Nantz is optimistic that the story lines the tourney provides will be a welcome distraction for viewersGETTY IMAGES
CBS and Turner are "not sure" how the NCAA Tournament will look when they "turn on their cameras next week, including the possibility of fan-free arenas," according to Neil Best of NEWSDAY. WarnerMedia News & Sports Chair Jeff Zucker and CBS Sports Chair Sean McManus "made it clear that while they speak to NCAA officials on a regular basis, in the end they have no control over whether games will be played with fans in attendance -- or played at all." Execs said that games without spectators "would not affect the game production itself but certainly would affect the atmosphere." There are no plans to scale down TV network personnel, but Zucker said that if any employee is "not comfortable with the assignment, he or she can ask out without repercussion." Best notes the NCAA will "decide whether to follow the lead of the major pro leagues and ban reporters from locker rooms, but CBS and Turner expect to have their customary access" (NEWSDAY, 3/11). USA TODAY's Steve Gardner notes despite concerns about the virus, CBS' Jim Nantz "expressed optimism that the story lines and buzzer-beaters the NCAA tournament always provides would be a welcome distraction for viewers." Nantz said, "This comes at a time where the country really needs more than ever a chance to have something that brings some joy/fun into their lives, more of an escapism, if you will" (USA TODAY, 3/11).
PUMP THE BREAKS: ESPN.com's David Purdum noted this year marks the first time that NCAA Tournament games "will be held in states with legal sports betting markets." However, "don't expect to see point spreads and odds or sports betting advertised during broadcasts." The NCAA "remains opposed to all forms of sports betting and does not believe relaxing some long-held policies on gambling is in the best interest of student-athletes" (ESPN.com, 3/10).
