The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus
outbreak on sports around the world:
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For the third straight day, the Cleveland Browns cant get in their facility to practice as COVID-19 testing continues.
The team has not been able to practice this week leading to its playoff game Sunday night in Pittsburgh. The Browns were awaiting final test results and permission from the NFL to practice Friday.
The league maintains the game will be played as scheduled.
On Thursday, NFL chief medical officer Allen Sills said there was evidence of some spread from one individual to another among the Browns latest positive tests.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski tested positive with the virus Tuesday and will not be on the sideline for Clevelands first playoff game since the 2002 season.
Stefanski is allowed to communicate with players and coaches in the locker room until they leave for kickoff, but he cant have any on-field contact with them from 90 minutes before the game until afterward.
The Browns have nine players and six coaches isolating at home due to COVID-19 protocols. Quarterback Baker Mayfield said Thursday he hasnt thrown a football since last Sunday, when the Browns beat the Steelers to end their playoff drought.
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A mens basketball game between UConn and Villanova, scheduled for Jan. 15 in Connecticut, has been postponed because of COVID-19 issues within the Villanova program.
No makeup date has been announced. This will be the fifth game Villanova has had to postpone since coach Jay Wright tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Dec. 26.
Several other members of the program have also tested positive. Its the seventh UConn game canceled or postponed this season for coronavirus-related issues.
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