NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments bans fans due to coronavirus outbreak

USA Today

“The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel," NCAA president Mark Emmert said in the statement. "Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance. While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes.” The move raises questions of whether an audience-free tournament will change the nature of the broadcast. Will it be so quiet that viewers at home can hear coaches cursing? Will there have to be a delay?