TRUMP ADDRESSES SPORTS COMMISSIONERS

The White House says President Donald Trump spoke with commissioners of the country’s sports leagues on Saturday via conference call and told them he recognizes “the good work being done by many teams and players” to care for their communities and fans dealing with the new coronavirus.

The virus has decimated the sports world with the NBA and NHL suspending their seasons indefinitely and Major League Baseball postponing the start of its season.

Included in the call were the NFL’s Roger Goodell, NHL’s Gary Bettman, NBA’s Adam Silver, WNBA’s Cathy Engelbert, MLB’s Rob Manfred, PGA’s Jay Monahan, UFC’s Dana White, WWE/XFL’s Vince McMahon, NASCAR’s John Middlebrook and MLS’s Don Garber. There was no rep from the NCAA.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Trump said on the call he believes the NFL season should start on time in September, and he hopes to have fans back in stadiums and arenas by August and September.

The NBA’s Adam Silver reportedly told those on the call the NBA was the first league to shut down and would love to lead the way in starting the economy once there is an “all clear” from public health officials.

The White House says the commissioners thanked Trump for his “national leadership and for his interest in the sports industry.” He called on them to continue efforts to support their fellow Americans during the current challenge.

(With files from AP and ESPN)