New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Monday that he’s asked teams from major sports leagues to plan on playing without fans as the state continues to cope with the coronavirus pandemic, CNBC reports.
Cuomo said during his daily press briefing that his state is willing to help teams, whose return to playing largely depends on the teams’ ability to make money without fans in the stadiums.
“New York state will help those major sport franchises to do just that,” he said. “Hockey, basketball, baseball, football, whoever can reopen we’re a ready, willing and able partner.”
Multiple leagues have signaled their intent to resume playing sometime this summer or fall, but New York won’t allow entertainment or recreational activities until the state’s phased opening plan reaches phase four, and so far only a few regions have even begun phase one.
The governor added, “I think this is in the best interest of all the people and in the best interest in the state of New York. And then they’ll be up and running and when we can fill a stadium again, we can fill a stadium.
“But why wait until you can fill a stadium before you start to bring the team back? And if you can televise it in the meantime, great.”
Cuomo, who grew up in Queens, New York, added that he’s particularly interested in seeing the Buffalo Bills play again.
“I’m acting as governor, there’s no personal agenda here. Yes, I do want to watch the Bills, but that is not subverting my role as governor,” he said.
Theodore Bunker ✉
Theodore Bunker, a Newsmax writer, has more than a decade covering news, media, and politics.
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