NHL among pro leagues closing locker rooms amid virus scare

By Justin Emerson

Published Monday, March 9, 2020 | 5:05 p.m.

Updated Monday, March 9, 2020 | 9:19 p.m.

In a major step to combat the spread of coronavirus, four major U.S. sports leagues announced Monday that locker rooms and clubhouses will be restricted to players and team personnel. Interviews will take place in designated press conference areas.

The NHL, NBA, Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer issued a joint statement announcing the policy change. Previously, locker rooms were open after practices and games to media for postgame interviews.

“After consultation with infectious disease and public health experts and given the issues that can be associated with close contact in pre- and post-game settings, all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open only to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice,” the leagues said.

The changes, which the leagues say are temporary, will begin Tuesday — although some NHL teams began putting them into use over the weekend. The NBA said interviews with players would continue, stressing a gap of 6-to-8 feet between reporters and interview subjects.

It is unclear how long the new policies will last.

The Pro Basketball Writers Association quickly responded to the leagues' announcement by saying its membership “believes the safety of fans, players, team employees, arena workers and the media who cover the league must be protected. Our thoughts are with all people who already have been adversely impacted by the virus.

“Therefore, we understand the NBA’s decision to temporarily close locker rooms to everyone but players and essential team personnel with the NBA’s promise that once the coronavirus crisis abates, the league will restore full access to the journalists who cover the league."

The leagues said they would continue to monitor the situation and "take any further steps necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.”

It is unknown what further steps the leagues would take. As of now, neither the leagues nor the Golden Knights have announced any changes to games or practices that would impact fans. A Golden Knights spokesperson said the team will continue to monitor the situation and has increased the number of cleanings to the team's practice facility, City National Arena. The team encourages fans who feel sick to stay home.

The Golden Knights are currently on the road and do not have a home game until Tuesday, March 17.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.