Jamie Nye: Players protected from coronavirus, but what about the fans?

I’m really happy the NHL, NBA, MLB and MLS are worried about their athletes to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Really, I am.

They are now prioritizing essential staff that’s allowed in locker rooms and clubhouses. Media is not on the approved list so interviews will be with select players in a conference room and at a podium. No more scrum lurkers for Jay and Dan, I guess.

But with the leagues caring so much for their players, what about the fans? Leagues will continue to take the fans’ money at the gate, add a few hand sanitation stations and leave their stadium or arena doors open despite recommendations in some health regions in the U.S. that public gatherings should be cancelled.

It happened in San Jose, where the Sharks are going ahead with home games with crowds despite the recommendation.

Right now, it comes off as a bit of a double standard: Protecting the millionaires while shrugging your shoulders and allowing the potential of increased exposure and spread among the fans.