Sports

The two-month-long Major League Baseball shutdown amid the pandemic is having a big effect on the minor leagues. While major league players and owners continue to work toward a deal to start the season next month, it’s becoming clear that the minor leagues won’t play at all.

As a result, teams have cut hundreds of players. WKSU sports commentator Terry Pluto says the Indians released 11 players last week.

Korean baseball is giving American fans something to enjoy while the sports world largely remains sidelined during the pandemic. The Korea Baseball Organization started its season earlier this month in empty stadiums with masks, gloves and no high fives allowed.

WKSU sports commentator Terry Pluto has been watching some of the games that ESPN is airing.

Don Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history, died this week at age 90. He’s best known for his 347 career wins, most of those as coach of the Miami Dolphins. But his roots began in Lake County and his legacy carries on at John Carroll University in University Heights.

WKSU sports commentator Terry Pluto had the chance to learn more about Shula’s early years in Northeast Ohio that shaped his Hall of Fame career.

In a significant shift for college sports, the NCAA's top governing body said it supports a rule change allowing student-athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness, so long as the college or university they attend does not pay them directly.

Thursday night's NFL Draft gifted a long-awaited - and much anticipated - present to fans of the Cincinnati Bengals: the Queen City's long-suffering team picked Heisman Trophy-winning former Louisiana State University quarterback Joe Burrow to join its ranks.

The NFL draft will go forward Thursday in a virtual format because of COVID-19 concerns. The Browns have the 10^th pick. WKSU sports commentator Terry Pluto says the Browns have one offensive line position to fill to complete their "quarterback-centric" approach. 

The NFL draft is going forward next week, with a little less fanfare amid the pandemic. The event will be held virtually, without hugs and handshakes. And for the last few weeks, experts, including one of Northeast Ohio’s own, have been poring over the prospects. WKSU sports commentator Terry Pluto says Dane Brugler, 33, of Warren has become one of the draft's elite analysts.

The shock of the NCAA canceling college sports largely is gone.

The cost, is not.

The Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) unveiled a plan Wednesday to resume spring sports – if Gov. Mike DeWine decides to reopen schools in early May.

The governor’s current school closure order expires on May 1, with classes resuming May 4. In the update sent to Ohio high schools, OHSAA said the May 4 start is optimistic, but its plan would allow spring sports seasons to begin as early as May 9.