NBA Postseason, FDA & NBA Develop Saliva Test, Sens Booker/Blumenthal College Athletes Bill Of Rights, Washington Hires Wright
BASKETBALL
The NBA postseason begins today with the first round of playoffs featuring:Â Â No. 6 Jazz at No. 3 Nuggets (1:30 pm ET); No. 7 Nets at No. 2 Raptors (4 pm); No. 6 76ers at No. 3 Celtics (6:30 pm); No. 7 Mavs at No. 2 Clippers (9 pm).
The FDA granted emergency authorization for public use of a saliva-based coronavirus test called SalivaDirect. The test was developed by Yale University with partial funding from the NBA and NBPA (NBA Players Association). Most tests cost hundreds of dollars per sample, but SalivaDirect costs around $10 and, depending on the location of the lab, could be available within a few hours.
COLLEGE SPORTS
Senators Cory Booker (NJ) and Richard Blumenthal (CT) are leading an effort to create a College Athletes Bill of Rights. As part of the proposal, athletes would get a say in the rule-making process, have opportunities for revenue-sharing agreements, and have access to better health and safety protocols.
FOOTBALL
Washington hired Jason Wright as their new team president, making him the first Black team president in NFL history. The 38-year-old Wright replaces Bruce Allen as head of the organization’s business divisions. In addition to seven years as an NFL running back, Wright has an MBA from the University of Chicago and a psychology degree from Northwestern. He was also a management consultant at McKinsey & Company.
