Coronavirus after the outbreak Coverage

Joe Giglio: NCAA recommendation to move fall sports to spring 'to protect the television money'

WRAL's Chris Lea spoke with colleague Joe Gigilio about the NCAA's recommendation to move fall sports to spring and grant those athletes a year of eligibility.

Appalachian State identifies 11 COVID-19 cases on football team

Appalachian State officials have identified 11 COVID-19 cases associated with the school's football team.

Appalachian State Sports Information

Over 60 NFL players opt out of 2020 season over COVID-19 concerns

The NFL's August 6 deadline to withdraw from the 2020 season has officially passed. According to CNN, 66 out of 2,880 players have chosen to opt-out.

Odell Beckham Jr. says NFL season should be canceled

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver called out NFL owners, who he says "don't see players as human."

Wake Forest, Appalachian State won't play in 2020, agree to future matchups

Because of expected COVID-19 related significant fan capacity reductions and the parameters of the ACC's recently announced 10+1 emergency scheduling model, Wake Forest and Appalachian State will postpone their 2020 contest to a future year.

Wake Forest Sports Information

Yoenis Cespedes disappears before game then ends season with Mets

On Sunday, the 34-year-old outfielder failed to report for the team's afternoon matchup against the Braves. He then later said he was will not play the rest of the MLB season over COVID-19 concerns.

NBC NHL host talks about challenges to get ready for return

WRAL's newest sports anchor, Kacy Hintz, caught up with NBC studio host Kathryn Tappen about the challenges they've faced to get ready for the return of hockey starting Saturday.

'No Sweat' technology helping athletes during coronavirus pandemic

A sports company has a product they think could help slow transmission of COVID-19 during games. Mary Dunleavy has more on this.

Panthers' linebacker opts out of season due to COVID-19 concerns

Jordan Mack became the first member of the Carolina Panthers to opt-out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns.

NBC Charlotte

Despite setbacks, Campbell, rest of Big South still planning to play

WRAL's Jared Fialko has more on the Big South's plans to play football this fall in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. He also speaks with Campbell coach Mike Minter about preparations.

Zion Williamson back with Pelicans after being in quarantine

WRAL's Chris Lea reports former Duke star Zion Williamson is out of quarantine and practicing again with the New Orleands Pelicans.

Roger Goodell outlines plans for 2020 NFL season

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has sent out a letter to fans addressing the league's plans for the 2020 season.

Dr. Fauci's Topps baseball card sets new record

Baseball card company Topps issued a ToppsNow limited-edition card of Dr. Anthony Fauci mid-pitch on its website.

Hurricanes make final preps before return to ice

WRAL's Mary Dunleavy has more on Saturday's practice by the Hurricanes, Dougie Hamilton's status and a return to the ice.

NFL spectators must wear masks at games this year

For those wondering, yes, it is league-wide: fans at NFL games this season will be required to wear face coverings, Brian McCarthy, via Twitter.

Hurricanes realize long playoff run, winning Stanley Cup means more time away from family

The Carolina Hurricanes are less than a week away from their exhibition game against the Washington Capitals. Then it's the playoffs. If they make a long run in the Stanley Cup playoffs, being away from their families may seem even longer.

UNC's Brown wants athletes to be safe, still anticipates college football season

WRAL's Jared Fialko spoke to UNC football coach Mack Brown about how important it is to keep his athletes safe as practice nears and his expectations for having a college season.

NCFC set to return to field for USL match Friday against Tampa Bay

North Carolina FC will take the field on Friday for their much-anticipated USL return against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

NCFC Communications

Former NCSU star talks making it in the Majors, coronavirus and gearing up for 2020

WRAL's Mary Dunleavy spoke with former N.C. State catcher Andrew Knizer. He made it to the Majors last June with the St. Louis Cardinals. He talks about his ride to the big time, coronavirus and what the 2020 season is looking like.

Governor's announcement keeps future of high school sports in the air

The Governor did not provide any answers Tuesday about the future of high school sports during the coronavirus pandemic. He did announce schools will begin reopening next month.

ECU temporarily pauses all athletic activities after 27 positive COVID-19 cases

East Carolina University Director of Athletics Jon Gilbert announced Tuesday that all athletic activities will be temporarily paused beginning Wednesday (July 15).

ECU Sports Information

Carolina Hurricanes resume on-ice workouts at PNC Arena

The Carolina Hurricanes return to the ice for workouts Monday with some strict coronavirus policies in place.

Brett Knese, WRAL reporter

Expert: Protecting players more important than allowing fans to return for fall sports

The coronavirus is testing the balance between health and money when it comes to big time sports.

Cullen Browder, WRAL anchor/reporter

Focus of Williams, Hurricanes remains on winning Stanley Cup

WRAL's Jared Fialko spoke with Justin Williams about practices and expectations as the NHL season prepares to resume in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

UNC reports 37 positive COVID-19 tests, football practice suspended

UNC athletics reports there were 37 positive COVID-19 tests involving athletes and coaches. As a result, football practices have been suspended for an indefinite period.