Maine ends men’s basketball season over COVID-19 concerns

The Maine men’s basketball team is pulling out of the remainder of the 2020–21 season due to COVID-19 challenges, the university announced Saturday.
The Black Bears have been sidelined since Jan. 17 after playing in nine games and will finish their season 2-7.
Coach Richard Barron said the decision to return to action ultimately rested with the players and that he supported their verdict.
“We simply could not safely put a team on the floor over the next few weeks or safely return players to playing after over six weeks off,” he said.
“Their physical and mental well-being is what is most important,” athletic director Ken Ralph said. “With the constant interruptions to their season, it would be tough to prepare again for the rigors of Division I competition. Without knowing when we may be cleared to field a team again, we must also be fair to the other league members as they look to schedule the remainder of their seasons. I am proud of the way our team handled the challenges of this year and I know they will come back stronger next season.”
Maine competes in the America East conference. UMBC leads the league with a 13-4 (9-3) record.
–Field Level Media