SPORTS BRIEFS

Fourth NHL player tests positive

The Colorado Avalanche say a second player has tested positive for the coronavirus. The team says it was informed Friday night and the player is in self-isolation. The Avalanche say those who came in close contact with the player have been informed and remain isolated.

Four NHL players are now known to have tested positive for the virus. The other two are with Ottawa.

MLB, players in new deal

A deal worked out between Major League Baseball (MLB) and the players doesn’t include details of what a reconfigured schedule would look like. The agreement calls for play to resume “as soon as is practicable” with a goal of completing “the fullest 2020 championship season and postseason that is economically feasible”. It also says there must be no legal restrictions on mass gathering and travel. The two sides agreed to consider playing past the usual end of the postseason in late October, even if it involves using neutral sites and domes. Details were divulged to The Associated Press by people familiar with the agreement.

Osaka disappointed

Naomi Osaka says she is disappointed that the Olympics in her native Japan were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, but she supports the decision to delay the Summer Games to 2021. In a posting Saturday on social media, the two-time Grand Slam champion wrote: “Sport will eventually unite us again and be there for us always, but that time is not now.” She also addressed “the people of Japan”, saying, “stay strong, hang in there and let’s show the world our beautiful country when the time is right”.

More positive tests after curling tourney

USA Curling says additional participants at a tournament this month in Laurel, Maryland, have tested positive for the coronavirus. The United States Curling Association Club National Championships were held March 7-14 at Potomac Curling Club.

Fox 5 DC reported that at least 20 people who participated in the event are sick. USA Curling also cancelled the 2020 Arena National Championships scheduled for April 27 to May 2 in Gillette, Wyoming. The event will be held there in 2022 instead.

Vikings re-sign veteran guard Dakota Dozier

The team announced the re-signing of the Furman product, who played in 16 games last season with a career-high four starts. He originally joined Minnesota as a free agent last April.

Dozier was drafted by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft. He has appeared in 54 career games with 11 starts.

– AP