newyorkpost--2020-04-03--French doctors blasted for saying coronavirus vaccines should be tested in Africa

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Two French doctors have been blasted for racism after one of them suggested trialing a tuberculosis vaccine in Africa to determine whether it could combat the coronavirus , according to a new report .
The comments came during a debate on the French TV channel LCI , the BBC reported .
Camille Locht , head of research at the Inserm health research group , had mentioned conducting a trial of the BCG vaccine in Europe and Australia .
“ If I can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head of intensive care at Cochin Hospital in Paris , “ shouldn ’ t we be doing this study in Africa , where there are no masks , no treatments , no resuscitation ?
” “ A bit like as it is done elsewhere for some studies on AIDS , ” the doctor added , according to the report .
“ In prostitutes , we try things because we know that they are highly exposed and that they do not protect themselves.
” Mira had earlier suggested that the study might not work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe and Australia , because they have access to personal protective equipment , guarding them from the contagion .
“ We are in the process of thinking about a study in parallel in Africa , ” he said , referencing the studies underway in other continents .
Two former soccer players in Africa blasted the doctors for their comments .
“ It is totally inconceivable we keep on cautioning this , ” Didier Drogba tweeted .
“ Africa isn ’ t a testing lab .
I would like to vividly denounce those demeaning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racist words.
” “ Africa is not your playing ground , ” Samuel Eto ’ o wrote on Instagram .
But in a statement obtained by the BBC , Inserm said the recorded debate was “ the subject of erroneous interpretations.
” “ Clinical trials to test the efficacy of the BCG vaccine against COVID-19 are… about to be launched in European countries and in Australia , ” it said .
“ If there is indeed a reflection around a deployment in Africa , it would be done in parallel with these .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from research because the pandemic is global.
” More than 7,000 coronavirus cases , and 290 deaths have been confirmed in Africa — though there are concerns many more have been infected .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
Two French doctors have been blasted for racism after one of them suggested trialing a tuberculosis vaccine in Africa to determine whether it could combat the coronavirus, according to a new report.
The comments came during a debate on the French TV channel LCI, the BBC reported. Camille Locht, head of research at the Inserm health research group, had mentioned conducting a trial of the BCG vaccine in Europe and Australia.
“If I can be provocative,” responded Jean-Paul Mira, head of intensive care at Cochin Hospital in Paris, “shouldn’t we be doing this study in Africa, where there are no masks, no treatments, no resuscitation?”
“A bit like as it is done elsewhere for some studies on AIDS,” the doctor added, according to the report.
“In prostitutes, we try things because we know that they are highly exposed and that they do not protect themselves.”
Mira had earlier suggested that the study might not work as planned on health care workers in Europe and Australia, because they have access to personal protective equipment, guarding them from the contagion.
“You are right,” Locht responded.
“We are in the process of thinking about a study in parallel in Africa,” he said, referencing the studies underway in other continents.
Two former soccer players in Africa blasted the doctors for their comments.
“It is totally inconceivable we keep on cautioning this,” Didier Drogba tweeted. “Africa isn’t a testing lab. I would like to vividly denounce those demeaning, false and most of all deeply racist words.”
“Africa is not your playing ground,” Samuel Eto’o wrote on Instagram.
But in a statement obtained by the BBC, Inserm said the recorded debate was “the subject of erroneous interpretations.”
“Clinical trials to test the efficacy of the BCG vaccine against COVID-19 are… about to be launched in European countries and in Australia,” it said.
“If there is indeed a reflection around a deployment in Africa, it would be done in parallel with these. Africa must not be forgotten or excluded from research because the pandemic is global.”
More than 7,000 coronavirus cases, and 290 deaths have been confirmed in Africa — though there are concerns many more have been infected.


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--How to make disinfectant spray and wipes at home

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Here’s how to make your own disinfectant wipes or spray at home. In this step-by-step tutorial, you will need Clorox bleach, a roll of paper towels, latex or rubber gloves, a garbage bag to protect the work surface, a mixing cup, a stirring tool, a cutting board and a knife. The most important ingredient, however, might be elbow grease, as New York Post video producer Steven Greenstreet demonstrates. Because bleach gets diluted, people trying this at home should repeat the process every 24 hours.
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newyorkpost--2020-04-04--Tristan Wirfs could be perfect fit for Giants in 2020 NFL Draft

The Post ’ s Ryan Dunleavy gives his Top 10 offensive linemen ...

This is where the rubber meets the road for the Giants in this draft. It is imperative they come out of this with at least one potential starter and, if you want to get serious here, they could use two newcomers with the potential to immediately move into the lineup. Help is needed, fairly urgently, at right tackle and also at center, and it just so happens there are players on the first two days of this draft who could fill those needs.
The easiest and safest path for the Giants to take is to sit with the No. 4-overall pick and take their top-rated tackle, choosing from Tristan Wirfs (Iowa), Mekhi Becton (Louisville), Jedrick Wills Jr. (Alabama) and possibly Andrew Thomas (Georgia).
Wirfs feels like the most natural fit. He is capable of challenging and likely winning the starting right tackle job and, perhaps, moving to left tackle in 2021 if Nate Solder is gone. With at least three top tackle prospects ranked so high, there will and should be great incentive for general manager Dave Gettleman to take advantage of quarterback interest elsewhere and trade down in order to secure additional draft capital while retaining the ability to get a top-rated offensive tackle. Gettleman has never once traded down in the seven NFL drafts he has presided over.
It looks as if the Giants are set at three of the five positions on the line. Solder is the left tackle, Will Hernandez is the left guard and Kevin Zeitler is the right guard. At center, backup Spencer Pulley returns. The previous coaching regime liked what Nick Gates did last season in three starts at guard, and he could be a right tackle option. In free agency, the signing of Cam Fleming is more about depth at both tackle spots than it is anointing him at the starting right tackle.
A case can certainly be made the Giants should spend two of their first three draft picks on offensive linemen in order to also find a center. Options in the second round are Cesar Ruiz (Michigan) and Lloyd Cushenberry III (LSU). An interesting third-round possibility is Tyler Biadasz (Wisconsin), who in 2019 became the school’s first Rimington Award winner as the top center in the nation. His nickname — Tyler Badass — would surely resonate with Giants fans.


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--Two pitches may have led to Noah Syndergaard’s elbow issues

You can be sure of one thing .
No one will work harder to come back from Tommy John surgery than Noah Syndergaard .
“ This guy works like no one else , ’ ’ former Mets manager and current adviser Terry Collins told The Post this week .
“ This kid worked his ass off to be better and asked all the right questions.
’ ’ The question remains what type of pitcher Syndergaard will be when he returns to the Mets at some point in the 2021 season and what will be his arsenal .
There are some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s heavy use of a two-seam fastball , along with his high-octane slider helped create his elbow issues in the first place .
“ When I saw him in St. Lucie and Binghamton on his road to the big leagues as a young kid , he had a plus-power curve ball , a rising fastball that I could have seen being a Jim Palmer , Tom Seaver up-and-down the ladder guy , ’ ’ one scout , who is considered one of the best pitching evaluators in the game , told The Post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evolved into throwing many more sliders , trying to throw them 90-plus-mph while trying to throw 100-mph fastballs .
Maybe he will learn from this that his fastball , and his curve ball and his changeup , from a tall guy à la Jim Palmer , up and down the ladder could be extremely effective and actually dominant with his arm , ’ ’ the scout said .
Syndergaard ’ s 6-foot-6 height could work to his advantage .
Less max-effort and more shaping of the pitch .
“ I remember after he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ 4.60 in 2014 ] , ’ ’ the scout added , “ and someone asked me , ‘ Would you trade him ?
’ I said , ‘ Yeah , to us.
’ ” The scout ’ s team , of course , never landed Syndergaard in a trade , but the scout remains extremely high on Syndergaard even after Tommy John surgery .
“ Syndergaard really has to stop with the two-seamer , ’ ’ one former major league pitcher , who became a pitching coach , told The Post .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people a few years ago .
I tried to warn them that the two-seamer would lead to elbow issues because it just puts too much stress on his arm .
He ’ d be much better off with four-seamers , and utilizing his changeup .
And the 93-mph sliders are just asking for trouble .
Develop the curve ball.
’ ’ That ’ s the crux of the issue with the max-effort two-seamer .
Sure , if the mechanics of the pitch are perfect it would not be a problem .
Think Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort , Syndergaard is sometimes late with his arm at foot contact and there could be a pronation issue as well .
“ He ’ s out of sync , ’ ’ one former pitching coach said .
“ The ideal would be to find out how much effort you need to throw in order to hit the glove consistently.
’ ’ Syndergaard ’ s numbers are interesting .
In 2015 , according to Brooks Baseball , 25 percent of Syndergaard ’ s pitches were two-seamers .
In 2016 that jumped to 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 ¹/₃ innings in 2017 .
The past two years have featured a high use of the two-seamer , 33 percent in 2018 and 30 percent in 2019 .
Meanwhile , Syndergaard relied much less on his four-seam fastball , a pitch that can hit 100 mph .
He used it for 29 percent of his pitches last season and 21 percent in 2018 .
In 2015 , he used his four-seamer 36 percent of the time and in 2016 it was 29 percent .
Perhaps more four-seamers and fewer sinkers is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more heavy usage of the two-seamer , a late-breaking pitch when it is executed well , because he was running into shorter outings because so many of his riding-high four-seamers were being fouled off , pushing up his pitch count .
Thus the move to the two-seamer was done to try to get him to be more effective with the number of pitches .
Noted one talent evaluator : “ There is also the possibility Syndergaard may have lowered his arm slot and that created more torque on his elbow .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fastball better he will have success.
’ ’ Interestingly enough , Jacob deGrom has gone in the other direction .
DeGrom has gone to heavy usage of the four-seam fastball with only 15 sinkers — not 15 percent , 15 total — thrown in 2019 and only 9.47 percent of his fastballs being two-seamers in 2018 .
In 2019 , 49 percent of deGrom ’ s pitches were four-seam fastballs , that ’ s 1,554 four-seamers according to Brooks Baseball .
Another way to put it is 1,539 more seamers than sinkers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ answered in an upcoming Post mailbag Every pitcher has to figure out what works best for him .
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole pretty much ditched the sinker once he got to the Astros .
He threw only 13 of them in 2019 , heading into free agency , while throwing 2,115 four-seamers .
“ The bottom line is 92-mph sliders , that ’ s not good for your arm , ’ ’ offered another scout .
“ The amount of torque [ used ] trying to throw it 90-plus mph is not good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two-seamer , that ’ s rough .
I never understood why his curve ball stopped being a weapon for him.
” Because Syndergaard had trouble putting away hitters with his four-seamer , he shifted to more two-seamers .
He was quick to pick it up and had success with it , but now he is on the shelf with Tommy John surgery .
Perhaps Syndergaard , 27 , could follow the path of Stephen Strasburg , who developed a filthy changeup .
Strasburg unleashed his changeup 21 percent of the time last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Series .
There is no doubt the talent and desire is there with Syndergaard .
Once he returns from surgery , Syndergaard must discover and develop the right combination of pitches thrown with precision , the Thor Thunder , that will give him pitching health and success .

You can be sure of one thing. No one will work harder to come back from Tommy John surgery than Noah Syndergaard.
“This guy works like no one else,’’ former Mets manager and current adviser Terry Collins told The Post this week. “This kid worked his ass off to be better and asked all the right questions.’’
The question remains what type of pitcher Syndergaard will be when he returns to the Mets at some point in the 2021 season and what will be his arsenal. There are some in the game who believe Syndergaard’s heavy use of a two-seam fastball, along with his high-octane slider helped create his elbow issues in the first place.
“When I saw him in St. Lucie and Binghamton on his road to the big leagues as a young kid, he had a plus-power curve ball, a rising fastball that I could have seen being a Jim Palmer, Tom Seaver up-and-down the ladder guy,’’ one scout, who is considered one of the best pitching evaluators in the game, told The Post.
“I always marveled that he evolved into throwing many more sliders, trying to throw them 90-plus-mph while trying to throw 100-mph fastballs. Maybe he will learn from this that his fastball, and his curve ball and his changeup, from a tall guy à la Jim Palmer, up and down the ladder could be extremely effective and actually dominant with his arm,’’ the scout said.
Syndergaard’s 6-foot-6 height could work to his advantage. Less max-effort and more shaping of the pitch.
“I remember after he had that high ERA in Las Vegas [4.60 in 2014],’’ the scout added, “and someone asked me, ‘Would you trade him?’ I said, ‘Yeah, to us.’ ”
The scout’s team, of course, never landed Syndergaard in a trade, but the scout remains extremely high on Syndergaard even after Tommy John surgery.
“Syndergaard really has to stop with the two-seamer,’’ one former major league pitcher, who became a pitching coach, told The Post. “That is something I told Mets people a few years ago. I tried to warn them that the two-seamer would lead to elbow issues because it just puts too much stress on his arm. He’d be much better off with four-seamers, and utilizing his changeup. And the 93-mph sliders are just asking for trouble. Develop the curve ball.’’
Noted another scout, “Harder isn’t always better.’’
That’s the crux of the issue with the max-effort two-seamer. Sure, if the mechanics of the pitch are perfect it would not be a problem. Think Tom Glavine.
But because of his max effort, Syndergaard is sometimes late with his arm at foot contact and there could be a pronation issue as well.
“He’s out of sync,’’ one former pitching coach said. “The ideal would be to find out how much effort you need to throw in order to hit the glove consistently.’’
Accurate effort not always max effort.
Syndergaard’s numbers are interesting. In 2015, according to Brooks Baseball, 25 percent of Syndergaard’s pitches were two-seamers. In 2016 that jumped to 30 percent. Injuries limited Syndergaard to only 30 ¹/₃ innings in 2017. The past two years have featured a high use of the two-seamer, 33 percent in 2018 and 30 percent in 2019.
Meanwhile, Syndergaard relied much less on his four-seam fastball, a pitch that can hit 100 mph. He used it for 29 percent of his pitches last season and 21 percent in 2018. In 2015, he used his four-seamer 36 percent of the time and in 2016 it was 29 percent.
Perhaps more four-seamers and fewer sinkers is the way to go.
Syndergaard went to more heavy usage of the two-seamer, a late-breaking pitch when it is executed well, because he was running into shorter outings because so many of his riding-high four-seamers were being fouled off, pushing up his pitch count. Thus the move to the two-seamer was done to try to get him to be more effective with the number of pitches.
Noted one talent evaluator: “There is also the possibility Syndergaard may have lowered his arm slot and that created more torque on his elbow. I think if he learns to command his four-seam fastball better he will have success.’’
Interestingly enough, Jacob deGrom has gone in the other direction.
DeGrom has gone to heavy usage of the four-seam fastball with only 15 sinkers — not 15 percent, 15 total — thrown in 2019 and only 9.47 percent of his fastballs being two-seamers in 2018. In 2019, 49 percent of deGrom’s pitches were four-seam fastballs, that’s 1,554 four-seamers according to Brooks Baseball. Another way to put it is 1,539 more seamers than sinkers.
Submit your Mets questions here to be answered in an upcoming Post mailbag
Every pitcher has to figure out what works best for him.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole pretty much ditched the sinker once he got to the Astros. He threw only 13 of them in 2019, heading into free agency, while throwing 2,115 four-seamers.
“The bottom line is 92-mph sliders, that’s not good for your arm,’’ offered another scout. “The amount of torque [used] trying to throw it 90-plus mph is not good for your arm and you throw in the two-seamer, that’s rough. I never understood why his curve ball stopped being a weapon for him.”
Because Syndergaard had trouble putting away hitters with his four-seamer, he shifted to more two-seamers. He was quick to pick it up and had success with it, but now he is on the shelf with Tommy John surgery.
Perhaps Syndergaard, 27, could follow the path of Stephen Strasburg, who developed a filthy changeup. Strasburg unleashed his changeup 21 percent of the time last season on the way to winning a World Series.
There is no doubt the talent and desire is there with Syndergaard. Once he returns from surgery, Syndergaard must discover and develop the right combination of pitches thrown with precision, the Thor Thunder, that will give him pitching health and success.


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--Jets expected to take a top lineman in first round of 2020 NFL Draft

Jets general manager Joe Douglas attacked this position in free agency … and he still has more work to do. That is just how dismal the Jets’ offensive line situation became last year.
Mike Maccagnan, Douglas’ predecessor, largely ignored the position in the draft and the Jets are paying for years of neglect. They have not drafted an offensive lineman in the first two rounds since Vlad Ducasse in 2010 and have not taken one in the first round since 2006, when they took D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold.
Tackle is crying out to be fixed. The Jets signed George Fant in free agency, and he and Chuma Edoga are penciled in as starters right now. If the Jets take a tackle in the first round, that player might take over at left tackle and Fant and Edoga can compete for the right side.
There are four tackles considered above the others in this draft class — Louisville’s Mekhi Becton, Alabama’s Jedrick Wills Jr., Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs and Georgia’s Andrew Thomas. The question for the Jets is: Will any of them be available when they pick at No. 11? If three of them are gone, how does the fourth stack up on their board against the top wide receiver or cornerback?
The likelihood is that at least one of the tackles will be there for Douglas at No. 11 and he will probably take that player.
If Douglas passes on a tackle at 11, there is a drop-off at the position in the next few rounds. USC’s Austin Jackson is a possibility and Connecticut’s Matt Peart could be taken.
The Jets signed Connor McGovern, Alex Lewis and Greg Van Roten in free agency, but they still need help in the interior. There are a number of good centers who should be available on Day 2 of the draft. Wisconsin’s Tyler Biadasz, LSU’s Lloyd Cushenberry III, Michigan’s Cesar Ruiz and Temple’s Matt Hennessy all fill the bill.
Douglas wants to get as many talented linemen in the building as possible and then the coaches can sort out who plays where.
It would be a surprise if the Jets did not come out of this draft without at least two offensive lineman, including one they can pencil in as a starter immediately.


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--NFL Draft 2020: Ranking the top 10 offensive linemen

Leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft , The Post is ...

The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gives his top 10 offensive linemen in the 2020 NFL Draft:
1. Mekhi Becton, Louisville, 6-7, 364
Athletic giant with experience on left and right sides and a wingspan longer than seven feet. Huge upside, but weight must be monitored.
2. Tristan Wirfs, Iowa, 6-5, 320
Only true freshman tackle to start at offensive line-proud Iowa in coach Kirk Ferentz’s 21 seasons. Some scouts like him better at guard than at right tackle.
3. Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama, 6-4, 312
Plays with a chip on his shoulder and finished blocks to the dirt as right tackle. Better blocker on pass than run right now, which is uncommon.
4. Andrew Thomas, Georgia, 6-5, 315
Immediate starter on either side of the line, especially in a run-oriented offense. Can think his way through a challenge or bad game.
5. Josh Jones, Houston, 6-5, 319
Senior Bowl left tackle standout who was inconsistent in games, but showed steady year-to-year development. High ceiling.
6. Austin Jackson, USC, 6-5, 322
Raw 20-year-old left tackle with hit-or-miss potential for a team that can afford to sit him as a rookie. Quickness to cut off speed rushers.
7. Cesar Ruiz, Michigan, 6-3, 307
All the desired traits in a center: consistency, awareness and vocal leadership. Versatile enough to play guard, too. Grew up fast in Camden, N.J.
8. Ezra Cleveland, Boise State, 6-6, 311
Needs to add strength and catch up after missing lots of practice time last season due to turf toe. Scouts like his quick hands.
9. Lloyd Cushenberry III, LSU, 6-3, 312
Long arms (34 ¹/₈ inches) help make up for questions about his range. No question about the center’s sheer strength.
10. Isaiah Wilson, Georgia, 6-6, 350
Brooklyn native with 25 career games of experience left two years of eligibility on the table. Elite size, but technical work needed.
Late riser
Cleveland: He could pass Jackson as the sixth offensive tackle and land on the first/second-round border after top-of–the-line times in the shuttle and three-cone drill at the combine.
Dropping fast
Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn, 6-5, 308: Could not participate in Senior Bowl or NFL Scouting Combine drills because of knee injury. Left native Nigerian village at age 16 with eyes on NBA, so he’s still learning football.
Small school wonder
Ben Bartch, St. John’s (Minn.), 6-6, 309: Former tight end at Division III program who gained 75 pounds with a creative “diet.” Natural ability and willingness to learn, but now needs grooming.


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--Ron Darling: MLB season looking more doubtful by the day

Ron Darling will take an entire summer without baseball over a scenario in which players and those connected to the sport are placed at risk .
The former Mets pitcher and current SNY analyst says his optimism has begun to wane that there will be a season , following his initial strong belief the shutdown from the COVID-19 outbreak would be manageable for the sports world .
“ I would always try to err that all of our people are taken care of and protected before I decide to play any sport , ” Darling said Thursday in a phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseball or basketball or hockey , that ’ s all the sports .
Have we taken care of citizens and made sure they are on the right track ?
When they are on the right track , then we will give them something to watch.
” Darling has spent the past several weeks with family in Jupiter , Fla. , in virtual self-quarantine .
Other than taking an occasional walk outdoors , Darling — who has respiratory issues that could complicate his condition if he were to contract the coronavirus — said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half-dozen ” times since mid-March , usually to pick up food .
The challenge of conducting a season will be great , Darling said , regardless of how many games are missed .
“ What happens if one of the 26 players tests positive two weeks after you have started the season ?
” Darling said .
“ What are you going to do in [ places ] where games aren ’ t going to be played ?
There ’ s just so many challenges and I would say I was very optimistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point we would find a lane to play a season that would be representative of a baseball season , but as each day goes on I get less and less optimistic .
“ There are so many obstacles and I just think it takes a village to put on a baseball game , and that is without people in the crowd .
At some point you are putting a lot of people together .
You ’ re in locker rooms that couldn ’ t be any closer space for guys to be together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energies , resources , let ’ s do whatever we can to take care of the people that love baseball and once we have got them taken care of and on the mend and protected , then let ’ s think about throwing a pitch and hitting the ball.
” Submit your Mets questions here to be answered in an upcoming Post mailbag Darling noted that the fallout from the Astros ’ illegal sign-stealing scheme and the coronavirus outbreak have been a 1-2 punch like maybe no other the game has seen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the job as commissioner , and he ’ s as smart as anyone who has done the job , I am sure he was prepared for 98 of 100 things that have come his way , ” Darling said .
“ It seems like the two he wasn ’ t prepared for have come , but this is something that baffles even the smartest people.
” If teams are given the go-ahead to resume spring training at some point , Darling has little doubt players could be prepared for a season in short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they will be keeping in shape and you will be surprised how quickly they will be ready to go , ” Darling said .
“ I will be very surprised that you couldn ’ t have a two-week , get ready for the season for these guys .
That ’ s the good news .
The bad news is that you ’ re probably going to sustain some in-season injuries that are going to be the result of that .
”

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Ron Darling will take an entire summer without baseball over a scenario in which players and those connected to the sport are placed at risk.
The former Mets pitcher and current SNY analyst says his optimism has begun to wane that there will be a season, following his initial strong belief the shutdown from the COVID-19 outbreak would be manageable for the sports world.
“I would always try to err that all of our people are taken care of and protected before I decide to play any sport,” Darling said Thursday in a phone conversation. “That’s not baseball or basketball or hockey, that’s all the sports. Have we taken care of citizens and made sure they are on the right track? When they are on the right track, then we will give them something to watch.”
Darling has spent the past several weeks with family in Jupiter, Fla., in virtual self-quarantine. Other than taking an occasional walk outdoors, Darling — who has respiratory issues that could complicate his condition if he were to contract the coronavirus — said he has probably left the house “a half-dozen” times since mid-March, usually to pick up food.
The challenge of conducting a season will be great, Darling said, regardless of how many games are missed.
“What happens if one of the 26 players tests positive two weeks after you have started the season?” Darling said. “What are you going to do in [places] where games aren’t going to be played? There’s just so many challenges and I would say I was very optimistic when this thing started that at some point we would find a lane to play a season that would be representative of a baseball season, but as each day goes on I get less and less optimistic.
“There are so many obstacles and I just think it takes a village to put on a baseball game, and that is without people in the crowd. At some point you are putting a lot of people together. You’re in locker rooms that couldn’t be any closer space for guys to be together in and let’s use whatever energies, resources, let’s do whatever we can to take care of the people that love baseball and once we have got them taken care of and on the mend and protected, then let’s think about throwing a pitch and hitting the ball.”
Submit your Mets questions here to be answered in an upcoming Post mailbag
Darling noted that the fallout from the Astros’ illegal sign-stealing scheme and the coronavirus outbreak have been a 1-2 punch like maybe no other the game has seen.
“When Rob [Manfred] got the job as commissioner, and he’s as smart as anyone who has done the job, I am sure he was prepared for 98 of 100 things that have come his way,” Darling said. “It seems like the two he wasn’t prepared for have come, but this is something that baffles even the smartest people.”
If teams are given the go-ahead to resume spring training at some point, Darling has little doubt players could be prepared for a season in short order.
“For the most part they will be keeping in shape and you will be surprised how quickly they will be ready to go,” Darling said. “I will be very surprised that you couldn’t have a two-week, get ready for the season for these guys. That’s the good news. The bad news is that you’re probably going to sustain some in-season injuries that are going to be the result of that.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--Agents helping late-round prospects prep for virtual NFL Draft 2020

Joe Douglas began his conference call with reporters Wednesday by ...

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Veteran NFL agent Joe Linta recently told a few of his draft prospects they should order a white dry-erase board.
With the coronavirus pandemic shutting down nearly everything, this is not part of normal preparation for the NFL draft, but this is a draft that is different than any of us have ever seen. Linta wants his players to be able to draw plays during virtual pre-draft interviews with teams. Each day NFL teams are interviewing prospects through video conferencing technology. Part of those interviews is sometimes being asked about a play. Hence, the dry-erase boards.
It is just one example of this unusual pre-draft period, during which players have been unable to participate in pro days or pre-draft visits. It is not going to affect players at the top of the draft, but agents are concerned about what it might do to the players projected as late-round picks or undrafted free agents who were not at the scouting combine in February and did not get to run and perform drills at their pro days.
“Those guys clearly feel it more than any player in any other situation,” said longtime New York-based agent Alan Herman.
While a player like Ohio State star Chase Young did not have much to gain or lose at a pro day, the lesser prospects can sometimes vault themselves into the draft or to a higher round through a strong pro day performance.
“One of the rules of thumb is the smaller the school, the more important the pro day [and] numbers are,” Linta, who is based in Connecticut, said.
One of Herman’s clients is Elijah Riley, a cornerback from Army. Riley spent 2½ months preparing for his pro day, which was canceled a week before it was scheduled once social distancing restrictions were put in place. Herman said teams have asked him about Riley’s speed, and his pro day would have been critical in demonstrating it to NFL teams. Herman said he ran in the 4.4s during his training, but teams won’t get to see that.
“He was denied that opportunity,” Herman said.
Some players have posted videos of them running the 40, but Herman said teams are not interested in those. If scouts are not there, they don’t trust the times. Who is to say it is not 38 yards instead of 40?
Both Linta and Herman said they are using their contacts to try to alert teams about their clients and tell them certain games they should watch. For instance, Herman has told teams to watch Riley against Michigan, a top opponent and a game where Riley played well.
Teams now can interview players up to three times a week for no longer than an hour at a time. It is not the same as in-person visits, in which prospects sometimes spent parts of two days with a team and could go to dinner and watch film with teams.
This year, teams are going to have to trust what happened in the fall more than the spring.
“It’s getting back to just old school scouting,” Linta said, “where these guys have to really grind on the film and base it on film and character in interview.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--Greg Van Roten’s Jets dream being put on sad hold

Joe Douglas continued to rebuild the Jets ’ offensive line on ...

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He is one of the ours, a Long Island boy who grew up a Jets fan, whose father and grandfather were Jets fans, with this precious chance to live out his dream of playing for his hometown team.
A New York dream that has been enveloped in a New York nightmare that is ravaging his city.
“It’s a very bizarre time,” Greg Van Roten told The Post. “I was talking to my granny [Janet] last week, seeing how she’s doing ’cause she’s alone right now — she lives in Connecticut [in the Hartford area], so it’s not like a super-safe place, but it’s safer than New York at least. … And I was just like, ‘Have you ever experienced anything like this in your lifetime?’ … She’s in her late 80s, born at the end of the Depression, World War II, all that stuff. … And she’s like, ‘Nope. This is the first time.’ And I was like, ‘That’s pretty wild.’ When you have someone who had that historical perspective saying that this is brand new to them.
“She likened the fear to polio, but this is a little bit different.
“To have that going on while you’re living out your dream, it’s a very surreal, interesting, strange backdrop.”
His parents, Tom and Cathy, have settled in Bluffton, S.C. They have no idea when they can see him next. Van Roten, who is currently living in Long Beach, is scheduled to be married to his fiancée Trish at the Heritage Club in Bethpage, L.I., on July 10, but who knows whether COVID-19 will allow that happen now?
“It’s pretty scary,” Van Roten said. “I think people are finally starting to kind of take it seriously. At first everyone was like, ‘Can’t believe they’re canceling sports,’ and then you’re kind of seeing how recklessly and quickly this thing is transferable and the damage it can do.
“I feel like everybody in New York knows somebody that has it, think they have it or has been affected by it.
“I’ve had buddies whose grandparents have passed away and they can’t have like a real funeral.
“It’s a really tough thing to have to deal with. It makes sports take a backseat. This is really affecting people in their personal life. So we need to take it seriously and find ways to not overwhelm the medical system. I have friends that are nurses that are dealing with this.… It’s definitely scary.”
What should have been a Happy Homecoming for a tough, smart local kid who persevered against long odds has turned now into a Bittersweet Homecoming at best.
“If you get sick this time of year, whether it’s allergies or a cold,” Van Roten said, “everyone’s like, ‘Oh, I think I have coronavirus.’ There’s that fear, right? That’s kind of permeating through everything right now. It’s weird, if you watch like a TV show or something that’s old, you see people shaking hands — you’re not supposed to do that. You should be elbow bumping, or whatever.”
Life was so much simpler when Van Roten was growing up in Rockville Centre. It is much easier for Van Roten to think back to the sweet, innocent days of his youth, when his father, a Jets season ticket holder for a dozen years or so during the New York Sack Exchange years, would take his son to Hofstra to watch his dream team, and of course Wayne Chrebet caught his eye, and Vinny Testaverde and Kevin Mawae were favorites, too. “He couldn’t believe how big the guys were,” Tom told The Post.
Long before Chaminade High School, before Penn, before the Packers and the Seahawks and the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts and the Jaguars and the Panthers, long before his 30th birthday, there lived a fifth grade elementary school child with a grownup dream chronicled in a yearbook.
“He said he wanted to be a professional football player,” Cathy told the Post. “That’s when he was 10. So he’s kind of been thinking about this for a long time.”
Submit your Jets questions here to be answered in an upcoming mailbag
They were proud parents when he realized his Jets dream.
“I can’t believe you’re playing for the Jets, and I live in [bleeping] South Carolina!” Greg remembers his father saying.
They have no immediate plans to come north.
“Originally, two weeks from now, is supposed to be the bridal shower, and I was planning on going up to the bridal shower in Roslyn. … And it got rescheduled for June, but that’s questionable with what’s going on,” Cathy said. “So I honestly don’t know. Other than FaceTime, that’ll be it, until we’re able to travel.”
A New York dream enveloped in a New York nightmare.


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--Nets youngster Dzanan Musa separated from family amid virus

With the coronavirus pandemic having ground much of the country to a halt — New York hardest-hit of all — many of us are feeling stressed and anxious .
Now picture being 20 , stuck not only in a different country but on another continent , separated from family and friends .
The youngest player on the Nets ’ roster is 13 hours away from his native country of Bosnia and Herzegovina .
Well , 13 hours away if he could fly home , which he clearly can ’ t with COVID-19 running rampant .
He , along with fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are stuck stateside for the foreseeable future .
“ I had a conversation with the three of those guys [ Tuesday ] night together .
They are coping , and their families are coping with this .
But that ’ s really difficult , ” Nets general manager Sean Marks said .
“ Their families are completely separated .
They ’ re not in the same time zone , they ’ re in completely different countries , and obviously there is a travel ban in place .
So , these guys can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re all aware that if anybody leaves the New York market , there ’ s self-isolation put into effect where you have to go for a couple of weeks .
So it doesn ’ t make sense for anybody to even try and leave right now .
The best thing we can do right now is to stay here and support them and support their families .
Like all of us that have families in different parts of the world , more than ever we need to be reaching out to them.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can relate .
But at least Marks ’ wife and children are in New York .
While Musa ’ s brother , Dzennis , lives in Brooklyn , the rest of his family is not only in a different time zone , but six time zones away — or 4,300 miles .
It might as well be a million .
When NBA play was halted , Musa had been in the midst of showing improvement since his rookie campaign , where he totaled just 39 minutes in nine games as a teenaged first-round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modest 4.2 points over 11.5 minutes in 35 games this season , his 404 minutes logged are more than 10 times what he managed as a rookie .
Musa ’ s 14 points on 6-for-7 shooting in just 17 minutes against the Mavericks on Jan. 2 looked like a breakthrough .
But he only got two minutes the next game and didn ’ t play at all in the Nets ’ last 14 before the season was shut down altogether on March 11 amid the coronavirus pandemic .
“ Find a way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will get through this !
!
# StaySafe # StayHome , ” Musa posted on Instagram a week ago .
Submit your Nets questions to be answered in an upcoming mailbag “ Find a way to workout , even If it ’ s on the rooftop of your building # StaySafe # StayHome , ” Musa added , including a video of him dribbling on his Brooklyn rooftop while wearing a mask .
In the wake of the NBA shutdown , Musa has also spent time on humanitarian efforts .
After the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he bought medical supplies to help the Bosnian city of 56,000 .
“ My hometown of Bihac is desperate to get things right now , ” Musa told NetsDaily .
“ The equipment was ordered according to the instructions of the management of the Cantonal Hospital in Bihac .
“ The equipment is currently in high demand and almost impossible to find , but we were lucky enough to reach a supplier through a friend .
I would appeal to anyone but who is able to get involved in helping .
”

Part 13 of a series analyzing the Brooklyn Nets.
With the coronavirus pandemic having ground much of the country to a halt — New York hardest-hit of all — many of us are feeling stressed and anxious. Now picture being 20, stuck not only in a different country but on another continent, separated from family and friends.
That’s Dzanan Musa.
The youngest player on the Nets’ roster is 13 hours away from his native country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Well, 13 hours away if he could fly home, which he clearly can’t with COVID-19 running rampant. He, along with fellow European players Rodions Kurucs and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, is stuck stateside for the foreseeable future.
“I had a conversation with the three of those guys [Tuesday] night together. They are coping, and their families are coping with this. But that’s really difficult,” Nets general manager Sean Marks said. “Their families are completely separated. They’re not in the same time zone, they’re in completely different countries, and obviously there is a travel ban in place. So, these guys cannot go home.
“We’re all aware that if anybody leaves the New York market, there’s self-isolation put into effect where you have to go for a couple of weeks. So it doesn’t make sense for anybody to even try and leave right now. The best thing we can do right now is to stay here and support them and support their families. Like all of us that have families in different parts of the world, more than ever we need to be reaching out to them.”
Marks — a native New Zealander — can relate. But at least Marks’ wife and children are in New York. While Musa’s brother, Dzennis, lives in Brooklyn, the rest of his family is not only in a different time zone, but six time zones away — or 4,300 miles.
It might as well be a million.
When NBA play was halted, Musa had been in the midst of showing improvement since his rookie campaign, when he totaled just 39 minutes in nine games as a teenaged first-round pick. Though he is averaging a modest 4.2 points over 11.5 minutes in 35 games this season, his 404 minutes logged are more than 10 times what he managed as a rookie.
Musa’s 14 points on 6-for-7 shooting in just 17 minutes against the Mavericks on Jan. 2 looked like a breakthrough. But he only got two minutes the next game and didn’t play at all in the Nets’ last 14 before the season was shut down on March 11 amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Find a way to smile in these tough moments, we will get through this!! #StaySafe #StayHome,” Musa posted on Instagram a week ago.
Submit your Nets questions to be answered in an upcoming mailbag
“Find a way to workout, even If it’s on the rooftop of your building #StaySafe #StayHome,” Musa added, including a video of him dribbling on his Brooklyn rooftop while wearing a mask.
In the wake of the NBA shutdown, Musa has also spent time on humanitarian efforts. After the first coronavirus death in his hometown of Bihac, he bought medical supplies to help the Bosnian city of 56,000.
“My hometown of Bihac is desperate to get things right now,” Musa told NetsDaily. “The equipment was ordered according to the instructions of the management of the Cantonal Hospital in Bihac.
“The equipment is currently in high demand and almost impossible to find, but we were lucky enough to reach a supplier through a friend. I would appeal to anyone but who is able to get involved in helping.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--NFL Draft 2020: Position question surrounds lineman Tristan Wirfs

Leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft , The Post is breaking down the draft class by position in an 11-part series .
Tomorrow : tight ends .
He did not sound insulted to get asked the question , but hearing it made Tristan Wirfs recoil just a bit .
As one of the most accomplished and respected offensive linemen in the 2020 NFL Draft , it will surprise no one if Wirfs is the first one off the board , early in the first round .
That would be quite an accomplishment because this is considered to be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four of them expected to go in the top half of the first round .
Such a prize prospect should not be hearing about his deficiencies at his chosen position .
Wirfs played right tackle almost exclusively in his three years at Iowa , other than shifting over to play left tackle for a handful of games this past season when injuries forced the move .
Either way .
Tackles are always in high demand and the best ones do not last long on draft day .
Why , then , is there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the next level is inside , at guard ?
“ I ’ ve never played [ guard ] .
… I think I ’ ve taken maybe one snap a guard in practice when somebody got hurt , ’ ’ Wirfs said last month at the NFL Scouting Combine .
“ So I ’ ve always been a tackle .
I think I ’ m a tackle .
If somebody wants me to play guard , then that ’ s fine with me .
I just want to get on the field.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ made it clear : Wirfs wants to play tackle in the NFL .
Outside at tackle is where the big money is made , where the big guys up front are considered the most essential quarterback protectors .
It is easy for teams to justify taking a tackle in the top 10 , or even in the top five in any draft .
Taking a guard so high is , well , fine , but usually not desirable , unless it is a generational talent such as Quenton Nelson , who was selected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018 .
Just as Wirfs admits he views himself as a tackle , he was quick to offer a history lesson when it comes to former Iowa players once in the spot in which he might land .
Marshal Yanda was a terrific tackle for the Hawkeyes .
So was Brandon Scherff .
Yanda moved to guard and made eight Pro Bowls .
Scherff moved to guard and is a three-time Pro Bowler .
“ Yeah , it doesn ’ t matter to me too much , ’ ’ Wirfs said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if playing guard is where they need me , I ’ ll play there.
’ ’ What does matter to Wirfs is where he stacks up in this offensive line draft class .
He believes he should be the first one picked , which would be quite an accomplishment in a class that includes Mekhi Becton of Louisville , Jedrick Wills Jr. of Alabama and Andrew Thomas of Georgia .
“ The competitive aspect , you want to be the best , ’ ’ Wirfs said .
“ Second ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first tackle taken.
’ ’ What makes Wirfs so special ?
He was the first freshman to ever start at offensive tackle at Iowa since Kirk Ferentz took over as head coach in 1999 .
He broke Scherff ’ s school record in the hang clean , with four reps at 450 pounds .
At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds , Wirfs is a jumbo package of elite athleticism and power .
Some scouts wonder if his arms are long enough to excel at tackle , and most draft analysts envision him on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Then there is his temperament , honed in part growing up in Mount Vernon , Iowa , where he lived in a trailer park with his mother , sister and grandmother before moving , while in kindergarten , into the house where his mother still lives .
“ Some teams have said they want to see me finish more , ’ ’ Wirfs said .
“ Some teams want to see me get meaner , and I ’ ve been hearing that for I don ’ t know how long .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sets a little bit , so some of the teams told me that , I ’ m working on that.
” Meaner ?
Can he get meaner ?
“ You tell me , ’ ’ he said , smiling .
“ I don ’ t know .
I ’ ve never really been a mean person .
That ’ s a testament to my mom and how she raised me .
I think they want to see me get more pancake [ blocks ] and I think I did that a fair amount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I had 14 knockdowns .
I can try to get a little meaner .
We ’ ll see .
’ ’

Leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft, The Post is breaking down the draft class by position in an 11-part series. Tomorrow: tight ends.
He did not sound insulted to get asked the question, but hearing it made Tristan Wirfs recoil just a bit.
As one of the most accomplished and respected offensive linemen in the 2020 NFL Draft, it will surprise no one if Wirfs is the first one off the board, early in the first round. That would be quite an accomplishment because this is considered to be an elite class of offensive tackles, with four of them expected to go in the top half of the first round.
Such a prize prospect should not be hearing about his deficiencies at his chosen position. Wirfs played right tackle almost exclusively in his three years at Iowa, other than shifting over to play left tackle for a handful of games this past season when injuries forced the move.
Either way. Tackles are always in high demand and the best ones do not last long on draft day. Why, then, is there an undercurrent suggesting Wirfs’ best spot at the next level is inside, at guard?
“I’ve never played [guard]. … I think I’ve taken maybe one snap a guard in practice when somebody got hurt,’’ Wirfs said last month at the NFL Scouting Combine. “So I’ve always been a tackle. I think I’m a tackle. If somebody wants me to play guard, then that’s fine with me. I just want to get on the field.’’
The tone of the answer made it clear: Wirfs wants to play tackle in the NFL. Outside at tackle is where the big money is made, where the big guys up front are considered the most essential quarterback protectors. It is easy for teams to justify taking a tackle in the top 10, or even in the top five in any draft. Taking a guard so high is, well, fine, but usually not desirable, unless it is a generational talent such as Quenton Nelson, who was selected at No. 6 by the Colts in 2018.
Just as Wirfs admits he views himself as a tackle, he was quick to offer a history lesson when it comes to former Iowa players once in the spot in which he might land. Marshal Yanda was a terrific tackle for the Hawkeyes. So was Brandon Scherff. Yanda moved to guard and made eight Pro Bowls. Scherff moved to guard and is a three-time Pro Bowler.
Not too shabby.
“Yeah, it doesn’t matter to me too much,’’ Wirfs said. “I just want to play, and if playing guard is where they need me, I’ll play there.’’
What does matter to Wirfs is where he stacks up in this offensive line draft class. He believes he should be the first one picked, which would be quite an accomplishment in a class that includes Mekhi Becton of Louisville, Jedrick Wills Jr. of Alabama and Andrew Thomas of Georgia.
“The competitive aspect, you want to be the best,’’ Wirfs said. “Second’s the first loser. I want to be the first tackle taken.’’
What makes Wirfs so special? He was the first freshman to ever start at offensive tackle at Iowa since Kirk Ferentz took over as head coach in 1999. He broke Scherff’s school record in the hang clean, with four reps at 450 pounds. At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, Wirfs is a jumbo package of elite athleticism and power. Some scouts wonder if his arms are long enough to excel at tackle, and most draft analysts envision him on the right side, not the left.
Then there is his temperament, honed in part growing up in Mount Vernon, Iowa, where he lived in a trailer park with his mother, sister and grandmother before moving, while in kindergarten, into the house where his mother still lives.
“Some teams have said they want to see me finish more,’’ Wirfs said. “Some teams want to see me get meaner, and I’ve been hearing that for I don’t know how long. I tend to open up in my pass sets a little bit, so some of the teams told me that, I’m working on that.”
Meaner? Can he get meaner?
“You tell me,’’ he said, smiling. “I don’t know. I’ve never really been a mean person. That’s a testament to my mom and how she raised me. I think they want to see me get more pancake [blocks] and I think I did that a fair amount this season. Last year against Nebraska, I had 14 knockdowns. I can try to get a little meaner. We’ll see.’’


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--Florida couple, married 51 years, die of coronavirus six minutes apart

A retired Florida couple described as inseparable during their 51-year marriage was also inseparable in death — dying of COVID-19 on Sunday just six minutes apart .
Stuart Baker , 74 , and Adrian Baker , 72 , of Boynton Beach , were had been healthy before contracting the coronavirus in mid-March , CNN reported .
Stuart was hit harder by the virus at first , and he was admitted to a hospital intensive care unit .
Adrian , meanwhile , had been recovering at home , but her condition deteriorated when she learned her husband was in the ICU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were judged to be near death , they were moved into the same hospice room and taken off their ventilators so they could die together .
Their death was revealed by their son , Buddy Baker , a longtime NFL agent .
“ In loving memory of my mom and dad – please make the tough and right choice and stop the spreading of this virus , ” the son said in a moving video on Twitter .
“ Until it touches you , or touches somebody you know or you hear a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from it , ” Baker , president of Exclusive Sports Group , told CNN .
“ Hopefully , my parents ’ passing doesn ’ t go in vain .
”

A retired Florida couple described as inseparable during their 51-year marriage was also inseparable in death — dying of COVID-19 on Sunday just six minutes apart.
Stuart Baker, 74, and Adrian Baker, 72, of Boynton Beach, were had been healthy before contracting the coronavirus in mid-March, CNN reported.
Stuart was hit harder by the virus at first, and he was admitted to a hospital intensive care unit.
Adrian, meanwhile, had been recovering at home, but her condition deteriorated when she learned her husband was in the ICU, the network reported.
When both were judged to be near death, they were moved into the same hospice room and taken off their ventilators so they could die together.
Their death was revealed by their son, Buddy Baker, a longtime NFL agent.
“In loving memory of my mom and dad – please make the tough and right choice and stop the spreading of this virus,” the son said in a moving video on Twitter.
“Until it touches you, or touches somebody you know or you hear a story, you kind of feel removed from it,” Baker, president of Exclusive Sports Group, told CNN.
“Hopefully, my parents’ passing doesn’t go in vain.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--These Muhammad Ali books are absolute knockouts

Upstairs , in the sparkling new arena called Richfield Coliseum , there ...

During the coronavirus shutdown, each day we will bring you a recommendation from The Post’s Peter Botte for a sports movie, TV show or book that perhaps was before your time or somehow slipped between the cracks of your viewing/reading history.
The Ali catalog (Various authors)
The volume of fascinating books dedicated to the self-proclaimed Greatest of All-Time could fill entire shelves of the New York Public Library, so today’s recommendation will be to choose and devour any of these excellent tomes about the incomparable Muhammad Ali.
There are various biographies from different eras of his miraculous life, ones about particular legendary fights, multiple autobiographical accounts, even children’s and coloring books (One fittingly is even called The Greatest Coloring Book of All Time).
Personally, I have read two of the many Ali-related titles out there and fully endorse them.
First, is David Remnick’s “King of the World: Muhammad Ali and the Rise of an American Hero” (1998, Random House), which details the boxer’s rise as Cassius Clay — the 1960 Olympic gold medal, winning his first title against Sonny Liston, etc. — and his conversion to Islam and transformation to Ali throughout the tumultuous 1960s.
Second, is the more comprehensive bio “Ali: A Life” (2017, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), which came out a year after the three-time heavyweight champion died at 74 of septic shock and features more than 500 interviews with family members, confidants, historians and more. Author Jonathan Eig — who also has penned best-selling books about Lou Gehrig, Jackie Robinson and Al Capone — covers it all about the complex Ali, including some remarkable revelations from FBI files related to his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War and his nearly four-year absence from the ring.
Another Ali title I’ve been meaning to get to for years is the critically acclaimed “The Fight” (1975, Little Brown) by Norman Mailer about Ali regaining the belt from George Foreman in their “Rumble in the Jungle” bout in Zaire the previous year.
Quote of Note: “I am America,” Clay will proudly declare. “I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.” From Jonathan Eig’s Ali: A Life.
Botte Blows: 4.7 of 5


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--Teachers outraged with de Blasio after city decides to continue learning through spring break

The New York teacher ’ s union slammed Mayor Bill de Blasio Friday after the city decided to cancel spring break — requiring them to work on Passover and Good Friday .
The break was originally planned for April 9 to April 17 , but Schools Chancellor Richard Caranza announced Friday night that the city had decided to instead continue remote learning on those days for the “ health [ and ] wellbeing of all.
” “ We are confident that continuing remote learning will help ensure that families adhere to social distancing in the coming weeks , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus and keeping New Yorkers safe , ” Carranza said in a series of tweets .
Teachers at least expecting to get off for Passover and Good Friday were outraged to learn that school would still be in session they would have to take sick days to observe the holidays .
Shortly after the United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew blasted the news to the union ’ s 200,000 members , # disrespectfuldeblasio began trending among angry educators on Twitter .
“ With this step , Mayor de Blasio shows that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been working during these stressful and anxiety-filled times , ” Mulgrew said in his letter to teachers .
“ I know how seriously you take the role you are playing in this pandemic .
You have kept learning alive and been a social and emotional lifeline for 1.1 million students and their families.
” Mulgrew said the mayor was able to cancel the school holidays under his state of emergency declaration .
The union had negotiated for teachers to receive an additional four sick days in their bank that could be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but teachers were still incensed .
“ NYC Teachers gave their spring break .
This is extremely wrong and unlawful to take their right to religion on 4/9 and 4/10 in a time where they need family and faith the most , ” said one Twitter user .
Ellen Gentilviso added , “ You had us report to work under dangerous conditions and made us push you to do the right thing to close schools .
We have worked tirelessly and creatively to teach remotely .
We need time for the holy @ @ @ @ @

The New York teacher’s union slammed Mayor Bill de Blasio Friday after the city decided to cancel spring break — requiring them to work on Passover and Good Friday.
The break was originally planned for April 9 to April 17, but Schools Chancellor Richard Caranza announced Friday night that the city had decided to instead continue remote learning on those days for the “health [and] wellbeing of all.”
“We are confident that continuing remote learning will help ensure that families adhere to social distancing in the coming weeks, which is imperative to slowing the spread of the virus and keeping New Yorkers safe,” Carranza said in a series of tweets.
Teachers at least expecting to get off for Passover and Good Friday were outraged to learn that school would still be in session they would have to take sick days to observe the holidays.
Shortly after the United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew blasted the news to the union’s 200,000 members, #disrespectfuldeblasio began trending among angry educators on Twitter.
“With this step, Mayor de Blasio shows that he does not recognize just how hard you have been working during these stressful and anxiety-filled times,” Mulgrew said in his letter to teachers.
“I know how seriously you take the role you are playing in this pandemic. You have kept learning alive and been a social and emotional lifeline for 1.1 million students and their families.”
Mulgrew said the mayor was able to cancel the school holidays under his state of emergency declaration.
The union had negotiated for teachers to receive an additional four sick days in their bank that could be used to observe the holidays, he added, but teachers were still incensed.
“NYC Teachers gave their spring break. This is extremely wrong and unlawful to take their right to religion on 4/9 and 4/10 in a time where they need family and faith the most,” said one Twitter user.
Ellen Gentilviso added, “You had us report to work under dangerous conditions and made us push you to do the right thing to close schools. We have worked tirelessly and creatively to teach remotely. We need time for the holy days of prayer.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--Coronavirus gives boxing gyms, trainers a different kind of fight

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On March 29, Hector Roca spent his 80th birthday in his apartment along Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn, practicing social distancing instead of training fighters at Gleason’s Gym like he has done for 52 years.
“I’m doing good, following the rules and staying home,” Roca told The Post. “I’m trying to relax because for 80 years I’ve never been relaxed. But I plan to do the right thing; stay home, watch myself and wait until everything is over. We don’t know when. Only God knows when.”
Roca is one of 92 trainers who worked out of famed Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn, which closed on March 16 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s right, 92. “About 55 of those are full-time,” said owner Bruce Silverglade. “The others are part-time and most of them have been there for a long time.”
Not all are as renowned a Roca, who has trained 22 world champions, including Iran Barkley, Arturo Gatti and Buddy McGirt. He has also trained his share of actors such as Hillary Swank for her Oscar-winning role in “Million Dollar Baby,” John Leguizamo for the movie “Undefeated” and Craig Bierko for the role of Max Baer in “Cinderella Man”.
“I’ve worked in 16 movies and appeared a few,” Roca said by telephone.
But he like most other boxing trainers have lived their lives working from client to client, a daily cash business that like so many in this world ended in an instant when the coronavirus hit the tri-state area.
Gleason’s locked its doors two weeks ago. The bustling gym where locals skipped rope and hit a heavy bag alongside world champions and celebrities was suddenly silent. The trainers who offered daily instructions had nowhere to work.
“If you don’t have anything saved, you’re having a hard time now,” Roca said. “I’ve got some saved. I don’t know how far it can go. Right now, I’m comfortable and hoping things will get better.”
Some trainers are offering sessions by video, but the majority are simply trying to survive.
“It’s a terrible situation for the trainers,” Silverglade said. “A lot of these fellas and girls, they don’t have much of a savings. They give a lesson and go home and use that money. They’re not worrying about playing their rent. They’re worrying about how to buy food.”
The New York State Boxing Hall of Fame and Ring 8 are among those offering some assistance. They’ve established a $10,000 fund to assist New York and New Jersey boxers and boxing personnel in financial need during the pandemic. All applicants (boxers, trainers, cut-men, etc.) must be licensed by the New York State Athletic Commission, the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board or USA Boxing. Forms can be submitted to NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy at depcomish@aol.com or by phone at 516-313-2304.
“There are guys out there that don’t have any income coming in,” Duffy said. “They’ve got nothing to fall back on like unemployment or a 401K. We just want to give them a helping hand. At least they can buy groceries for a week or two.”
Ring 8 is charitable organization founded in 1954 to help boxers in need. Most financial support is given without fanfare. “We don’t like mentioning names,” Duffy said. “We want to give them their integrity.”
Duffy said he expects the initial $10,000 fund to be depleted by the end of the month.
Silverglade spent the first week of the closure renovating the gym. Rings were fixed, new equipment was brought in, and a fresh coat of paint went on the walls.
“When we’re able to reopen, it will be nice and clean and sanitized,” he said.
Roca plans to be one of the first through the door.
“I’ve been working there 52 years,” he said. “That’s my second house and I want to keep doing it. Boxing trainers never retire.”


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--JetBlue, United Airlines agree to fly volunteer medical workers to New York free of charge

JetBlue and United Airlines have agreed to fly medical volunteers to New York City and back again , free of charge .
Mayor de Blasio on Friday announced a partnership with the airlines to provide round-trip flights to personnel coming to help fight COVID-19 in the country ’ s epicenter for the outbreak .
“ Our healthcare workers are heroes , and right now they need reinforcements to save as many lives as they can , ” said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement .
“ I am calling on medical professionals from across the country to come to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this fight.
” JetBlue , headquartered in Queens , has already flown more than 50 healthcare workers to the city , according to the mayor ’ s office .
The de Blasio administration expects that number to increase in the coming weeks as more medical workers receive New York City work assignments .
“ As New York ’ s hometown airline , we are honored to be able to help right in our own backyard .
We are honored to provide critical travel needs for medical professionals and first responders , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JetBlue , in a statement .
New York hospitals have been gravely overwhelmed by the rapid spread of COVID-19 , with both Gov .
Andrew Cuomo and de Blasio warning of dire shortages of personal safety gear , medical equipment and qualified staff .
De Blasio said earlier Friday the city would need additional 45,000 healthcare workers to fight the coronavirus in the coming days and weeks ahead .
“ If we ’ re gon na save every life we can save , we need the supplies , the equipment , the PPE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing .
“ We need more than ever the personnel , the people , the doctors , the nurses that will help us through this fight .
The airlines are coordinating the flights with the city ’ s Emergency Management office and the Mayor ’ s Fund to Advance New York City .

JetBlue and United Airlines have agreed to fly medical volunteers to New York City and back again, free of charge.
Mayor de Blasio on Friday announced a partnership with the airlines to provide round-trip flights to personnel coming to help fight COVID-19 in the country’s epicenter for the outbreak.
“Our healthcare workers are heroes, and right now they need reinforcements to save as many lives as they can,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement. “I am calling on medical professionals from across the country to come to New York City and help us win this fight.”
JetBlue, headquartered in Queens, has already flown more than 50 healthcare workers to the city, according to the mayor’s office. The de Blasio administration expects that number to increase in the coming weeks as more medical workers receive New York City work assignments.
“As New York’s hometown airline, we are honored to be able to help right in our own backyard. We are honored to provide critical travel needs for medical professionals and first responders,” said Joanna Geraghty, president and COO at JetBlue, in a statement.
New York hospitals have been gravely overwhelmed by the rapid spread of COVID-19, with both Gov. Andrew Cuomo and de Blasio warning of dire shortages of personal safety gear, medical equipment and qualified staff.
De Blasio said earlier Friday the city would need additional 45,000 healthcare workers to fight the coronavirus in the coming days and weeks ahead.
“If we’re gonna save every life we can save, we need the supplies, the equipment, the PPE,” he said during a press briefing. “We need more than ever the personnel, the people, the doctors, the nurses that will help us through this fight.
The airlines are coordinating the flights with the city’s Emergency Management office and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City.


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--Fordham athletic director David Roach to retire

Fordham announced on Friday athletic director David Roach is retiring at the end of the semester , confirming a report @ @ @ @ @ The Post .
Roach will finish out the semester , before stepping aside after eight @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , a decision on the future of men ’ s basketball coach Jeff Neubauer @ @ @ @ @ , according to sources .
First , a resolution on who will replace Roach as @ @ @ @ @ determined .
Neubauer has just one year left on his contract .
The Rams are @ @ @ @ @ Atlantic 10 over the last three years .

Fordham announced on Friday athletic director David Roach is retiring at the end of the semester, confirming a report earlier in the day by The Post.
Roach will finish out the semester, before stepping aside after eight seasons in The Bronx. Meanwhile, a decision on the future of men’s basketball coach Jeff Neubauer has yet to be reached, according to sources.
First, a resolution on who will replace Roach as athletic director has to be determined. Neubauer has just one year left on his contract. The Rams are 40-64 and 9-43 in the Atlantic 10 over the last three years.


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--Long Island doctor tries new twist on hydroxychloroquine for elderly COVID-19 patients

A New York doctor hopes to help his elderly COVID-19 patients with a treatment plan inspired by the success tentatively being reported with hydroxychloroquine — and which he says shows promising results .
Dr. Mohammud Alam , an infectious disease specialist affiliated with Plainview Hospital , said 81 percent of infected covid patients he treated at three Long Island nursing homes recovered from the contagion .
“ In this crisis , I realized I had to do something , ” Alam said .
” I realized if this was my dad , what would I do ?
And I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alam said he decided he could not apply the touted combination of the antimalarial hydroxychloroquine and antibiotic azithromycin because the side effects could be potentially fatal for his high-risk patients , many of whom had underlying heart issues .
“ I knew I could not jeopardize these patients , ” Alam said .
“ We know from the FDA that azithromycin can cause fatal arrhythmia and abnormal heart failure that can lead to death , ” Alam said .
His patients were under long-term acute care and had comorbidities such as hypertension , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease or congestive heart failure .
The FDA has warnings that azithromycin “ can cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that may lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm.
” So instead , Alam replaced azithromycin with another decades-old antibiotic that doesn ’ t pose any known risks to the heart .
“ Doxycycline is an anti-inflammatory with properties similar to azithromycin but without the safety concerns and without cardiac toxicity , ” he said .
“ So I decided why not choose that ?
” added Alam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the results of an observational report consisting of 47 patients he treated .
” With the [ limited ] resources we have at the nursing home , we took a deep breath and realized we need to do something , ” Alam said .
Alam is not the only one to begin using doxycycline in the fight against COVID-19 .
Henry Ford Health System has started using combinations of the three drugs because of apparently fewer side effects , published reports state .
Alam began treating his patients , 45 of whom had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed a high fever , shortness of breath and cough .
He received permission from their families before starting them on the medications , which have not yet undergone randomized controlled trials .
“ The majority had clinical improvement , ” said Alam .
“ We had very good outcomes.
” Alam said that 38 of 47 patients treated returned to their baseline and their symptoms resolved .
Seven of the patients were transferred to a hospital and two died .
There was no control group in the study so Alam acknowledged more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s effectiveness .
Alam noted that an 87-year-old woman with hypertension and coronary issues beat the virus .
“ Her daughter was so thankful that I didn ’ t need to transfer her to a hospital.
” “ At the end of the day we feel like we sent fewer patients to the hospitals , we saved ICU beds and we saved some of the ventilators at the hospital , “ Alam said .
One health expert said using the decades-old doxycycline , which has been studied since the 1960s , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since we ’ re talking about the elderly being the most vulnerable , or people with underlying conditions , there is a theoretical benefit of doxycycline over azithromycin because doxycycline is not associated with cardiovascular disease , ” said Dr. Sten H. Vermund , the dean of the Yale School of Public Health .
Vermund also cautioned a clinical trial is necessary and also noted that two patients did pass away .
“ I am optimistic about this combination , but a well-designed clinical study is urgently needed to identify the appropriate patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the side effect profile of this combination therapy , ” added Dr. Ryan Saadi , a Yale-trained infectious disease epidemiologist who is currently developing a ventilator technology at Quantaira Health .
Vermund also added that other treatment alternatives that could be just as good and less toxic should also be considered .

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A New York doctor hopes to help his elderly COVID-19 patients with a treatment plan inspired by the success tentatively being reported with hydroxychloroquine — and which he says shows promising results.
Dr. Mohammud Alam, an infectious disease specialist affiliated with Plainview Hospital, said 81 percent of infected covid patients he treated at three Long Island nursing homes recovered from the contagion.
“In this crisis, I realized I had to do something,” Alam said. ”I realized if this was my dad, what would I do? And I would do anything I could to help.”
Alam said he decided he could not apply the touted combination of the antimalarial hydroxychloroquine and antibiotic azithromycin because the side effects could be potentially fatal for his high-risk patients, many of whom had underlying heart issues.
“I knew I could not jeopardize these patients,” Alam said.
“We know from the FDA that azithromycin can cause fatal arrhythmia and abnormal heart failure that can lead to death,” Alam said.
His patients were under long-term acute care and had comorbidities such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or congestive heart failure.
The FDA has warnings that azithromycin “can cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that may lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm.”
So instead, Alam replaced azithromycin with another decades-old antibiotic that doesn’t pose any known risks to the heart.
“Doxycycline is an anti-inflammatory with properties similar to azithromycin but without the safety concerns and without cardiac toxicity,” he said.
“So I decided why not choose that?” added Alam, a board-certified internist, who shared the results of an observational report consisting of 47 patients he treated.
”With the [limited]resources we have at the nursing home, we took a deep breath and realized we need to do something,” Alam said.
Alam is not the only one to begin using doxycycline in the fight against COVID-19.
Henry Ford Health System has started using combinations of the three drugs because of apparently fewer side effects, published reports state.
Alam began treating his patients, 45 of whom had tested positive for the coronavirus after they developed a high fever, shortness of breath and cough.
He received permission from their families before starting them on the medications, which have not yet undergone randomized controlled trials.
“The majority had clinical improvement,” said Alam. “We had very good outcomes.”
Alam said that 38 of 47 patients treated returned to their baseline and their symptoms resolved. Seven of the patients were transferred to a hospital and two died.
There was no control group in the study so Alam acknowledged more studies are needed to evaluate his protocol’s effectiveness.
Alam noted that an 87-year-old woman with hypertension and coronary issues beat the virus. “Her daughter was so thankful that I didn’t need to transfer her to a hospital.”
“At the end of the day we feel like we sent fewer patients to the hospitals, we saved ICU beds and we saved some of the ventilators at the hospital,“ Alam said.
One health expert said using the decades-old doxycycline, which has been studied since the 1960s, is a plausible alternative to azithromycin.
“Since we’re talking about the elderly being the most vulnerable, or people with underlying conditions, there is a theoretical benefit of doxycycline over azithromycin because doxycycline is not associated with cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Sten H. Vermund, the dean of the Yale School of Public Health.
Vermund also cautioned a clinical trial is necessary and also noted that two patients did pass away.
“I am optimistic about this combination, but a well-designed clinical study is urgently needed to identify the appropriate patient population, optimize dosing regimen and assess the side effect profile of this combination therapy,” added Dr. Ryan Saadi, a Yale-trained infectious disease epidemiologist who is currently developing a ventilator technology at Quantaira Health.
Vermund also added that other treatment alternatives that could be just as good and less toxic should also be considered.
–


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--Anthony Volpe opens up about brief Yankees taste, coronavirus plan

David Hale ’ s Thursday took a brief and scary turn .
The ...

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Anthony Volpe was in the middle of his first professional spring training last month when Yankees minor leaguers were quarantined after a player tested positive for the coronavirus.
A first-round pick in last year’s draft, the former Delbarton School shortstop played in one big league exhibition game against the Tigers and was looking forward to improving over an initial minor league season that ended early because of mononucleosis.
Preparing for that came to a halt in mid-March, and Volpe returned to his Watchung, N.J., home on March 26 fully understanding the world has more serious things than spring training ending and the regular season being delayed.
“In the grand scheme of things, compared to other people, we didn’t have it that bad,’’ Volpe told The Post. “Pray for the people who are sick and all the doctors and the nurses and everyone who are putting themselves at risk.’’
Volpe, who will turn 19 on April 28, passed on a baseball scholarship from Vanderbilt to accept a $2.74 million signing bonus with the team he rooted for growing up. He said it was a very difficult decision to make, but one that took him to Pulaski, Va., to play for the Yankees’ Rookie League team. Volpe played in 34 games, hit .215 (26-for-121), posted a .341 on-base percentage and a .704 OPS.
Those numbers didn’t reflect the entire season. In 13 games from July 19 to Aug. 5, Volpe batted .318 (14-for-44) with a .436 on-base percentage and a .891 OPS. In his final four games, when he was close to being diagnosed with mono, Volpe went 3-for-17 (.176) and didn’t play beyond Aug. 11.
“I wasn’t as successful as I wanted to be. I was excited to go into this season,’’ said Volpe, who believes there will be minor league baseball played this year. “Hope to get back to playing soon.’’
As for the coronavirus halting spring training, Volpe emphasized how quickly it ended.
“It was very weird, going from full tilt in spring training and then overnight everything changed and something new would happen,’’ Volpe said.
Submit your Yankees questions here to be answered in an upcoming Post mailbag
Even though he doesn’t know when games will be played again, Volpe continues to stay involved in workouts, which he is thankful to have the space for.
“We have a net. I am able to throw and hit in my yard, which I am very fortunate and lucky to do,’’ Volpe said. “Since I have been home, I have pretty much gone back to all my training. In quarantine we couldn’t do anything.’’
At this time a year ago, Volpe was a key cog for Delbarton, which won New Jersey’s Non-Public A state title. It was a team that included pitcher Jack Leiter, the son of former big league pitcher Al Leiter. The Yankees drafted Jack in the 20th round last year, but he went to Vanderbilt.
With one pro season on his résumé, Volpe was looking forward to no health issues and improved results. Now, instead of getting ready for wherever the Yankees were going to send him — possibly Single-A Charleston — he is home hitting and throwing into a net.
And thankful to be able to do that.


newyorkpost--2020-04-04--How Giants are handling their virtual NFL Draft 2020 prep

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The Giants are moving forward with their draft preparation with all their coaches , scouts and front office executives scattered across the country .
Meetings are held via video conferencing , with as many as 15-20 participants at a time .
For the first time , there is no physical draft board situated at the team facility .
The board this year is virtual and maintained by the Giants ’ Information Technology department .
In lieu of visits from draft prospects — teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into their facility , but not amid social distancing guidelines — the Giants are conducting video-conferencing interviews via FaceTime , Zoom and Skype .
Submit questions on your favorite New York teams to be answered in an upcoming mailbag None of this could work without the expertise of Justin Warren , the team ’ s vice president of information technology , and Ty Siam , head of football operations/data analytics .
The greatest challenge is an obvious one : Communicating and coordinating without the face-to-face contact of everyone being in the same room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coordinating these efforts from his home , with the assistance of Chris Pettitt , the director of college scouting , Warren and Siam .

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
The Giants are moving forward with their draft preparation with all their coaches, scouts and front office executives scattered across the country. Meetings are held via video conferencing, with as many as 15-20 participants at a time.
For the first time, there is no physical draft board situated at the team facility. The board this year is virtual and maintained by the Giants’ Information Technology department.
In lieu of visits from draft prospects — teams normally are allowed to bring 30 players into their facility, but not amid social distancing guidelines — the Giants are conducting video-conferencing interviews via FaceTime, Zoom and Skype.
Submit questions on your favorite New York teams to be answered in an upcoming mailbag
None of this could work without the expertise of Justin Warren, the team’s vice president of information technology, and Ty Siam, head of football operations/data analytics. The greatest challenge is an obvious one: Communicating and coordinating without the face-to-face contact of everyone being in the same room together.
General manager Dave Gettleman is coordinating these efforts from his home, with the assistance of Chris Pettitt, the director of college scouting, Warren and Siam.