VIDEO: LeBron James Flip-Flops on Suggestion He Wouldn't Play if NBA Banned Fans From Arenas
By Will Coleman
As the coronavirus outbreak continues to take a toll on the United States day by day, the implications are starting to affect the country's sports scene on all levels. The Ivy League canceled its year-end basketball tournaments Tuesday morning, and professional leagues are beginning to brace for the possibility of playing games behind closed doors without fans in attendance. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James had initally stated that he was opposed to the NBA playing in empty stadiums, but appears to have changed his mind on the issue.
LeBron James said he would be disappointed if he had to play in front of an empty arena but that he and the players would all listen to whatever the NBA decides is best for everyone’s safety. pic.twitter.com/HuiFpAVrnx
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) March 10, 2020
King James said that as much it would stink to close off games to fans amid this public health scare, he's willing to cooperate with whatever decisions are ultimately made by league officials to maximize safety for players, team staff, and fans.
On Monday, the NBA joined the MLB, NHL and MLS in prohibiting access to locker rooms and clubhouses as a precautionary measure until further notice. It's looking more and more likely, however, that these same leagues will soon play games without fans watching in-person.
The NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS are closing access to locker rooms and clubhouses to all non-essential personnel in response to the coronavirus crisis, the leagues announced in a joint statement Monday night. https://t.co/b7xD4ePwHt
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 9, 2020
With the NCAA considering the same approach ahead of March Madness' tip-off next week, that will be a good indicator of whether or not professional leagues follow suit.