As professional sports resumed this summer, there was understandable concern about how leagues would handle potential coronavirus outbreaks. The NBA and NHL opted to create bubbles for their players to limit exposure. However, the MLB didn't enact similar measures, and teams have faced multiple game postponements as the virus spread throughout locker rooms. This troubling situation highlights the serious implications of not adhering to safety protocols.
On top of that, some players aren't taking social distancing seriously — and this recklessness could cost them millions. A vivid example of this is Cleveland Indians pitchers Zach Plesac and Mike Clevinger, who left the team hotel in Chicago on August 8 to enjoy a night out. Their decision to go out for dinner, coupled with their attempt to lie about their actions to the team, set off a chain reaction of consequences that could affect their careers.
Due to their actions, manager Terry Francona and the Indians made the decision to send Plesac and Clevinger to the team's alternate site, effectively demoting them to the minor leagues. This decision serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities professional athletes carry, not just to their teams but to the broader community during a pandemic.
| Name | Position | Team | Date of Incident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zach Plesac | Pitcher | Cleveland Indians | August 8, 2020 |
| Mike Clevinger | Pitcher | Cleveland Indians | August 8, 2020 |
- Understand the impact of COVID-19 on professional sports.
- Learn about the consequences of breaching safety protocols.
- Explore player accountability and its importance during a pandemic.
