UPDATE: Colts say COVID tests were false positives; Sunday’s game remains on schedule
The update came several hours after the Colts initially announced that “several individuals within our organization” had tested positive for the virus.
Professional Athletes
Articles
NCAA proposal opens door for athletes to make outside money
The decision marks a historic organizational shift that might ultimately prove meaningless in some corners of the country, as state and federal lawmakers scramble to rewrite the rules on amateurism.
Most sports leagues pause with second day of protests, some more unified than others
A day after the Milwaukee Bucks’ sudden, historic strike spread throughout the sports world, athletes continued protests of racial injustice and police brutality Thursday.
Sports come to a halt: NBA, WNBA, MLB, MLS postpone games as players protest
The cancellations underscored an emerging new reality in big-time sports in which athletes are increasingly emboldened to express themselves on racial injustice and other social issues, and leagues are finding ways to accommodate their views.
Pacers’ Brogdon in quarantine after positive test for virus
Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon wasn’t healthy before the season was suspended, sitting out with a leg and hip muscle injury. But the stoppage has allowed him to recover.
What you need to know about the NFL’s new labor agreement
The deal makes changes for the 2020 season and runs for 10 years after that, through the 2030 season. It brings some significant changes to the sport.
NFL owners approve negotiated terms for new labor agreement
Such quick action by the owners indicates their eagerness to replace the 10-year labor agreement that concludes in March 2021. Several elements of a new CBA could be implemented for the upcoming season should the players vote in favor of it.
NFL plans to expand playoffs to 14 teams, add 17th game to season
While the 17-game season would not take effect immediately, the league and owners would plan for the expanded playoffs to be implemented in the 2020 season, according to people familiar with deliberations on a new collective bargaining agreement.
Indy Championships Fund raises more than $20M for major sport events
The money is expected to go a long way in funding three events on the city’s calendar: the NBA All-Star Weekend and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four in 2021 and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2022.
WNBA’s 8-year labor deal to hike average salary to $130,000
The WNBA and its union announced a tentative eight-year labor deal Tuesday that will allow top players to earn more than $500,000 while the average annual compensation will surpass six figures for the first time.
Indy Eleven finishes 2nd in league attendance with uptick in home crowds
The Indy Eleven drew average crowds of more than 10,000 per game to Lucas Oil Stadium in their second year in the United Soccer League.
Michigan bills would let college athletes earn money
Michigan is the latest state to consider letting college athletes be paid following the introduction of bipartisan legislation Wednesday that would allow them to cash in on the use of their name, image and likeness.
Florida considers allowing college athletes to earn money
Following California’s lead, Florida lawmakers are tackling NCAA rules that prohibit college athletes from reaping financial benefits from their prowess in the arena of big-money sports.
Pacers give Sabonis 4-year deal to keep core group together
The Pacers did not announce financial terms of the deal though ESPN.com first reported it was worth $77 million in guaranteed money and Sabonis could make as much as $85 million with bonuses.
California to let college athletes make money, defying NCAA
California will let college athletes hire agents and make money from endorsements, defying the Indianapolis-based NCAA and setting up a likely legal challenge that could reshape amateur sports in the United States.
Reich expresses confidence in Vinatieri despite early-season woes
Amid speculation that his 46-year-old kicker might retire, Indianapolis Colts coach Frank Reich said he wants Adam Vinatieri to stay with the team despite his recent kicking slump.
California closer to letting college athletes make money
The Indianapolis-based NCAA has warned the bill, if passed, could mean California universities would be ineligible for national championships.
Expanding roles keep Catchings busy in post-retirement
Nearly three years since Tamika Catchings played her final basketball game, the 39-year-old former star is establishing herself in a variety of new roles, including one as a contestant on “American Ninja Warrior.”
Indianapolis gets one-year extension as host of NFL Scouting Combine
The extension, announced Wednesday, means Indianapolis will keep the event through at least 2021. It has hosted the combine since 1987.
Indy wants the NFL Draft, but not right away
Indianapolis is making moves to host the NFL Draft in coming years, but it’s unlikely the city will aggressively pursue it until a slew of previously scheduled events have occurred.