The NBA has cancelled the rest of the season. Major League Baseball is considering the same action. The PGA will hold their events without a gallery. Likewise, NASCAR will run its races without fans present. Toilet paper is more precious than gold. This reads like the script for an apocalyptic sci-fi movie.
The President has advised the American public that they probably should not gather in groups larger than ten people. That lets out just about any sporting event being held. If you don’t think that it’s serious, could you ever have imagined that bars and restaurants would shut down. Many small places don’t have drive through or delivery. Watching a game at your favorite bar over some nachos and a cold beer is definitely out. For the present anyway.
Young Spanish soccer coach Francisco Garcia died from the virus last week. He was 21 years old! It can happen to anyone, so the best thing we can do is try to follow the prevention advice and remember that “this too shall pass.”

 Colts Free Agency

Free agent signing started Monday and the Colts jumped in at full speed. They resigned 31- year-old left tackle Anthony Costanzo to a two year 33 million deal. Costanzo is getting ready for season number ten and he will be with the Horseshoe through 2021 anyway. He has given serious thought to retirement but decided to stay active.
Monday afternoon the Colts shipped their number 13 first round draft choice to the San Francisco 49ers for their ALL Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Chris Ballard wanted to improve the defensive line and Buckner’s presence will certainly do it. Buckner is only 26 so he is just coming into his  prime.
This move also makes it clear that the Colts will try to solve their immediate quarterback needs through free agency rather than draft. The media has already penciled in 38-year-old Phillip Rivers formerly of the LA Chargers as the player that they will sign. We shall see.
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