The Southeastern Conference announced Thursday that the remainder of the Men’s Basketball Tournament that had been ongoing in Nashville will be canceled due to fears about the spread of the coronavirus.
“Based on the latest developments and the continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Southeastern Conference today announced the cancellation of the remainder of the 2020 Men’s Basketball Tournament in Nashville,” said the conference in a tweet.
ALERT: Based on the latest developments and the continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Southeastern Conference today announced the cancellation of the remainder of the 2020 Men’s Basketball Tournament in Nashville.
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) March 12, 2020
Auburn University’s men’s basketball team had already secured a spot in the quarterfinals, while the Alabama Crimson Tide were awaiting their second-round game against the University of Tennessee when the event was canceled.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in an announcement that canceling the tournament “was not an easy decision,” but he stressed the importance of the players’ “health and well-being.”
“We understand that this decision will be disappointing to our student-athletes and coaches who have been preparing all season to compete in this event as well as viewers at home,” Sankey stated. “While this was not an easy decision, the health and well-being of our entire SEC community is of paramount importance.”
Yellowhammer News’ complete, continuing coverage of the coronavirus and its impact on Alabama can be found here.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.