Florida Gators, SEC spring sports canceled through March 30 due to coronavirus

Basketball

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As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spreads across the United States, sports leagues, conferences and teams are taking swift action. With the NBA and MLS suspending their seasons, every major conference canceling their league basketball tournaments and the 2020 NCAA Tournament announcing that fans will not be permitted to attend the entirety of its event, the Southeastern Conference has made a move of its own.

The SEC announced Thursday afternoon that regular-season and championship competition “for teams in all sports” will be canceled until March 30 due to the spread of coronavirus. However, the cancelation of participation “does not apply to teams and individuals in NCAA competition, at this time.”

On Wednesday night, Florida announced that all spring football practices will be closed to fans. Practice is set to begin on Monday, and the Gators had previously intended to open six practices — three to the public and three others to various groups. The SEC’s decision does not affect spring football at this time.

A Florida spokesman confirmed that no decision has been made regarding the 2020 Orange & Blue Debut. The Gators’ spring game is currently scheduled for Saturday, April 18.

Florida was set to face Georgia at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Gators’ first game of the now-canceled 2020 SEC Tournament. Kentucky was awarded the automatic bid from the league to the NCAA Tournament.