Canceling the ACC tournament isn’t being ruled out by officials. ‘It’s a fluid situation’
In the wake of the NBA’s decision to suspend its season, an ACC official said all options remain on the table for the rest of the tournament in Greensboro this weekend. While canceling the rest of the tournament is not currently being considered, it also has not been ruled out.
“It’s a fluid situation,” ACC associate commissioner Paul Brazeau said when asked if cancellation was a possibility.
ACC officials have been in ongoing discussions with school presidents and athletic directors as they wrestle with this unprecedented situation.
The NBA suspended its season Wednesday after Utah Jazz forward Rudy Gobert tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Earlier Wednesday, the ACC announced that it would follow the lead of the NCAA tournament and Big 12 and Big Ten tournaments by banning fans from the arena starting Thursday in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Wednesday night’s game between North Carolina and Syracuse was the last of the tournament played in front of fans. The NBA announced its decision in the middle of that game, raising new questions about whether the ACC tournament would proceed as planned.
The NCAA announced earlier Wednesday that it would limit attendance during its men’s and women’s tournaments to essential staff and player families while considering moving regional sites and the Final Four to smaller venues. Greensboro is still scheduled to be a first- and second-round site next week.
This story was originally published March 11, 2020 at 10:30 PM.
