newyorkpost--2020-03-14--Assembly members Charles Barron, Helene Weinstein have coronavirus

Two Brooklyn-based members of the New York Assembly , Charles Barron and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene Weinstein , have tested positive for the coronavirus .
The news was announced Saturday night in a tweet by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie .
Weinstein , 67 , chairs a major committee ; Barron , 69 , is known as an outspoken lawmaker and is married to a New York City Councilwoman , Inez Barron .
Weinstein said in a statement that she tested positive Saturday .
Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte , also from Brooklyn and the newly-elected chairwoman of the borough ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is well , but Barron has needed to be hospitalized — though she did not know if he was still in the hospital .
“ I sent Charles and his wife a note .
We ’ re praying for him , ” Bichotte said .
“ I was with Charles recently .
He look fine .
He looked as healthy as ever.
” Bichotte said she only found out that both Brooklyn lawmakers were infected this evening .
Many assembly members The Post spoke to said they found out on Twitter .
Heastie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions of when the lawmakers became sick .
The statehouse and Legislative Office Building will undergo “ an intensive cleaning , ” Gov .
Cuomo and Heastie said in a joint press release Saturday night .
“ Additionally , out of an abundance of caution we are closing the Capitol to visitors effective tomorrow , ” the statement added .
“ We are working hand in glove to contain and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 in New York but we will continue to act aggressively to protect the public health.
” Cuomo had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catching the virus .
“ In terms of getting the budget done , this is a situation where we have to anticipate , and you have several hundred legislators at the rate of infection — if the rate of infection is anything that we believe it to be , there will be legislators who will contract the virus , ” he said 90 minutes before Heastie ’ s announcement , during a Saturday evening press call .
“ Just on the numbers , just on the numbers , you have people in that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , somebody does test positive that person will be in proximity to a number of people.
” Cuomo said he was considering closing the statehouse to visitors .
“ On getting the budget done quickly , we are working to accelerate the budget because we want to anticipate future issues that we ’ re gon na have to deal with , ” he added .

Bernadette Hogan, Carl Campanile, Laura Italiano

Two Brooklyn-based members of the New York Assembly, Charles Barron and Ways and Means Committee Chair Helene Weinstein, have tested positive for the coronavirus.
The news was announced Saturday night in a tweet by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.
Weinstein, 67, chairs a major committee; Barron, 69, is known as an outspoken lawmaker and is married to a New York City Councilwoman, Inez Barron.
Weinstein said in a statement that she tested positive Saturday.
Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, also from Brooklyn and the newly-elected chairwoman of the borough’s Democratic Party, said that Weinstein is well, but Barron has needed to be hospitalized — though she did not know if he was still in the hospital.
“I sent Charles and his wife a note. We’re praying for him,” Bichotte said.
“I was with Charles recently. He look fine. He looked as healthy as ever.”
Bichotte said she only found out that both Brooklyn lawmakers were infected this evening.
Many assembly members The Post spoke to said they found out on Twitter.
Heastie did not immediately respond to reporters’ questions of when the lawmakers became sick.
The statehouse and Legislative Office Building will undergo “an intensive cleaning,” Gov. Cuomo and Heastie said in a joint press release Saturday night.
“Additionally, out of an abundance of caution we are closing the Capitol to visitors effective tomorrow,” the statement added.
“We are working hand in glove to contain and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 in New York but we will continue to act aggressively to protect the public health.”
Cuomo had alluded to the possibility of Albany lawmakers catching the virus.
“In terms of getting the budget done, this is a situation where we have to anticipate, and you have several hundred legislators at the rate of infection — if the rate of infection is anything that we believe it to be, there will be legislators who will contract the virus,” he said 90 minutes before Heastie’s announcement, during a Saturday evening press call.
“Just on the numbers, just on the numbers, you have people in that proximity that we have in the capitol, somebody does test positive that person will be in proximity to a number of people.”
Cuomo said he was considering closing the statehouse to visitors.
“On getting the budget done quickly, we are working to accelerate the budget because we want to anticipate future issues that we’re gonna have to deal with,” he added.


newyorkpost--2020-03-14--Georgia postpones presidential primary over coronavirus pandemic

Georgia will delay its presidential primary slated for later this month due to the coronavirus pandemic , the second state @ @ @ @ @ .
The primary vote originally slated for March 24 will now take place on May @ @ @ @ @ , which began on March 2 , has been halted .
“ Events are moving @ @ @ @ @ is protecting the health of our poll workers , and the community at large , @ @ @ @ @ Brad Raffensperger said in a statement announcing the delay .
The decision came as the @ @ @ @ @ in Georgie rose to at least 66 .
Gov .
Brian Kemp earlier Saturday declared @ @ @ @ @ the state urging houses of worship , school and other institutions to cancel large gatherings @ @ @ @ @ the first state to announce it would push back its presidential primaries , with officials @ @ @ @ @ 4 to June 20 .
Map of coronavirus cases in the US

Georgia will delay its presidential primary slated for later this month due to the coronavirus pandemic, the second state to take such a measure.
The primary vote originally slated for March 24 will now take place on May 19. In-person early voting, which began on March 2, has been halted.
“Events are moving rapidly and my highest priority is protecting the health of our poll workers, and the community at large,” Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said in a statement announcing the delay.
The decision came as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Georgie rose to at least 66. Gov. Brian Kemp earlier Saturday declared a public health emergency in the state urging houses of worship, school and other institutions to cancel large gatherings.
Louisiana on Friday became the first state to announce it would push back its presidential primaries, with officials delaying the vote from April 4 to June 20.
With Post wires
Map of coronavirus cases in the US


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--NFL free agency 2020: Five players Giants could target

Before he broke out of Shawshank , Andy Dufresne gained inspiration ...

NFL free agency 2020: The top five players the Giants could target:
Cory Littleton, LB
You want tackling, leadership and versatility? Here is your guy. Littleton went undrafted yet has never missed a game in four years with the Rams and amassed 259 total tackles in 32 starts the past two years. He played nearly 95 percent of the snaps since 2018 and has six career interceptions and 8.5 sacks. He was a Pro Bowler in 2018. He would be an instant starter, plugged in alongside Ryan Connelly returning from knee surgery, and the Giants would be all set at inside linebacker for years to come. Littleton is just 26 years old.
Logan Ryan, CB
Coach Joe Judge’s former boss, Bill Belichick, has an affinity for Rutgers players. Maybe Judge does, too. Ryan is a proven performer and winner, appearing in 15 postseason games and never playing in fewer than 14 games in any of his seven seasons. Judge saw him up close every day for four years with the Patriots. Ryan completed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Titans and would instantly move in as the leader of the young cornerback corps. He has 17 career interceptions and at 29 years old has plenty left in the tank. The New Jersey native likely will be more affordable than Byron Jones or James Bradberry, and could man the slot while DeAndre Baker and Sam Beal stay on the outside.
Kyle Van Noy, LB
In Week 6 last season, Van Noy had a sack of Daniel Jones and also recovered a fumble by Jon Hilliman that he returned 20 yards for a touchdown in a Patriots victory. Judge was on the New England sideline that day and no doubt he knows what kind of addition Van Noy can be to a defense. He can play defensive end and linebacker, and it will take a creative coordinator to utilize all the skills he possesses. It is no surprise Van Noy, a 2014 second-round pick of the Lions, did not blossom as a player until after he was traded to the Patriots. He is 29 and would give Judge a familiar face in the locker room and the field.
Connor McGovern, C
Protecting the interior of the offensive line has never been more important in the NFL. The Giants hoped they had the answer at center with Jon Halapio, but he did not have a great 2019 season returning from serious ankle surgery. McGovern started 16 games last season for the Broncos and was graded by Pro Football Focus as the 11th-best center in the league. Halapio was 33rd. The Broncos took McGovern in the fifth round in 2016 and moved him to center in 2018. This could be a non-headline signing that improves the line.
Devin McCourty, S
Judge insists he will not push to sign a veteran to serve as a mentor to younger players. He knows McCourty quite well from their time together in New England and also knows you must be careful investing much in someone with 10 years in the league who turns 33 in August. McCourty is a savvy guy, though, and had five interceptions in 2019, the most in any season for him in seven years. He could take the place of Antoine Bethea, who for now is on the roster but turns 36 in July and was not an impact player on the field this past season.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--Yankees settling into new routine: How long will it last?

TAMPA — Now that remote learning and remote working have ...

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TAMPA — How long can a group of professionals enjoy and endure sheer relaxation on the clock?
What happens when every spring-training day becomes the most cherished “Team’s on the road, veterans stay back” variety?
Consider the Yankees a test case.
To be clear, the defending American League East champions naturally grasp the serious and scary situation that wiped out the remainder of their Grapefruit League schedule and the start of their regular-season slate. They’d much rather be heading into the final week of camp, injuries and all, than following the latest coronavirus news.
Yet the Yankees made a morsel of coronavirus-created good cheer on Friday when, granted the opportunity to return home if they so desired, they unanimously voted to stay put and work out together. Saturday marked day one of this new reality at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
“A large group of players showed up today, and we were to do defensive work, infield work,” Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza said as he departed the property. “Guys hit indoors. Pitchers played catch. We’ll continue to do that.”
Sounds boring, right? For ballplayers, it can be blissful, too, at least in small doses.
Stipulating that most guys enjoy their work, you won’t find a frown among, say, 1,000 out of 1,000 experienced players who get told to skip a long bus trip to another team’s venue — particularly in spread-out Florida — and just report to their home ballpark to get in some work. The Yankees were experiencing such a day on Thursday, with Aaron Boone and a somewhat representative squad taking on the Nationals across the state in West Palm Beach, when Major League Baseball shut down. Most of the names you know reported to The George by 9 a.m. and were out the door by noon. Gerrit Cole and J.A. Happ threw bullpen sessions. Position players like Brett Gardner, Gleyber Torres and Luke Voit took batting practice. Injured guys like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton received treatment and did the rehabilitation they could.
Now every day becomes one of those days. By 9 a.m. Saturday, everyone had reported to work. By noon, virtually everyone was gone.
“It’s pretty strange,” Mendoza said. “Obviously a difficult situation, but we’re trying our best to do what we can.”
As Scott Boras contended to The Post’s Joel Sherman, this arguably represents the best call, superior to going to either your offseason home or your club’s regular-season locale. Keeping your players together under regular medical supervision, in warm weather where the virus hasn’t hit too dramatically, off of airplanes, carries multiple benefits, in addition to the spiritual benefit of building camaraderie and firing up your fan base. The Padres are the only other team reported to be staying together en masse.
Yet with the future so uncertain and open-ended, dependent on the containment of this pandemic, a low-stakes question figures to emerge: Will this routine lead to diminishing returns? Will players get antsy? Logistically, will the expiration of housing leases at the end of this month spur any into different actions?
In the next-to-last episode of “The Good Place” — a spoiler alert goes without saying — the show’s heroes, having fixed the evaluation system that determined afterlife destinations, realize that they’ve created a heaven so perfect that it numbs its occupants. Softens their edges.
Relative to the coronavirus scares elsewhere on the globe and in this country, Tampa and The George represent good places to be for these folks. Will that sentiment be as strong in two weeks? A month? Two months?
The test case has started. We’ll learn of its sustainability together, in real time.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--NFL free agency 2020: Five players the Jets could target

NFL free agency 2020 : The top five players the Jets could target : Fowler is coming off his first double-digit sack season , notching 11.5 for the Rams in 2019 .
The Jets have flirted with Fowler before .
Will they land him this time ?
Brandon Scherff and Joe Thuney are the top two guards on the market , but Scherff is expected to be back in Washington and Thuney may be out of the Jets ’ price range .
Glasgow could fill a need and not break the bank .
Perriman had a strong season for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 645 yards and six touchdowns .
Jets exec Chad Alexander knows Perriman from their time together with the Ravens .
If Robby Anderson walks , Perriman is a potential replacement .
At 38 years old , Peters would only be a short-term fix at left tackle , but Joe Douglas knows him from Philadelphia .
The Jets GM could draft his replacement and let the rookie work at right tackle this year before replacing Peters in 2021 .
Waynes could be a bargain .
The 2015 first-round pick did not live up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a more affordable option than the top cornerbacks , who will be overpaid .

NFL free agency 2020: The top five players the Jets could target:
Dante Fowler, DE/OLB
Fowler is coming off his first double-digit sack season, notching 11.5 for the Rams in 2019. The Jets have flirted with Fowler before. Will they land him this time?
Graham Glasgow, G
Brandon Scherff and Joe Thuney are the top two guards on the market, but Scherff is expected to be back in Washington and Thuney may be out of the Jets’ price range. Glasgow could fill a need and not break the bank.
Breshad Perriman, WR
Perriman had a strong season for the Buccaneers last year with 36 catches for 645 yards and six touchdowns. Jets exec Chad Alexander knows Perriman from their time together with the Ravens. If Robby Anderson walks, Perriman is a potential replacement.
Jason Peters, OT
At 38 years old, Peters would only be a short-term fix at left tackle, but Joe Douglas knows him from Philadelphia. The Jets GM could draft his replacement and let the rookie work at right tackle this year before replacing Peters in 2021.
Trae Waynes, CB
Waynes could be a bargain. The 2015 first-round pick did not live up to expectations with the Vikings and will be a more affordable option than the top cornerbacks, who will be overpaid.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--NFL free agency 2020: Top 35 targets and where they will land

It was eight years ago when LeBron James sat across ...

Sports action is on near-total hiatus because of the coronavirus outbreak, but competition still has its outlet.
Barring an 11th-hour change in a suddenly fluid sports calendar, NFL free agency kicks off with the legal tampering period at noon Monday, and players officially can change teams Wednesday. The first 72 hours always are wild, but will be even more so this year for three reasons:
The unprecedented number of quarterbacks available, the limited preparation window and the increased spotlight in the absence of other events.
The NFL Players Association’s vote on the new collective bargaining agreement wrapped as Saturday turned to Sunday. So, teams are just learning if they can franchise tag or transition tag one or two of their own players by the 11:59 a.m. Monday deadline, which technically leaves the rest of the league one second’s notice if a free-agent target actually is available.
Here is The Post’s list of the top 35 free agents, with players who are expected to be tagged (a high-paying one-year contract that essentially negates free agency) marked by an asterisk. Predictions are based on background conversations with informed NFL personnel as well as an attempt to think along with clubs and players.
1. QB Tom Brady: The 43-year-old GOAT could transform any team into a Super Bowl contender and end the Patriots’ dynasty. Expected suitors: Chargers, Titans, Patriots, Raiders, Dolphins, Buccaneers. Prediction: Chargers.
2. QB Dak Prescott*: If the Cowboys don’t tag him, he will be the rare 26-year-old, two-time Pro Bowl quarterback on the open market. Expected suitors: Chargers, Titans, Patriots, Raiders, Dolphins, Buccaneers. Prediction: Cowboys.
3. QB Drew Brees: Brees, 41, announced Feb. 18 he is returning for a 20th season and only wants to play for the Saints. But he is unsigned. Expected suitors: Saints. Prediction: Saints.
4. DE Jadeveon Clowney: Injury-plagued and had just three sacks for the Seahawks last season, but still could command $20 million per year because of his potential to wreck games. Expected suitors: Giants, Colts, Bills, Eagles. Prediction: Colts.
5. WR Amari Cooper: Trade to the Cowboys in 2018 rebranded Cooper as a top receiver. Expected suitors: Cowboys, Eagles, Jets, Broncos, Cardinals, Broncos. Prediction: Cowboys.
6. OLB Shaq Barrett*: Might not be available off 19.5-sack first season with the Buccaneers. Previous career high was 5.5. Expected suitors: Buccaneers, Giants, Cardinals, Colts, Bills. Prediction: Buccaneers.
7. DL Chris Jones*: Chiefs can’t keep all their young stars under the salary cap. Can they? Expected suitors: Chiefs, Cardinals, Seahawks, Giants, Buccaneers. Prediction: Chiefs.
8. RB Derrick Henry: Titans’ 238-pound battering ram carried 303 times for a NFL-best 1,540 yards, but a light workload earlier in his career means fresh legs at age 26. Expected suitors: Titans, Dolphins, Texans, Chiefs. Prediction: Titans.
9. CB Byron Jones: Consensus top defensive back available can play safety or cornerback but had just two interceptions in five seasons with the Cowboys. Expected suitors: Eagles, Redskins, Giants, Raiders. Prediction: Redskins.
10. QB Philip Rivers: Rivers, 38, is top-six all-time in passing yards and completions. But is he playing more on will than on skill to reach his first Super Bowl? Expected suitors: Buccaneers, Colts, Titans. Prediction: Colts.
11. LB Cory Littleton: Rare three-down linebacker who can cover. Expected suitors: Packers, Patriots, Giants, Lions. Prediction: Giants.
12. QB Ryan Tannehill*: Dolphins gave up on their former top-10 pick after five seasons, but he salvaged his career with the Titans. Expected suitors: Patriots, Titans. Prediction: Titans.
13. OT Jack Conklin: Conklin’s turn to benefit from one team overpaying to make up for thin offensive tackle market. Expected suitors: Titans, Giants, Browns, Jets. Prediction: Browns.
14. DE Arik Armstead*: Was his 10-sack season a sign of things to come or the result of extra attention paid to teammates? Expected suitors: 49ers, Panthers, Ravens, Seahawks. Prediction: 49ers.
15. G Joe Thuney: He has not missed a start in four seasons. Expected suitors: Bengals, Chiefs, Jets, Patriots, Broncos. Prediction: Jets.
16. OLB Bud Dupree*: Mutual interest in returning to the Steelers to prove he is not a one-year wonder. Expected suitors: Steelers, Giants, Cardinals, Jaguars. Prediction: Steelers.
17. S Devin McCourty: After 10 seasons in New England, the two-time All-Pro could return home to New York. Expected suitors: Patriots, Giants, Dolphins, Eagles. Prediction: Patriots.
18. S Anthony Harris: Vikings’ undrafted find in 2015 had a NFL-best six interceptions. Expected suitors: Vikings, Redskins, Dolphins, Browns, Patriots. Prediction: Dolphins.
19. CB Chris Harris: His agent reportedly met with at least 24 teams at the combine. Expected suitors: Eagles, Chiefs, Redskins, Cowboys, Texans, Panthers. Prediction: Eagles.
20. WR A.J. Green: A Hall of Fame-caliber career has been derailed by serious injuries, but he would be important for presumptive rookie quarterback Joe Burrow. Expected suitors: Bengals, Patriots, Packers, Saints, 49ers. Prediction: Packers.
21. OT Anthony Castonzo: He wants to play again after mulling retirement. Expected suitors: Colts, Jets, Vikings, Redskins. Prediction: Colts.
22. OLB Dante Fowler: Time to cash in on a long-term contract after notching 11.5 sacks on a one-year deal with the Rams. Expected suitors: Giants, Jets, Titans, Seahawks. Prediction: Jets.
23. DL Leonard Williams*: In a lost season, the Giants traded two draft picks for Williams, who holds negotiation leverage. Expected suitors: Giants, Lions, Jaguars, Colts, Cardinals. Prediction: Giants.
24. RB Melvin Gordon: Tried to force the Chargers’ hand on an extension, but cut short his in-season holdout. A top option at a devalued position. Expected suitors: Bills, Falcons, Cardinals, Dolphins, Texans. Prediction: Texans.
25. WR Robby Anderson: He literally dreams of playing with Brady, but said there is mutual interest in a return to the Jets, who probably won’t be his highest bidder. Expected suitors: Jets, Dolphins, Patriots, Raiders, Bengals. Prediction: Dolphins.
26. QB Jameis Winston: Boom-or-bust for five years with the Buccaneers. Change of scenery, please. Expected suitors: Buccaneers, Raiders, Panthers, Chargers, Saints. Prediction: Raiders.
27. TE Austin Hooper: Falcons are cap-strapped. Hooper’s numbers improve every year. Expected suitors: Redskins, Jaguars, Patriots, Bengals. Prediction: Jaguars.
28. CB James Bradberry: Panthers opted against the franchise tag on a career 60-game starter. Expected suitors: Jets, Giants, Redskins, Eagles. Prediction: Jets.
29. OLB Markus Golden: Classic high-motor player coming off 10 sacks with Giants. Expected suitors: Cardinals, Giants, Seahawks, Browns. Prediction: Seahawks.
30. DT Javon Hargrave: More than just a 305-pound run-stuffer. Expected suitors: Texans, Broncos, Rams, Steelers. Prediction: Rams.
31. NT D.J. Reader: As happened to fullbacks, nose tackles are finding fewer and fewer teams in the bidding war because of schematic fits. Expected suitors: Rams, Bills, Broncos, Texans. Prediction: Bills.
32. OLB Kyle Van Noy: It is common for players to follow former coaches to a new place. Van Noy wants to be a team’s priority. Expected suitors: Patriots, Dolphins, Lions, Giants, Seahawks. Prediction: Giants.
33. S Vonn Bell: Safety market dried up in 2018 then exploded around Landon Collins in 2019. Bell is good in the box and coverage. Expected suitors: Bears, Bengals, Giants, Saints. Prediction: Bears.
34. OT Bryan Bulaga: With 111 career starts (16 last season for Packers), he is a good fit for a win-now team. Expected suitors: Titans, Jets, Giants, Chargers, Rams. Prediction: Chargers.
35. QB Teddy Bridgewater: Pro Bowler in 2015. Catastrophic leg injury in 2016. Backup ever since. Now is his chance to complete the comeback as a starter. Expected suitors: Buccaneers, Patriots, Chargers, Bengals. Prediction: Buccaneers.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--Teaneck, NJ ordered to self-quarantine after coronavirus outbreak

The mayor of Teaneck , N.J. asked all residents to self-quarantine on Saturday after 18 residents tested positive for coronavirus .
Residents in the township of 41,000 are being asked to remain at home and only leave to get food or medicine , Northjersey.com reported .
Teaneck is Bergen County ’ s “ ground zero ” for the virus , Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin said in urging the self-quarantine .
“ There are people that don ’ t understand that this is something we haven ’ t seen since World War II , ” he said .
“ We don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day more and more people will be getting sick .
We need everyone to understand that they can infect someone or someone can infect you , ” he added .
“ When I say stay home that doesn ’ t mean go out to lunch with your friends across the street .
That means no playdates , that means your nuclear family stays with your nuclear family.
” Meanwhile , in nearby Hoboken , N.J. , the mayor announced in a tweet that “ all bars and restaurant establishments , with and without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permitted to serve food , ” though delivery and takeout service will be allowed .
Alcohol will be banned from being served at bars and restaurants beginning March 15 , the edict added .
Hoboken will also begin a strict curfew from 10 p.m. through 5 a.m. beginning Monday .

The mayor of Teaneck, N.J. asked all residents to self-quarantine on Saturday after 18 residents tested positive for coronavirus.
Residents in the township of 41,000 are being asked to remain at home and only leave to get food or medicine, Northjersey.com reported.
Teaneck is Bergen County’s “ground zero” for the virus, Mayor Mohammed Hameeduddin said in urging the self-quarantine.
“There are people that don’t understand that this is something we haven’t seen since World War II,” he said.
“We don’t have enough test kits, every day more and more people will be getting sick. We need everyone to understand that they can infect someone or someone can infect you,” he added.
“When I say stay home that doesn’t mean go out to lunch with your friends across the street. That means no playdates, that means your nuclear family stays with your nuclear family.”
Meanwhile, in nearby Hoboken, N.J., the mayor announced in a tweet that “all bars and restaurant establishments, with and without a liquor license, are no longer permitted to serve food,” though delivery and takeout service will be allowed.
Alcohol will be banned from being served at bars and restaurants beginning March 15, the edict added.
Hoboken will also begin a strict curfew from 10 p.m. through 5 a.m. beginning Monday.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--MLB clubs’ actions provide clue how long this could last

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PORT ST. LUCIE — There was no talk of ramping it up from Brodie Van Wagenen on Saturday .
Only talk of ramping it down .
Players making the best decisions for themselves and their families .
Players staying in shape , but no talk of game shape .
Certainly a high majority of Mets will stay around Clover Park , simply because it ’ s convenient .
Players want to stay engaged and many of them have homes in the area , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tampa .
The Cardinals , who are in nearby Jupiter , sent their staff home , but have given players and coaches the option of staying .
Essentially , think of this week coming up as early February and not mid-March .
Don ’ t expect this to be a brief pause to the season and games getting underway in April .
With MLB , you can ’ t look at what they say because everyone has their own agenda .
You have to look at what they are doing .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brakes hard on their workouts , ramping everything down .
From all indications and what teams are doing now , it appears that Memorial Day Weekend seems like a fine time to start the 2020 season .
If , and this is a big if , if things don ’ t get worse with the coronavirus pandemic .
MLB will try to stick as many games as possible into the shorter window because it ’ s all about maximizing revenue .
With all that in mind , the Mets ’ deep starting rotation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was talk of Steven Matz being traded to the Yankees earlier this spring , a thought that Yankees GM Brian Cashman quickly shot down , but the bottom line is that the Mets are going to need every arm they can muster when games start and Matz becomes even more valuable to a team over the long haul that will be in a shorter window .
This also gives Yoenis Cespedes and reliever Dellin Betances more time to be ready .
The offseason additions of starters Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha become that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made .
Porcello has made some nice adjustments to his arsenal — going back to his sinkerball roots .
That ’ s what has worked for Porcello in the past and that ’ s what the Mets need to get their $ 10 million worth from their pitcher .
The danger for all the Mets pitchers now is to stay on the same pace as they were on up until March 12 .
They need to slow down .
Back-to-back Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom looked liked he was ready for Opening Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cardinals , baffling the Cardinals hitters at every turn .
One of the things deGrom worked diligently on this spring was to use the Mets analytical department to keep close tabs on his workload .
DeGrom did not want to peak too early in spring training .
He wanted that workload to develop to top form as the season developed .
So now with the stoppage , which , again could be nearly two months , not two weeks , he will need to readjust everything and that will be the challenge when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Park .
DeGrom lives a few hours from Port St. Lucie , so he can easily go back and forth .
“ Once we compile a list of players who will be staying , then we will be building our camp schedule accordingly for tomorrow , ’ ’ Van Wagenen said .
Asked specifically about his starting pitchers , the GM talked of building out those schedules , and keeping pitchers stretched out : “ The plan for each player will vary .
What I can tell you is that we are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sessions where pitchers are throwing to hitters today and as information comes in we will start to schedule the agenda for the days that are coming .
“ We ’ re operating right now that this is bigger than baseball , ’ ’ Van Wagenen said .
“ This is not about preparing for competition today as much as it is making sure players are considering their own circumstances because naturally each player has a different circumstance from one another .
We can accommodate them from a baseball standpoint as we have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ’ Everything will be ramped down for now .
Welcome to the endless spring .

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PORT ST. LUCIE — There was no talk of ramping it up from Brodie Van Wagenen on Saturday.
Only talk of ramping it down.
Players making the best decisions for themselves and their families. Players staying in shape, but no talk of game shape. Certainly a high majority of Mets will stay around Clover Park, simply because it’s convenient. Players want to stay engaged and many of them have homes in the area, similar to the Yankees’ situation in Tampa.
The Cardinals, who are in nearby Jupiter, sent their staff home, but have given players and coaches the option of staying. Essentially, think of this week coming up as early February and not mid-March.
Don’t expect this to be a brief pause to the season and games getting underway in April.
With MLB, you can’t look at what they say because everyone has their own agenda. You have to look at what they are doing. It’s clear all ballplayers have hit the brakes hard on their workouts, ramping everything down. From all indications and what teams are doing now, it appears that Memorial Day Weekend seems like a fine time to start the 2020 season.
If, and this is a big if, if things don’t get worse with the coronavirus pandemic.
MLB will try to stick as many games as possible into the shorter window because it’s all about maximizing revenue.
With all that in mind, the Mets’ deep starting rotation becomes that much more valuable. There was talk of Steven Matz being traded to the Yankees earlier this spring, a thought that Yankees GM Brian Cashman quickly shot down, but the bottom line is that the Mets are going to need every arm they can muster when games start and Matz becomes even more valuable to a team over the long haul that will be in a shorter window.
This also gives Yoenis Cespedes and reliever Dellin Betances more time to be ready.
The offseason additions of starters Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha become that much more important than when they were made. Porcello has made some nice adjustments to his arsenal — going back to his sinkerball roots. That’s what has worked for Porcello in the past and that’s what the Mets need to get their $10 million worth from their pitcher.
The danger for all the Mets pitchers now is to stay on the same pace as they were on up until March 12. They need to slow down.
Back-to-back Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom looked liked he was ready for Opening Day after Wednesday’s outing against the Cardinals, baffling the Cardinals hitters at every turn. One of the things deGrom worked diligently on this spring was to use the Mets analytical department to keep close tabs on his workload.
DeGrom did not want to peak too early in spring training. He wanted that workload to develop to top form as the season developed. So now with the stoppage, which, again could be nearly two months, not two weeks, he will need to readjust everything and that will be the challenge when players get back to work at Clover Park.
DeGrom lives a few hours from Port St. Lucie, so he can easily go back and forth.
“Once we compile a list of players who will be staying, then we will be building our camp schedule accordingly for tomorrow,’’ Van Wagenen said.
Asked specifically about his starting pitchers, the GM talked of building out those schedules, and keeping pitchers stretched out: “The plan for each player will vary. What I can tell you is that we are not having extended simulation games or live BP sessions where pitchers are throwing to hitters today and as information comes in we will start to schedule the agenda for the days that are coming.
“We’re operating right now that this is bigger than baseball,’’ Van Wagenen said. “This is not about preparing for competition today as much as it is making sure players are considering their own circumstances because naturally each player has a different circumstance from one another. We can accommodate them from a baseball standpoint as we have a better handle on players’ individual decision-making.’’
Everything will be ramped down for now. Welcome to the endless spring.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--NFL free agency 2020: Giants will be in market for a cornerback

Before he broke out of Shawshank , Andy Dufresne gained inspiration by convincing himself of this : “ Get busy living , or get busy dying.
’ ’ It is sort of the same way in NFL free agency .
Get busy signing , or get busy crying .
Yes , the contracts handed out in the coming days will not be commensurate with the skill-level and past performance of the players reaping the rewards .
One talent evaluator estimated to The Post that the first 20-25 contracts signed in the early frenzy will all be highly overpriced .
Complain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have sticker-shock when the money starts flowing .
Teams can begin negotiating with agents Monday , with official signing announced Wednesday .
Giants general manager Dave Gettleman goes into the shopping season about $ 74 million under the salary cap , the sixth-highest total in the league .
In case you haven ’ t noticed , the Giants have some needs to address .
They are not expected to break the bank and write massive deals this time around , but in order to bring in quality players at positions of need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend — and overpay .
The key is doing it as wisely and responsibly as possible .
“ Everybody fell off their chair when the first $ 20 million [ average per year ] position players started , ’ ’ Gettleman said .
“ Let me tell you something : It ’ s not going to be just pass rushers .
Now it ’ s going to be other positions .
They ’ re going to jump up because there ’ s so much money .
Now , guys that you might think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be making 7-10 million dollars a year if you want to spend the money .
That makes it very , very different .
You ’ re trying to gage the market , and what happens is , if one team decides they just need to have a guy and they just do this and write a check , it affects all of us .
It affects every one of us , all the other 31 teams.
’ ’ The Giants will not be the team that writes the check that sets the market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelmingly strong free-agent crop and will act accordingly , spreading their money around rather than going for the home run splash .
Plus , this franchise , if possible , intends to play the long game — first-year head coach Joe Judge wants to build something that lasts .
To that end , the Giants want to sign players at or near their prime to make an impact not only in 2020 , but also for the next few seasons as well .
Other than quarterback , running back and possibly the interior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what goes down with Leonard Williams , who likely will get tagged Monday — every other position is on the table for the Giants , to greater or lesser degrees .
Gettleman ’ s goal is to fill enough of the glaring holes now to allow him flexibility in the draft to select players based more on talent than desperate need .
So , there should be no panic if the Giants do not go hog-wild in free agency on an offensive tackle , as there are plenty of them in this draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the draft is veteran experience , which is why they intend to sign a cornerback with years in the league to add to their stable of young corners .
Byron Jones and James Bradberry are the top-of-the-line corners and will be paid accordingly .
The Giants could prefer options such as Logan Ryan , Kendall Fuller or Bradley Roby .
It should be remembered the Giants in 2006 did not make a big splash , signing older corners Sam Madison and R.W .
McQuarters , and they would not have won Super @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jack Conklin to play right tackle would be a godsend , and godsends do not come cheap .
Center Connor McGovern or center/guard Graham Glasgow make sense .
There are plenty of linebackers for the Giants to consider .
Blake Martinez , Joe Schobert and Jamie Collins are strong options , and Kyle Van Noy is intriguing for his versatility .
It will be difficult for the Giants to find an accomplished pass-rusher , and it is believed they would re-sign Markus Golden — who led the team with 10 sacks in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not inflated price .
Arik Armstead is coming off a 10-sack season for the 49ers and Shaq Lawson , a big disappointment as a former first-round pick of the Bills , had a career-high 6.5 sacks entering his walk year .
The veteran safeties on the market include Rodney McLeod , Vonn Bell and Devin McCourty .
Anthony Harris , 29 , tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions for the Vikings .

Before he broke out of Shawshank, Andy Dufresne gained inspiration by convincing himself of this: “Get busy living, or get busy dying.’’
It is sort of the same way in NFL free agency. Get busy signing, or get busy crying.
Yes, the contracts handed out in the coming days will not be commensurate with the skill level and past performance of the players reaping the rewards. One talent evaluator estimated to The Post that the first 20-25 contracts signed in the early frenzy will all be highly overpriced. Complain all you want, but no one should have sticker shock when the money starts flowing.
Teams can begin negotiating with agents Monday, with official signing announced Wednesday. Giants general manager Dave Gettleman goes into the shopping season about $74 million under the salary cap, the sixth-highest total in the league.
In case you haven’t noticed, the Giants have some needs to address. They are not expected to break the bank and write massive deals this time around, but in order to bring in quality players at positions of need, they are going to have to spend — and overpay. The key is doing it as wisely and responsibly as possible.
“Everybody fell off their chair when the first $20 million [average per year] position players started,’’ Gettleman said. “Let me tell you something: It’s not going to be just pass rushers. Now it’s going to be other positions. They’re going to jump up because there’s so much money. Now, guys that you might think are back-end-of-the-roster guys are now going to be making 7-10 million dollars a year if you want to spend the money. That makes it very, very different. You’re trying to gage the market, and what happens is, if one team decides they just need to have a guy and they just do this and write a check, it affects all of us. It affects every one of us, all the other 31 teams.’’
The Giants will not be the team that writes the check that sets the market. They do not consider this an overwhelmingly strong free-agent crop and will act accordingly, spreading their money around rather than going for the home run splash. Plus, this franchise, if possible, intends to play the long game — first-year head coach Joe Judge wants to build something that lasts. To that end, the Giants want to sign players at or near their prime to make an impact not only in 2020, but also for the next few seasons as well.
Other than quarterback, running back and possibly the interior of the defensive line — depending on what goes down with Leonard Williams, who likely will get tagged Monday — every other position is on the table for the Giants, to greater or lesser degrees.
Gettleman’s goal is to fill enough of the glaring holes now to allow him flexibility in the draft to select players based more on talent than desperate need. So, there should be no panic if the Giants do not go hog-wild in free agency on an offensive tackle, as there are plenty of them in this draft.
What the Giants cannot get in the draft is veteran experience, which is why they intend to sign a cornerback with years in the league to add to their stable of young corners. Byron Jones and James Bradberry are the top-of-the-line corners and will be paid accordingly. The Giants could prefer options such as Logan Ryan, Kendall Fuller or Bradley Roby. It should be remembered the Giants in 2006 did not make a big splash, signing older corners Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters, and they would not have won Super Bowl XLII without them.
Bringing in Jack Conklin to play right tackle would be a godsend, and godsends do not come cheap. Center Connor McGovern or center/guard Graham Glasgow make sense.
There are plenty of linebackers for the Giants to consider. Blake Martinez, Joe Schobert and Jamie Collins are strong options, and Kyle Van Noy is intriguing for his versatility. It will be difficult for the Giants to find an accomplished pass-rusher, and it is believed they would re-sign Markus Golden — who led the team with 10 sacks in 2019 — but only at a certain and not inflated price. Arik Armstead is coming off a 10-sack season for the 49ers and Shaq Lawson, a big disappointment as a former first-round pick of the Bills, had a career-high 6.5 sacks entering his walk year.
The veteran safeties on the market include Rodney McLeod, Vonn Bell and Devin McCourty. Anthony Harris, 29, tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions for the Vikings.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--NYC Council vacates City Hall, suspends hearings and staff meetings in light of coronavirus

City Council is clearing out of City Hall .
All Council hearings and staff meetings are being suspended due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus , Speaker Corey Johnson announced Saturday — and members and staff have been advised to pack up their City Hall belongings and work from home .
Johnson ’ s announcement came Saturday night , shortly after an announcement that Brooklyn-based state Assembly members Helene Weinstein and Charles Barron had tested positive for the virus .
“ Given the rapidly evolving situation of the current Coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) pandemic , we are announcing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a letter to members Saturday night .
“ As a result of joint efforts between the Council and the Administration , an order will be issued Monday morning by the Mayor temporarily suspending the deadlines for council budget hearings , ULURP [ Uniform Land Use Review Procedure ] related votes and the requirement for the Council to hold two stated meetings each month , ” his letter said .
“ Therefore hearings and the Stated Meeting next week will not be held.
” The City Council ’ s offices at 250 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing , Johnson said .
“ Council Staff are not to report to 250 Broadway and City Hall unless asked to as part of our effort to move Council staff to a work-from-home posture .
”

City Council is clearing out of City Hall.
All Council hearings and staff meetings are being suspended due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus, Speaker Corey Johnson announced Saturday — and members and staff have been advised to pack up their City Hall belongings and work from home.
Johnson’s announcement came Saturday night, shortly after an announcement that Brooklyn-based state Assembly members Helene Weinstein and Charles Barron had tested positive for the virus.
Barron’s wife is New York City Councilwoman Inez Barron.
“Given the rapidly evolving situation of the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, we are announcing the temporary work arrangement below,” Johnson said in a letter to members Saturday night.
“As a result of joint efforts between the Council and the Administration, an order will be issued Monday morning by the Mayor temporarily suspending the deadlines for council budget hearings, ULURP [Uniform Land Use Review Procedure] related votes and the requirement for the Council to hold two stated meetings each month,” his letter said.
“Therefore hearings and the Stated Meeting next week will not be held.”
The City Council’s offices at 250 Broadway and in City Hall are also closing, Johnson said.
“Council Staff are not to report to 250 Broadway and City Hall unless asked to as part of our effort to move Council staff to a work-from-home posture.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--Rick Pitino hire shows what is most important to Iona

We knew for years , of course .
You bet we did ... .

Of course Rick Pitino is the center of college basketball again.
With the NCAA Tournament on hiatus, Pitino stole the attention of the sport Saturday afternoon, when the scandal-scarred Hall of Famer agreed to end his two-year exile in Greece and become the head coach at Iona, following Tim Cluess’ health-related resignation Friday.
On Wednesday, the Gaels’ four-year reign as MAAC champions ended with a last-second loss to Saint Peter’s. It was the first time since 2009 that Iona finished with a losing record. It was the first time since 2015 the Gaels weren’t going to go the NCAA Tournament.
Now, the mid-major is bigger than ever.
Less than three years ago, Pitino was the highest-paid coach in college basketball. He’s the only coach to ever claim national titles with two different schools (Kentucky, Louisville). He made seven Final Fours, beginning with Providence’s improbable run in 1987. Two years after that, he led the Knicks to their best season in 16 years.
There was no better basketball mind on the market. Pitino, 67, was light years ahead of the recent 3-point revolution. He spawned one of the game’s most successful coaching trees — including Billy Donovan, Jeff Van Gundy, Tubby Smith, Kevin Willard, Frank Vogel, Brett Brown, Mick Cronin, Steve Masiello, Kevin Keatts, Herb Sendek and others.
Usually, Iona is harmed by the success of its coaches. Jim Valvano left in 1980 so he could win a national title with N.C. State three years later. Pat Kennedy turned two trips to the dance with Iona into 11 years at Florida State. Kevin Willard made a 19-win improvement in three years and revived Seton Hall from irrelevance.
How could Iona replace its greatest coach — who led the school to six NCAA Tournaments in eight years — ever? By landing one of the greatest coaches of all time.
For Pitino, it made even more sense. He’s from New York. He has an apartment in Manhattan. One of his sons lives 10 minutes from New Rochelle. He has prominent friends at Iona — including school president Seamus Carey and top booster Robert LaPenta — and has amassed so many millions that his first mid-major paycheck since 1983 (Boston University) is inconsequential.
The size of the program didn’t matter. The spotlight follows him everywhere.
Of course, Iona is now his home because no major conference came calling. Sources said Pitino was desperate to return to college basketball. Pitino publicly campaigned for the vacant St. John’s job in April, knowing the school had no interest. That’s why he included the absurd caveat that he first receive an apology from the Southern District of New York. That demand has apparently been dropped.
This isn’t a slam dunk for Iona. This is a fadeaway 3-pointer with four hands it in its face.
Because for all of the brilliance and success and publicity comes baggage and questions that made him available at a discount.
Most recently was the straw that broke the Cardinals’ back and led to Louisville firing Pitino in 2017 after 16 seasons, when the FBI’s investigation into college basketball discovered a five-star recruit receiving a six-figure payment to attend Louisville, via its sponsor, Adidas. The NCAA still has not announced penalties for Louisville, and Pitino could still face punishment. Iona could, too, for hiring him.
“These allegations come as a complete shock to me,” Pitino said at the time.
His response was similar in 2015, when it was revealed a Louisville assistant was caught providing prostitutes and strippers to recruits in an on-campus dorm named after Pitino’s late brother-in-law. The school instituted a self-imposed postseason ban in 2016, had two Final Fours — including its 2013 national championship — vacated and Pitino was suspended for five games for the 2017-18 season, which he never served and could still be subject to.
“I don’t know if any of this is true or not,” Pitino said at the time.
It is widely believed among coaches, agents and administrators that Pitino knew everything. His power over a program is partly responsible for his repeated trips to cut down nets.
The small, suburban, Catholic college also knows of another mistake, coming when Pitino admitted to infidelity during a 2003 encounter in a Louisville restaurant and gave a then-impregnated woman $3,000, which she used for an abortion.
Personally, I don’t care. I’m not Catholic. I’m not even religious. It’s just the latest reminder of the altar at which colleges worship.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--Queen Elizabeth II leaves Buckingham Palace with plans for quarantine over coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has chased Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace , according to reports .
The queen , 93 , and Prince Phillip , 98 , were chauffeured off to Windsor Castle this weekend , where they ’ ll remain in quarantine should the outbreak worsen in the United Kingdom , The Sun reported Saturday .
“ She is in good health but it was thought best to move her , ” a source told the outlet .
Buckingham Palace , about a 25-mile drive from Windsor Castle , is in the middle of London and sees a constant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justifying the move .
“ The Queen has met a lot of people there until recently .
But she is weeks away from her 94th birthday and advisers believe it is best to get her out of harm ’ s way , ” the source added .
The Mirror reported that the Queens was simply taking part in her routine weekend trip to the castle , with the expectation of returning to London next week — though plans for a quarantine have been made if the spread of the virus intensifies .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK including 21 deaths .

The coronavirus pandemic has chased Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace, according to reports.
The Queen, 93, and Prince Phillip, 98, were chauffeured off to Windsor Castle this weekend, where they’ll remain in quarantine should the outbreak worsen in the United Kingdom, The Sun reported Saturday.
“She is in good health but it was thought best to move her,” a source told the outlet.
Buckingham Palace, about a 25-mile drive from Windsor Castle, is in the middle of London and sees a constant flow of visitors, the source said justifying the move.
“The Queen has met a lot of people there until recently. But she is weeks away from her 94th birthday and advisers believe it is best to get her out of harm’s way,” the source added.
The Mirror reported that the Queen was simply taking part in her routine weekend trip to the castle, with the expectation of returning to London next week — though plans for a quarantine have been made if the spread of the virus intensifies.
There are more than 1,400 reported cases in the UK including 21 deaths.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--AOC now calling for New Yorkers to shun bars, restaurants

The coronavirus has converted an influential new agoraphobe — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez .
After previously urging New Yorkers to support Asian restaurants , Ocasio-Cortez is now tweeting against dining out in crowded bars and eateries .
“ To everyone in NYC but ESPECIALLY healthy people & people under 40 ( bc from what I ’ m observing that ’ s who needs to hear this again ) : PLEASE stop crowding bars , restaurants , and public spaces right now .
Eat your meals at home , ” she tweeted Saturday , responding to the city ’ s newly spiraling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 269 on Saturday .
The Democratic firebrand advised New Yorkers not to get too close after the state banned gatherings of more than 500 people and ordered venues with smaller capacities to halve their listed occupancy limits .
“ What does ‘ crowded ’ mean ?
” AOC continued .
“ If you can ’ t stay 6ft away from other people , it ’ s too close .
In general , when going outside try to stay at least 6 feet away from others as much as you possibly can.
” Earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out New Yorkers for not visiting Chinese and other restaurants over anxiety around the coronavirus , calling it “ straight up racism ” in an Instagram Live video , Fox News reported .
“ Honestly , it sounds almost so silly to say ” she said , “ but there ’ s a lot of restaurants that are feeling the pain of racism , where people are literally not patronizing Chinese restaurants , they ’ re not patronizing Asian restaurants because of just straight-up racism around the coronavirus .
”

The coronavirus has converted an influential new agoraphobe — Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
After previously urging New Yorkers to support Asian restaurants, Ocasio-Cortez is now tweeting against dining out in crowded bars and eateries.
“To everyone in NYC but ESPECIALLY healthy people & people under 40 (bc from what I’m observing that’s who needs to hear this again): PLEASE stop crowding bars, restaurants, and public spaces right now. Eat your meals at home,” she tweeted Saturday, responding to the city’s newly spiraling number of reported cases — up to 269 on Saturday.
The Democratic firebrand advised New Yorkers not to get too close after the state banned gatherings of more than 500 people and ordered venues with smaller capacities to halve their listed occupancy limits.
“What does ‘crowded’ mean?” AOC continued. “If you can’t stay 6ft away from other people, it’s too close. In general, when going outside try to stay at least 6 feet away from others as much as you possibly can.”
Earlier in the week, Ocasio-Cortez had called out New Yorkers for not visiting Chinese and other restaurants over anxiety around the coronavirus, calling it “straight up racism” in an Instagram Live video, Fox News reported.
“Honestly, it sounds almost so silly to say” she said, “but there’s a lot of restaurants that are feeling the pain of racism, where people are literally not patronizing Chinese restaurants, they’re not patronizing Asian restaurants because of just straight-up racism around the coronavirus.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--NFL free agency 2020: Joe Douglas first shot to remake Jets is here

INDIANAPOLIS — After nine months on the job , Jets general ...

It’s Joe Time.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas has been waiting nine months to put his imprint on the roster. Now, he gets his chance … unless the NFL pushes free agency back due to concerns over coronavirus.
Free agency is scheduled to begin Monday at noon, when teams can begin negotiating with players’ agents. No one can officially sign with a new team until Wednesday at 4 p.m. If the NFL chooses not to delay the start of free agency, Douglas’ time to flip the roster will arrive.
“We’ve got a lot of holes to fill,” Douglas said three weeks ago at the scouting combine. “You don’t want to sit on your hands. You want to be aggressive, but you don’t want to be reckless either. There’s a fine line about being judicious with your spending and your decisions.”
The last line may be the key clue to Douglas’ approach. Expect Douglas to sign plenty of players, but he may stay away from the big-money, top-tier free agents that usually get overpaid on Day 1.
The Jets have been crowned offseason champions before and had nothing to show for it when the actual season came. Douglas won’t chase quick fixes who cost a ton. If a top player’s market is soft, he may pounce, but don’t expect the Jets to set the market.
The Jets have about $50 million in salary cap space, but they could increase that number by $10-20 million by cutting a few players.
That may sound like a lot of money, but the Jets have 21 of their own unrestricted free agents, so Douglas has plenty of roster spots to fill.
The biggest needs are on the offensive line, at edge rusher, cornerback and wide receiver. Douglas won’t be able to fill them all in free agency, but he may be able to create some flexibility in next month’s draft if he can fill a few of them this week.
Of their own free agents, the ones to watch closest are WR Robby Anderson, OLB Jordan Jenkins, CB Brian Poole and G Alex Lewis. It is unlikely that all of them will return, but the Jets should engage in talks with all of them.
They would like to bring back Anderson, but his price tag may be prohibitive. The 26-year-old is projected to get between $13-15 million per year from someone. The Jets are unlikely to go that high. If his market is not as robust as some project, though, they could bring back one of Sam Darnold’s top weapons.
Douglas has made no secret of his intent to rebuild the offensive line. The Jets are expected to target a lineman early in the draft, but Douglas also needs to find some pieces in free agency.
The Jets have been linked to tackle Jack Conklin, but he may be out of their price range. Germain Ifedi, Halapoulivaati Vaitai and Jason Peters are all second-tier alternatives who make sense.
At guard, the Jets have checked in on Patriots free agent Joe Thuney, but he also might get a crazy contract. Andrus Peat, Graham Glasgow and Connor McGovern are other options.
Don’t expect the Jets to break the bank for a pass rusher like Jadeveon Clowney. Former Giant Jason Pierre-Paul or Robert Quinn, who played for Adam Gase in Miami, are possibilities on the edge. If the Rams don’t re-sign Dante Fowler, he could be a target.
The Jets have checked in with the top free agent cornerbacks, but this is another market to tread lightly in. Byron Jones and James Bradberry are the top two cornerbacks, but Douglas may seek out a bargain. Trae Waynes, Jimmy Smith and Jalen Mills are potential targets.
If the Jets fail to re-sign Anderson, Breshad Perriman makes sense at wide receiver. Gase also knows free agent Emmanuel Sanders well from their time together in Denver.
Beyond the top needs, Douglas also needs to find a veteran backup for Darnold. Case Keenum is a possibility. The Jets also could bring back Trevor Siemian, who broke his ankle in Week 2 last year.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--ISIS tells its terrorists not to travel to Europe for jihad because … coronavirus

After years of urging its terrorists to attack major European cities , ISIS is now telling them to steer clear @ @ @ @ @ Any sick jihadists already in Europe , however , should stay there — presumably to @ @ @ @ @ a ‘ sharia ’ directive printed in the group ’ s al-Naba newsletter , the @ @ @ @ @ .
The “ healthy should not enter the land of the epidemic and the afflicted @ @ @ @ @ , ” the newsletter advised .
The newsletter instructs jihadists that the “ plague ” @ @ @ @ @ by God on whomsoever He wills.
” Iraq , where most of the surviving fragments @ @ @ @ @ had 110 reported coronavirus cases on Sunday morning , ten of them fatal , according @ @ @ @ @ which is tracking the contagion .

After years of urging its terrorists to attack major European cities, ISIS is now telling them to steer clear due to the coronavirus.
Any sick jihadists already in Europe, however, should stay there — presumably to sicken infidels, according to a “sharia” directive printed in the group’s al-Naba newsletter, the Sunday Times of London reported.
The “healthy should not enter the land of the epidemic and the afflicted should not exit from it,” the newsletter advised.
The newsletter instructs jihadists that the “plague” is a “torment sent by God on whomsoever He wills.”
Iraq, where most of the surviving fragments of the group remain, had 110 reported coronavirus cases on Sunday morning, 10 of them fatal, according to Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the contagion.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--Nets to give relief to Barclays Center employees hurt by coronavirus

The NBA ’ s hiatus will be at least 30 days , commissioner ...

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
The Nets and Barclays Center are providing emergency economic relief for hourly employees at the arena in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
With the NBA suspended for at least a month and the arena expected to be essentially shuttered due to statewide safety measures, the hourly employees will be hard-hit financially.
Some — including Nets point guard Spencer Dinwiddie — have called for assistance on behalf of the workers. Billionaire Joe Tsai, who owns both the Nets and Barclays Center, vowed help was on the way, and Saturday he made good.
Those workers will get relief for the paychecks they would have earned at Nets home games and Barclays events from now all the way through the end of May, according to a statement from the team and building management.
“Hourly employees at Barclays Center are the bedrock of the fan experience in the arena,” the statement read in part. “Whether it’s a big smile as fans enter the building or keeping the seats clean or making sure the concession stands are stocked with your favorite items, they are on the frontlines to make our fans feel special. They keep the lights on and the house clean, and they are the first ones to arrive and last ones to leave the building.
“It is our goal to alleviate the hit to household cash flow from work stoppage for people impacted so they can pay for necessary expenses such as rent, utilities, food and daily necessities. We want to let our Barclay Centers staff know that nobody is left behind and we are in this together.”
Nets players were expected to get tested Saturday for coronavirus.
Former Nets point guard Jeremy Lin has also joined the fight against the pandemic. After having already pledged $150,000 to fight the coronavirus in China, Lin will donate the same sum to the United States Fund for UNICEF to help fight COVID-19 globally.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--Spike Lee, Charles Oakley play martyr only when it suits them

Even as his Knicks are shut down because of the ...

Spike Lee and Charles Oakley starred in full-page newspaper ads Friday as heroes of the downtrodden. But where would racial hustlers be if not for selectively sighted, pandering, frightened media?
Since the Lee-Jimmy Dolan hassle — an epic struggle between the excessively self-entitled — Oakley, who had his own war with Dolan, has repeated his nauseating, historically cheap assertion that, “It’s a plantation over there.”
As a plantation slave under Dolan, Oakley not only was paid many millions of dollars for seasonal work, but also had what no slave ever had: the right to quit.
And, as objectionable as Dolan has been as the Garden’s owner since 1996, renewing the claim that Dolan’s a slavemaster doesn’t absolve Oakley of his own sins, including his arrest two years ago in a Las Vegas casino for reportedly pulling back a $100 chip after knowing he had lost a bet.
The case, the latest and least ugly of three casino hassles that involved Oakley, was resolved when he agreed to pay a $1,000 fine.
As for attention-starved Lee, if Dolan were eager to mistreat him, why, for 25 years, has Lee been allowed to jump on MSG’s court to accost players, intrude on games and excessively demonstrate his self-entitled presence, the kind that would have earned others ejections?
Many Lee hustles are given look-away passes. In 2005, weeks after Hurricane Katrina wrecked New Orleans, always at risk of massive flooding, Lee appeared on Bill Maher’s HBO show.
From there he seconded crackpot Louis Farrakhan’s reckless claim that levees were purposefully allowed to be destroyed as per a plan of President George W. Bush and the U.S. Corps of Engineers to rid the city of black neighborhoods. There was no mention that the entire city’s population had been strongly urged to evacuate.
Another guest, Tucker Carlson, then with MSNBC, challenged Lee’s claim as irresponsible, incendiary and preposterous, saying, “You’re saying it’s entirely possible when you know perfectly well it’s not possible.”
Lee’s response was, “How is it not possible?” And that’s all the proof he needed that it was true.
Also discounted or dismissed is Lee’s dangerous behavior. In the wake of the racially enflamed acquittal of George Zimmerman, accused of murdering 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, Lee decided to tweet to his 250,000 followers the home address of Zimmerman, thus issuing a wanted-dead-or-alive dictum.
According to several news sources, Lee, before he removed the tweet, sent, “I don’t give a f–k what you think kill that Bitch. HERE GO HIS ADDRESS, LET THE HUNGER GAMES BEGIN.”
Lee, however, had the wrong address. The one he tweeted was the home of an elderly couple who, terrorized, were forced to flee.
Lee’s punishment? He made an out-of-court settlement with the couple, believed to be for $10,000.
That episode, which would reasonably lead to the arrest and incarceration of most anyone else, was quickly forgotten, making less news than his row with Dolan.
Still, Lee lectures about racial injustice when he’s a steady beneficiary of it.
Don’t expect refunds for sports channels that don’t have sports
This coronavirus scourge will blow over and out. I guarantee it. And if it doesn’t? Well, no one will be around to tell me I was wrong.
But when this thing ends, there will there be lots of sorting out to do — TV deals, scheduling, player salaries, advertising contracts, vendors of all sorts.
And scores of other sports-money matters — with TV money, as always, at the head of the line.
There’s tons of compromise to negotiate. But how much of it on behalf of you?
Hope for a tad, but expect none. The fans — the devoted customers, the lifeblood — are always the last served, if they’re even allowed in the line. It’ll be bad business as usual, the con after the storm.
Consider that cable and satellite systems carry four MSG Network channels, two of which remain mostly empty during healthy times. Now, all four are empty. Think you’ll be provided some financial relief for that? Neither do I.
My cable system carries five ESPN networks. Now they’ll all be free of live sports. But that’s our problem. No one will go to bat for subscribers.
Ticket refunds, credits or discounts will be slower than Robinson Cano — if they ever arrive.
And if networks such as YES, SNY, ESPN, MSG, BTN, NBCSN, CBSSN, NBA TV, NHL Network, FS1, Golf Channel provide relief to the systems that carry them will we see one penny of that? Not likely.
Who is going to go to bat for you? The Governor? The FCC? The sports commissioners? That has never happened and never will. An unforeseen deadly virus for which you’ll be billed.
Not one commissioner has ever decried price-gouging for tickets, parking or eats and drink. Judging by his silence, Rob Manfred is good with 3½-hour rain delays, no refunds.
Thus not even a colossal calamity such as this one will be enough to cut the suckered masses — the bread and butter — even half a break.
Since the 1980s, cable multiple system operators (MSOs) that drop sports programming with unsubstantiated claims that their rights are too expensive have not passed savings back to subscribers. The MSOs and satellite systems pocket the savings while pretending to be on “your side.”
Time-Warner cable refused to clear the NFL Network, claiming that no one wanted it. But when the two parties reached a financial accord, T-W pitched the addition of NFLN as a hooray! The long wait is over! Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Sign up now!
When the Dolan family’s Cablevision monopoly — built on the hideously conflicted interests of owning both systems and programming, and with the silence of friendly, grateful relations with New York politicians — in 1989 lost Yankees rights to MSG Network, it simply removed Yankees telecasts from its systems.
That lasted for more than a year despite Mike Francesa’s all-knowing, ironclad, inside-info promise that such would never happen for even one game.
In 2006, Cablevision went to the wire, threatening not to clear the Mets on SNY because it was too expensive (read: Cablevision’s competitors owned much of SNY.)
There’s much to be resolved when the air clears and the virus bans are lifted. But the financial fights and negotiations and compromises will be over you, not for you — specifically, who can best pull from your sorry carcasses. Everyone else will be treated fairly.
Gronk finds a perfect ring
Finally, the kind of TV gig that makes sense! Rob Gronkowski has signed to join Vince McMahon’s WWE.
Gronkowski (below) first needs some inside mentoring. His childish, vulgar, asinine public behavior is just a good start. Much worse will be expected of him.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--NFL free agency 2020, league year to start on schedule

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While almost all of the sports world has paused , the NFL will continue with business as usual this week .
The NFL sent a memo to teams on Sunday night to let them know there will be no changes to the schedule for free agency , despite speculation the league could delay the start because of the coronavirus crisis .
That means teams have until 11:59 a.m. Monday to apply the franchise tag to players .
The negotiating window opens at noon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Players can officially sign at 4 p.m. Wednesday when the new league year begins .
Many people around the league thought the NFL would delay the start to free agency as the country deals with the COVID-19 pandemic .
The NFL and the NFLPA had discussions Sunday , but ultimately decided not to move the start .
According to ESPN , the NFLPA would not consent to moving the league year .
ESPN said the union did not see why the league year should move since the business could be done remotely and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coming weeks .

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While almost all of the sports world has paused, the NFL will continue with business as usual this week.
The NFL sent a memo to teams on Sunday night to let them know there will be no changes to the schedule for free agency, despite speculation the league could delay the start because of the coronavirus crisis.
That means teams have until 11:59 a.m. Monday to apply the franchise tag to players. The negotiating window opens at noon for teams to talk to agents. Players can officially sign at 4 p.m. Wednesday when the new league year begins.
Many people around the league thought the NFL would delay the start to free agency as the country deals with the COVID-19 pandemic. The NFL and the NFLPA had discussions Sunday, but ultimately decided not to move the start.
According to ESPN, the NFLPA would not consent to moving the league year. ESPN said the union did not see why the league year should move since the business could be done remotely and the situation with coronavirus could get worse in the coming weeks.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--US coronavirus testing set to expand this week, Pence says

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Vice President Mike @ @ @ @ @ more than 2,000 labs across the country will begin processing coronavirus tests this week .
@ @ @ @ @ new testing capability came to fruition after President Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national @ @ @ @ @ the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal public health services have “ reached out @ @ @ @ @ create a process that will enable all Americans who need to be tested to go @ @ @ @ @ outside of usual health facilities , ” Pence said .
US Assistant Health Secretary Brett @ @ @ @ @ present at Sunday ’ s briefing , said the US will have 1.9 million testing @ @ @ @ @ the new plan .
Priority will be given to elderly people , 65 and over @ @ @ @ @ and first responders , officials said Sunday .

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Vice President Mike Pence announced on Sunday that more than 2,000 labs across the country will begin processing coronavirus tests this week.
Pence revealed the national testing expansion at a Sunday afternoon White House press briefing.
The vice president said the new testing capability came to fruition after President Trump declared the coronavirus pandemic a national emergency.
Since then, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal public health services have “reached out to all 50 states to create a process that will enable all Americans who need to be tested to go to a community-based testing site outside of usual health facilities,” Pence said.
US Assistant Health Secretary Brett Giroir, who was also present at Sunday’s briefing, said the US will have 1.9 million testing kits available this week under the new plan.
“That is a real game changer for us,” Giroir said of the increased number of testing labs.
Priority will be given to elderly people over 65 with underlying health conditions, and first responders, officials said Sunday.
With Post wires


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--Freeing hostages could save Iran and other commentary

“ Extraordinary circumstances can yield diplomatic breakthroughs , ” remarks The Washington Post ’ s Jason Rezaian , and we “ might be on the cusp of achieving that with Iran , ” which has been hit “ particularly hard ” by the coronavirus .
“ Whether Iranian authorities recognize it yet , holding hostages ” from the United States and other Western countries , “ all on the flimsiest of charges , ” is “ one of their worst public-health threats.
” That ’ s because “ Iran needs help , ” but the mullahs ’ “ criminal policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could potentially squander an opportunity to receive lifesaving assistance.
” As mass graves being dug show , “ authorities are bracing for a death toll many times larger than previously acknowledged.
” Will they free hostages in exchange for humanitarian aid ?
“ Desperate times can be clarifying.
” Even as Italy ’ s European Union ambassador pleads with fellow EU members to help with his country ’ s coronavirus crisis , the rest of Europe is “ banning the exportation of face masks and other medical equipment , ” blasts The Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ German health minister , for example , is arguing the ban is necessary , covering for his government ’ s “ own fearful selfishness , ” while French President Emmanuel Macron is “ seizing control of masks throughout France.
” The sad truth : EU officials seem “ only to have empty words for Italy , ” and “ actual European governments seem even slower to provide any help ” — the reason Italy has turned for help to China , which “ caused the problem in the first place.
” Which raises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ brilliant idea or best idea ever ?
” This month , Walmart opened its first in-store health clinic in Dallas , Ga. — and , cheers Reason ’ s Eric Boehm , it “ appears to be a pilot for a new way to provide basic health care to Americans.
” The clinic offers low prices , a “ radical ” change from the status quo , complete with a “ pricing list ” that tells patients “ exactly what each service costs.
” It just goes to show how “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans where they live and shop , ” an “ often overlooked part ” of the national health-care debate .
While a “ single Walmart health clinic ” won ’ t fix “ the big problems with the American health-care system , ” it ’ s a better solution than many of the “ men and women trying to get elected ” have proposed .
With Joe Biden “ the now-inevitable Democratic nominee , ” The Week ’ s Matthew Walther muses , it ’ s time to game out some potential outcomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinks , is that the map “ looks the same ” as 2016 , meaning President Trump holds key battlegrounds Wisconsin , Michigan and Pennsylvania .
Biden could thwart this by “ getting black voters to the polls , ” especially in Michigan .
But even if he does , Trump could still stage an Electoral College rerun by holding Pennsylvania and Wisconsin .
A less likely possibility : Trump loses Pennsylvania and Wisconsin , as well , and “ the Rust Belt turns blue again.
” A third , wilder possibility : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states he did in 2016 , plus Minnesota , New Hampshire and Nevada , all of which were very close last time.
” How ?
Maybe it ’ s Trump making good on his “ ambition of suspending payroll taxes for a year , and people are really happy.
” Kentucky State University prof ( and Post contributor ) Wilfred Reilly originally watched The New York Times ’ 1619 Project with “ mild amusement , ” he recounts at The American Spectator .
Yet the project has  “ refused to go away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flatly fail the truth test.
” Numerous eminent historians have “ debunked ” 1619 writer Nikole Hannah-Jones ’ argument that “ preserving slavery was a primary reason for the Revolutionary War , ” for example , yet she and the Times still refuse to concede outright error .
That ’ s because her project isn ’ t really about history — it ’ s about creating a pseudo-historical lever for achieving left-wing policy goals .
“ Instead of taking the Times ’ poison-pill offer to make your kids ‘ woke , ’ ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working to make them bright .
”

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Foreign desk: Freeing Hostages Could Save Iran
“Extraordinary circumstances can yield diplomatic breakthroughs,” remarks The Washington Post’s Jason Rezaian, and we “might be on the cusp of achieving that with Iran,” which has been hit “particularly hard” by the coronavirus. “Whether Iranian authorities recognize it yet, holding hostages” from the United States and other Western countries, “all on the flimsiest of charges,” is “one of their worst public-health threats.” That’s because “Iran needs help,” but the mullahs’ “criminal policy is exposing them to great risk and could potentially squander an opportunity to receive lifesaving assistance.” As mass graves being dug show, “authorities are bracing for a death toll many times larger than previously acknowledged.” Will they free hostages in exchange for humanitarian aid? “Desperate times can be clarifying.”
Corona watch: The Useless European Union
Even as Italy’s European Union ambassador pleads with fellow EU members to help with his country’s coronavirus crisis, the rest of Europe is “banning the exportation of face masks and other medical equipment,” blasts The Washington Examiner’s David Freddoso. The German health minister, for example, is arguing the ban is necessary, covering for his government’s “own fearful selfishness,” while French President Emmanuel Macron is “seizing control of masks throughout France.” The sad truth: EU officials seem “only to have empty words for Italy,” and “actual European governments seem even slower to provide any help” — the reason Italy has turned for help to China, which “caused the problem in the first place.” Which raises a question about Brexit: Was it a “brilliant idea or best idea ever?”
Libertarian: Walmart’s ‘Radical’ Health Care
This month, Walmart opened its first in-store health clinic in Dallas, Ga. — and, cheers Reason’s Eric Boehm, it “appears to be a pilot for a new way to provide basic health care to Americans.” The clinic offers low prices, a “radical” change from the status quo, complete with a “pricing list” that tells patients “exactly what each service costs.” It just goes to show how “private-sector health care is innovating to reach Americans where they live and shop,” an “often overlooked part” of the national health-care debate. While a “single Walmart health clinic” won’t fix “the big problems with the American health-care system,” it’s a better solution than many of the “men and women trying to get elected” have proposed.
Iconoclast: Gaming Out November
With Joe Biden “the now-inevitable Democratic nominee,” The Week’s Matthew Walther muses, it’s time to game out some potential outcomes. The most likely scenario, he thinks, is that the map “looks the same” as 2016, meaning President Trump holds key battlegrounds Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Biden could thwart this by “getting black voters to the polls,” especially in Michigan. But even if he does, Trump could still stage an Electoral College rerun by holding Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. A less likely possibility: Trump loses Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, as well, and “the Rust Belt turns blue again.” A third, wilder possibility: “Imagine that Trump wins all the states he did in 2016, plus Minnesota, New Hampshire and Nevada, all of which were very close last time.” How? Maybe it’s Trump making good on his “ambition of suspending payroll taxes for a year, and people are really happy.”
Prof: Enough With 1619
Kentucky State University prof (and Post contributor) Wilfred Reilly originally watched The New York Times’ 1619 Project with “mild amusement,” he recounts at The American Spectator. Yet the project has “refused to go away” — even though its “claims flatly fail the truth test.” Numerous eminent historians have “debunked” 1619 writer Nikole Hannah-Jones’ argument that “preserving slavery was a primary reason for the Revolutionary War,” for example, yet she and the Times still refuse to concede outright error. That’s because her project isn’t really about history — it’s about creating a pseudo-historical lever for achieving left-wing policy goals. “Instead of taking the Times’ poison-pill offer to make your kids ‘woke,’ ” Reilly concludes, “I suggest instead working to make them bright.”
— Compiled by The Post Editorial Board


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--Appreciate the silver-linings of semi-isolation during coronavirus pandemic

Last Tuesday , coronavirus fears prompted me to leave The Post ’ s offices well before deadline to finish my work from home .
I ’ ve been living in semi-isolation in our Midtown apartment since .
Strange as it may sound , I feel more fully human — and more lucid — than I have in a long time .
It began with a lunch meeting that Tuesday with a right-wing activist type .
I greeted him in our lobby .
We didn ’ t shake hands — the new corona norms — and strolled over to a nearby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attending the Conservative Political Action Conference .
But it wasn ’ t until our food arrived that he told me he ’ d been in the same room as the CPAC corona carrier who ’ d forced several GOP lawmakers to self-quarantine .
He recounted this with the bravado of a freshman boasting about the hot chick he took to bed last night .
I ’ m not one to abruptly walk out of meetings .
But I recalled that I have my septuagenarian mother-in-law staying with us .
“ I have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even apologizing .
Then I remembered he ’ d brought some book he wanted me to read .
I was never going to read it .
But I couldn ’ t be so rude as to leave the damn tome on the table .
I grabbed it , trying to remember how long the virus survives on various surfaces .
Upon returning to the office , I bathed myself in hand sanitizer , told my editor what had happened and he agreed I should go home .
I said I ’ m living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been explained to me that my encounter was likely very low-risk ; none of us — me , my wife , two kids , mother-in-law — is showing any symptoms .
What ’ s it like ?
For starters , the experience has reinforced my mistrust of mainstream media .
Long before the outbreak , I had a growing sense that on any given story , our media betters are almost always trying to shove ideological horse pucky down our throats .
But corona saw the media take this tendency to a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prestige press was telling us that President Trump ’ s travel ban against China was unnecessary and racist to boot .
Don ’ t remember that ?
It ’ s because those outlets have now memory-holed their own coverage , as the narrative has shifted to Trump Isn ’ t Doing Enough .
But earlier , the narrative was : Beware Trump ’ s Xenophobic Ban .
“ Quarantines and travel bans have a really , really ugly history , ” The Guardian last month quoted a lefty law professor , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most egregious quarantines in recent US history have promoted xenophobia.
” The New York Times warned of “ a troubled history in predominantly white countries of racializing infectious diseases.
” A writer for The Atlantic , which is owned by Steve Jobs ’ widow ( i.e.
, a lady who owes her fortune to Chinese manufacturing ) , sighed that “ empathy [ for China ] may be a casualty of Trump ’ s own phobias : He is squeamish about contagion.
” Politics aside , there is the cabin fever — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work to this cocktail hour to that book launch and so on .
Now I ’ m reminded of my Grandma , who spent her last two years bed-bound : We must visit our old and lonely people — after the virus passes , that is .
Relatedly , the crisis has renewed my gratitude for the postal workers , grocery clerks , doormen and other working-class people who make life in this city possible .
Yes , they work for a living , but that doesn ’ t subtract from their contribution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better care of them in normal times .
Will the crisis spur a new , solidaristic spirit ?
Let us pray .
Coronavirus has made me appreciate anew what really matters — human life and families .
The “ Vanilla Sky ” -esque ghost town that is Manhattan reminds us of our sometimes misplaced priorities .
The normally bustling office towers and chic Fifth Avenue stores mean nothing without human life ; the clamor of commerce sounds for life — not the other way around .
The crisis , finally , has shaken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a constant temptation in calmer days .
It was easy to take the Mass and confession for granted .
Not when ultimate matters and the final ends of human life loom so large .
At such times , those of who have faith might cry : “ O GOD , who seest that we are wholly destitute of strength , keep us within and without : that we may be defended in body from all adversity and cleansed in mind from evil thoughts.
” Sohrab Ahmari is The Post ’ s op-ed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , by Water : My Journey to the Catholic Faith .
”

Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
Last Tuesday, coronavirus fears prompted me to leave The Post’s offices well before deadline to finish my work from home. I’ve been living in semi-isolation in our Midtown apartment since. Strange as it may sound, I feel more fully human — and more lucid — than I have in a long time.
It began with a lunch meeting that Tuesday with a right-wing activist type. I greeted him in our lobby. We didn’t shake hands — the new corona norms — and strolled over to a nearby Mexican joint.
He mentioned something about attending the Conservative Political Action Conference. But it wasn’t until our food arrived that he told me he’d been in the same room as the CPAC corona carrier who’d forced several GOP lawmakers to self-quarantine. He recounted this with the bravado of a freshman boasting about the hot chick he took to bed last night.
I’m not one to abruptly walk out of meetings. But I recalled that I have my septuagenarian mother-in-law staying with us. “I have to run,” I said, not even apologizing.
Then I remembered he’d brought some book he wanted me to read. I was never going to read it. But I couldn’t be so rude as to leave the damn tome on the table. I grabbed it, trying to remember how long the virus survives on various surfaces.
Upon returning to the office, I bathed myself in hand sanitizer, told my editor what had happened and he agreed I should go home.
I said I’m living in semi-isolation, because it’s been explained to me that my encounter was likely very low-risk; none of us — me, my wife, two kids, mother-in-law — is showing any symptoms.
What’s it like? For starters, the experience has reinforced my mistrust of mainstream media. Long before the outbreak, I had a growing sense that on any given story, our media betters are almost always trying to shove ideological horse pucky down our throats. But corona saw the media take this tendency to a new extreme.
Not five weeks ago, the prestige press was telling us that President Trump’s travel ban against China was unnecessary and racist to boot. Don’t remember that? It’s because those outlets have now memory-holed their own coverage, as the narrative has shifted to Trump Isn’t Doing Enough.
But earlier, the narrative was: Beware Trump’s Xenophobic Ban. “Quarantines and travel bans have a really, really ugly history,” The Guardian last month quoted a lefty law professor, with the writer adding: “Some of the most egregious quarantines in recent US history have promoted xenophobia.”
The New York Times warned of “a troubled history in predominantly white countries of racializing infectious diseases.” A writer for The Atlantic, which is owned by Steve Jobs’ widow (i.e., a lady who owes her fortune to Chinese manufacturing), sighed that “empathy [for China] may be a casualty of Trump’s own phobias: He is squeamish about contagion.”
Politics aside, there is the cabin fever — especially for one accustomed to going from work to this cocktail hour to that book launch and so on. Now I’m reminded of my Grandma, who spent her last two years bed-bound: We must visit our old and lonely people — after the virus passes, that is.
Relatedly, the crisis has renewed my gratitude for the postal workers, grocery clerks, doormen and other working-class people who make life in this city possible. Yes, they work for a living, but that doesn’t subtract from their contribution — or lessen our duty to take better care of them in normal times. Will the crisis spur a new, solidaristic spirit? Let us pray.
Coronavirus has made me appreciate anew what really matters — human life and families. The “Vanilla Sky”-esque ghost town that is Manhattan reminds us of our sometimes misplaced priorities. The normally bustling office towers and chic Fifth Avenue stores mean nothing without human life; the clamor of commerce sounds for life — not the other way around.
The crisis, finally, has shaken me out of the spiritual atrophy that is a constant temptation in calmer days. It was easy to take the Mass and confession for granted. Not when ultimate matters and the final ends of human life loom so large. At such times, those of who have faith might cry: “O GOD, who seest that we are wholly destitute of strength, keep us within and without: that we may be defended in body from all adversity and cleansed in mind from evil thoughts.”
Sohrab Ahmari is The Post’s op-ed editor and author of “From Fire, by Water: My Journey to the Catholic Faith.”


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--NFL free agency 2020: Giants face costly Leonard Williams decision

Before he broke out of Shawshank , Andy Dufresne gained inspiration ...

With the business of the NFL starting up on Monday, the first order of business for the Giants is to make a decision on one of their own. By 11:59 a.m., they must either tag defensive tackle Leonard Williams or allow him to hit the open market in free agency.
There is a strong feeling the Giants will opt to place the transition tag on Williams, which will save them some money and essentially serve the same purpose as putting the franchise tag on him. The transition tag will cost $13.1 million on the 2020 salary cap and ensures the Giants have the right of first refusal on any deal Williams gets from another team. The more-restrictive franchise tag would cost $16.1 million and ensures Williams stays put, as any team signing him would have to give the Giants two first-round picks.
The other option for the Giants is to let Williams walk into free agency, a scenario that general manager Dave Gettleman correctly predicted would lead to this reaction from fans: “I’d get killed,” he said.
Tagging Williams buys the Giants time to either work out a long-term deal with him or try to find partner for a sign-and-trade. Or else, Williams could play the season on the tag, which would be detrimental to the Giants’ salary cap.
No matter what the Giants do, this is a polarizing and head-scratching situation Gettleman made for himself. On Oct. 28, he sent a 2020 third-round draft pick and a 2021 conditional pick — it would be a fifth-round selection because the Giants did not agree to a contract with Williams before the start of free agency — to the Jets for a player Gang Green took with the No. 6 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and less than five years later deemed expendable.
Williams played eight games for the Giants and managed to get only one-half sack. He did lead the team in quarterback pressures and is a very solid run-stopper. He is just 25 years old and extremely durable, having played in 79 of a possible 80 games in his career.


newyorkpost--2020-03-15--Queens borough president’s race suspended amid coronavirus outbreak

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday suspended the March 24 special election for Queens Borough President .
The election to fill the vacancy was already underway , with early voting beginning last March 13 .
Councilman Donovan Richards , the Queens Democratic Party-backed candidate who is considered the front-runner , had urged the mayor and Gov .
Andrew Cuomo to postpone the election because of health concerns over the coronavirus .
Richards immediately praised de Blasio in a tweet moments after the mayor ’ s called off the race .
“ Thank you @ NYCMayor for recognizing the importance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We should never put politics ahead of the health and safety of our most vulnerable , ” Richards said .
De Blasio called the special election to fill the vacancy created after former Borough President Melinda Katz was elected the county ’ s district attorney , assuming her new role in January .
Sharon Lee , who was Katz ’ s deputy , is the acting Queens borough president .
The other candidates in the race include former top Queens prosecutor James Quinn — who is backed by the Republican and Conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley and retired cop Anthony Miranda .
The action raises questions about whether New York will move ahead with the scheduled April 28 presidential primary .
Georgia officials announced Sunday that it had pushed back its March 24 presidential primary .

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Sunday suspended the March 24 special election for Queens Borough President.
The election to fill the vacancy was already underway, with early voting beginning last March 13.
Councilman Donovan Richards, the Queens Democratic Party-backed candidate who is considered the front-runner, had urged the mayor and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to postpone the election because of health concerns over the coronavirus.
Richards immediately praised de Blasio in a tweet moments after the mayor’s called off the race.
“Thank you@NYCMayor for recognizing the importance of protecting poll workers and voters in Queens. We should never put politics ahead of the health and safety of our most vulnerable,” Richards said.
De Blasio called the special election to fill the vacancy created after former Borough President Melinda Katz was elected the county’s district attorney, assuming her new role in January.
Sharon Lee, who was Katz’s deputy, is the acting Queens borough president.
The other candidates in the race include former top Queens prosecutor James Quinn — who is backed by the Republican and Conservative parties — Councilman Costa Constantinides, former Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley and retired cop Anthony Miranda.
The action raises questions about whether New York will move ahead with the scheduled April 28 presidential primary.
Georgia officials announced Sunday that it had pushed back its March 24 presidential primary.
Louisiana also delayed its presidential primary.