By Marc Lawrence — A majority of sports fans surveyed said they are in favor of watching televised sports without fans rather than waiting for sports to resume only when fans can be in attendance. The ESPN Coronavirus Lockdown Fan Study surveyed 1,004 sports fans aged 18 or older, and 65% were in favor of sports returning even if fans can’t be in the stands. That approval number grew to 76% when participants were asked if they support the return of sports without fans in the stands if players were kept in hotels and their contact with others was closely monitored. Whenever sports do return, 88% of study participants who consider themselves avid sports fans said they plan to watch as much sports as they can.
Here’s The Beef
The New York Jets completed a stout draft last week when they acquired mammoth 6’7 350 Louisville OT Mekhi Becton and Baylor WE Denzel Mims in the first two rounds. Becton will be QB Sam Darnold’s personal bodyguard moving forward. In addition, California safety Ashtyn Davis was a steal with the 66th pick in the 3rd round as Pro Football focus had him tabbed as the 33rd ranked player. The biggest steal, though, was landing Virginia CB Bruce Hall with the 158th choice in the 5th round. Had he declared for the draft last year, he was a potential 1st round pick who can make an impact from day one. For New York’s draft grade and more on its draft click here.
Trending Today
From the 2020 PLAYBOOK Football Preview Guide magazine: The LSU Tigers had more players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft (14) than any college football team, including 5 in the first round. FYI: LSU ranked #4 in average net stat margin in games versus FBS foes last season behind Clemson, Ohio State and Oklahoma.
