North Carolina Men's Basketball Game Postponed Due to Virus Concerns

Strategic Insights -

A day after video emerged showing two UNC players partying without masks, the Tar Heels' men's basketball game against visiting Miami was postponed due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. Hurricanes Coach Jim Larranaga confirmed that the postponement was related to the video, which showed Armando Bacot and Day'Ron Sharpe, two of the team's top scorers, in close quarters with other people without masks. The incident has sparked concern on campus, with UNC officials investigating the matter and considering punishment for the players involved.

Key Takeaways:

  • The game was postponed due to a video showing UNC players partying without masks, which was taken from social media and shows Bacot, Sharpe, and others celebrating North Carolina's win over archrival Duke on Saturday.
  • The video was taken just 48 hours before the game against Miami, and Larranaga stated that the team's president, Julio Frenk, is adamant that student-athletes must stay safe and social distance to compete.
  • The ACC did not mention the video or any other reason for the postponement, instead stating that the two teams mutually concluded the game could not move forward.
  • All members of the UNC team are set to be tested three times this week, including at least once within two days of their next game, under the ACC's coronavirus protocols.
  • The postponement of the game against Miami could potentially damage UNC's hopes of making the NCAA tournament, given that the team stood a good chance of defeating the 7-11 Hurricanes at home.
  • The incident has sparked concern on campus, with UNC officials investigating the matter and considering punishment for the players involved.

Statistics:

  • The UNC team has 12 wins and 6 losses so far this season.
  • The Miami Hurricanes have 7 wins and 11 losses this season.
  • The ACC Medical Advisory Group report outlines the minimum protocols for conference teams to follow in order to compete safely during the pandemic.
  • The Tar Heels' next game is scheduled for Saturday at Virginia, although it is unclear at this time if it will be affected by the ongoing virus concerns.

Sources:

  • Daily Tar Heel
  • Miami Herald
  • CBS Sports
  • Twitter (UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz)