UNDATED (AP) — A person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that the NFL will cut the preseason in half and push the start of exhibition play back a week to give players more time to get in shape. 

Players are still discussing with their union whether to ask for cancellation of all preseason games, according to two people familiar with their thinking. The pandemic forced teams to conduct their entire offseason programs via videoconference. So, teams will be gathering together for the first time when training camps open July 28.

UNDATED (AP) — A person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that the NFL will cut the preseason in half and push the start of exhibition play back a week to give players more time to get in shape. Players are still discussing with their union whether to ask for cancellation of all preseason games, according to two people familiar with their thinking. The pandemic forced teams to conduct their entire offseason programs via videoconference. So, teams will be gathering together for the first time when training camps open July 28.

NFL to reduce the number of preseason games

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The NCAA’s infractions case against the University of Kansas men’s basketball program has been accepted into a newly created independent investigation process that was created to handle especially complex cases. 

The Independent Accountability Resolution Process said Wednesday that a referral of the case against the Jayhawks and coach Bill Self had been approved by the infractions referral committee. It is the first step in a process that was created in August 2018 to deal with select cases and minimize perceived conflicts of interest.

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — The NCAA’s infractions case against the University of Kansas men’s basketball program has been accepted into a newly created independent investigation process that was created to handle especially complex cases. The Independent Accountability Resolution Process said Wednesday that a referral of the case against the Jayhawks and coach Bill Self had been approved by the infractions referral committee. It is the first step in a process that was created in August 2018 to deal with select cases and minimize perceived conflicts of interest.

NCAA case against Kansas hoops taken for independent review

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas State is launching a diversity and education fund to address racial injustice after football players threatened a boycott in response to an insensitive tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd. 

The school also said student-athletes, coaches and staff would undergo mandatory diversity and inclusion training that includes monthly town hall sessions. And it announced that it would provide transportation for athletes to voting locations on Election Day.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Kansas State is launching a diversity and education fund to address racial injustice after football players threatened a boycott in response to an insensitive tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd. The school also said student-athletes, coaches and staff would undergo mandatory diversity and inclusion training that includes monthly town hall sessions. And it announced that it would provide transportation for athletes to voting locations on Election Day.

KSU will start a diversity and education fund

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball’s minor leagues canceled their seasons because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the head of their governing body said more than half the 160 teams were in danger of failing without government assistance or private equity injections. 

The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues made the long-expected announcement. Pat O'Conner, the president of the governing body, O’Conner estimated 85-90% of revenue was related to ticket money, concessions, parking and ballpark advertising. 

The minors drew 41.5 million fans last year for 176 teams in 15 leagues.

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball’s minor leagues canceled their seasons because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the head of their governing body said more than half the 160 teams were in danger of failing without government assistance or private equity injections. The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues made the long-expected announcement. Pat O'Conner, the president of the governing body, O’Conner estimated 85-90% of revenue was related to ticket money, concessions, parking and ballpark advertising. The minors drew 41.5 million fans last year for 176 teams in 15 leagues.

Minor League baseball seasons are canceled

PHOENIX (AP) — Players like Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake and Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman say they're opting out of the upcoming 60-game season. The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff to protect the health of some older coaches. 

Major League Baseball is lurching toward a late July start during the coronavirus crises and it's clear flexibility will be key. Teams and players are trying to prepare for the season while keeping everyone healthy, which has already proven to be difficult. The Philadelphia Phillies had an outbreak at their spring training facility earlier this month that showed how challenging the task will be.

PHOENIX (AP) — Players like Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Leake and Nationals slugger Ryan Zimmerman say they're opting out of the upcoming 60-game season. The Minnesota Twins have shuffled their on-field staff to protect the health of some older coaches. Major League Baseball is lurching toward a late July start during the coronavirus crises and it's clear flexibility will be key. Teams and players are trying to prepare for the season while keeping everyone healthy, which has already proven to be difficult. The Philadelphia Phillies had an outbreak at their spring training facility earlier this month that showed how challenging the task will be.

Plans change in mlb because of health issues 

The Junction City Blues defeated Clay Center, Dodge City and Rossville to win the championship of a four team tournament at Rathert Field over the weekend.

The Blues defeated Clay Center on Saturday. Coach Pat Stivers said on Sunday they defeated Dodge City 8-3 and Rossville 9-0. He noted that the contest with Dodge City was close. We kind of opened it up with our running game late in the innings, and had I thought some good from our kids and pulled the game out " 

Stivers added the Blues kept it going and overall it was a great weekend. " I think our kids got better. "

The Junction City Blues defeated Clay Center, Dodge City and Rossville to win the championship of a four team tournament at Rathert Field over the weekend.The Blues defeated Clay Center on Saturday. Coach Pat Stivers said on Sunday they defeated Dodge City 8-3 and Rossville 9-0. He noted that the contest with Dodge City was close. We kind of opened it up with our running game late in the innings, and had I thought some good from our kids and pulled the game out " Stivers added the Blues kept it going and overall it was a great weekend. " I think our kids got better. "

Blues capture a tournament championship

USD 475 has announced via social media that with the current increase in positive tests related to COVID-19 in and around the community and out of an abundance of caution, athletic facilities at all USD 475 campuses will be closed during the week of June 29th – July 3rd. 

Therefore, the District will NOT conduct on campus conditioning or team workouts/practices during the week of June 29th – July 3rd.

USD 475 has announced via social media that with the current increase in positive tests related to COVID-19 in and around the community and out of an abundance of caution, athletic facilities at all USD 475 campuses will be closed during the week of June 29th – July 3rd. Therefore, the District will NOT conduct on campus conditioning or team workouts/practices during the week of June 29th – July 3rd.

No conditioning or team workouts for USD 475 will occur this week

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State football players say they will boycott all team activities until administrators create a policy that would allow a student to be expelled for “openly racist, threatening or disrespectful actions.”

The move that most players announced Saturday on social media follows a tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd that prompted outrage on campus.

“We are demanding that Kansas State University put a policy in place that allows a student to be dismissed for displaying openly racist, threatening or disrespectful actions toward a student or groups of students,” the players said in the letter they posted. “We have resolved that we cannot play, practice or meet until these demands are heard and actions taken. We love Kansas State, but we must stand together and protect all students moving forward.”

On Thursday, one month after Floyd, a Black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on his neck for nearly eight minutes, student Jaden McNeil tweeted, “Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!”

University officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9cbc7e6f1ea966a3ed52b19adbeee4ff">have said they are exploring their options</a>&nbsp;for action after the tweet. University President Richard Myers said Friday that “divisive statements do not represent for the values of our university.”

McNeil describes himself as the founder of a conservative group called America First Students, which Kansas State says is not currently registered on the campus because of a lack of membership. America First Students had already drawn the ire of students for past statements made by McNeil.

McNeil has previously said America First Students is a “mainstream, Christian, conservative organization that supports President Donald Trump.”

The statement from football players Saturday came a day after a pair of Kansas State basketball players and a handful of football players threatened a boycott if the university didn’t take action. A number of college athletes around the country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0499502808a6b4cfd68bf082928a59ec">have used their influence to push for social justice</a>&nbsp;since Floyd’s death.

Kansas State football players aren’t currently participating in any practices or workouts because team activities were suspended earlier this month after a coronavirus outbreak within the team. Summer workouts are expected to resume July 13.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State football players say they will boycott all team activities until administrators create a policy that would allow a student to be expelled for “openly racist, threatening or disrespectful actions.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We are all Wildcats <a href="https://twitter.com/KState?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KState</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrideMonth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrideMonth</a> <a href="https://t.co/bQl7x5aRFO">pic.twitter.com/bQl7x5aRFO</a>&mdash; K-State Athletics (@kstatesports) <a href="https://twitter.com/kstatesports/status/1277229333082341377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The move that most players announced Saturday on social media follows a tweet by a student about the death of George Floyd that prompted outrage on campus.“We are demanding that Kansas State University put a policy in place that allows a student to be dismissed for displaying openly racist, threatening or disrespectful actions toward a student or groups of students,” the players said in the letter they posted. “We have resolved that we cannot play, practice or meet until these demands are heard and actions taken. We love Kansas State, but we must stand together and protect all students moving forward.”On Thursday, one month after Floyd, a Black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on his neck for nearly eight minutes, student Jaden McNeil tweeted, “Congratulations to George Floyd on being drug free for an entire month!”University officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/9cbc7e6f1ea966a3ed52b19adbeee4ff">have said they are exploring their options</a>&nbsp;for action after the tweet. University President Richard Myers said Friday that “divisive statements do not represent for the values of our university.”McNeil describes himself as the founder of a conservative group called America First Students, which Kansas State says is not currently registered on the campus because of a lack of membership. America First Students had already drawn the ire of students for past statements made by McNeil.McNeil has previously said America First Students is a “mainstream, Christian, conservative organization that supports President Donald Trump.”The statement from football players Saturday came a day after a pair of Kansas State basketball players and a handful of football players threatened a boycott if the university didn’t take action. A number of college athletes around the country&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/0499502808a6b4cfd68bf082928a59ec">have used their influence to push for social justice</a>&nbsp;since Floyd’s death.Kansas State football players aren’t currently participating in any practices or workouts because team activities were suspended earlier this month after a coronavirus outbreak within the team. Summer workouts are expected to resume July 13.___

K-State players announce boycott after student's Floyd tweet

The Junction City Blues defeated Clay Center in a tournament Saturday at Rathert Field. Junction City will play Dodge City in the tournament at 1 p.m. Sunday. Dodge City is currently 1-0 in the four team round robin competition.

Junction City will play Rossville as well on Sunday.&nbsp; That is a correction from a story which had Junction City playing Rossville on Saturday. The teams had not yet played. JC Post apologizes for the error.

The Junction City Blues defeated Clay Center in a tournament Saturday at Rathert Field. Junction City will play Dodge City in the tournament at 1 p.m. Sunday. Dodge City is currently 1-0 in the four team round robin competition.Junction City will play Rossville as well on Sunday.&nbsp; That is a correction from a story which had Junction City playing Rossville on Saturday. The teams had not yet played. JC Post apologizes for the error.

Blues go 1-0 in tournament play on Saturday

There were scheduled to be five teams in a round robin baseball tournament hosted by the Junction City Blues this weekend at Rathert Field. Now there are four. The Abilene Rebels will not be able to play in the tournament.

Abilene coach Billy Hansen via social media noted there was a recent possible COVID-19 exposure through the Abilene High School weights and conditioning program earlier this week. Most of the baseball players attend that program. It was recommended by the Dickinson County Health Officer that the baseball team not participate in the Junction City tournament. The coach noted that students and players who attend the weights and conditioning program are to quarantine until more is known once test test results are back from the state. In&nbsp; the meantime baseball activities are suspended.

The tournament was scheduled to go on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday at Rathert Field. Now, with only four teams remaining, the games will only be played on Saturday and Sunday.

There were scheduled to be five teams in a round robin baseball tournament hosted by the Junction City Blues this weekend at Rathert Field. Now there are four. The Abilene Rebels will not be able to play in the tournament.Abilene coach Billy Hansen via social media noted there was a recent possible COVID-19 exposure through the Abilene High School weights and conditioning program earlier this week. Most of the baseball players attend that program. It was recommended by the Dickinson County Health Officer that the baseball team not participate in the Junction City tournament. The coach noted that students and players who attend the weights and conditioning program are to quarantine until more is known once test test results are back from the state. In&nbsp; the meantime baseball activities are suspended.The tournament was scheduled to go on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday at Rathert Field. Now, with only four teams remaining, the games will only be played on Saturday and Sunday.

One team has to pull out of the Junction City baseball tournament

JUNCTION CITY, Kansas- JC Strong and JC Brigade Baseball Club will host an event to honor the Junction City community heroes. This event will take place on July 3rd at Rathert Field. It will feature family entertainment, live music, fireworks, food and beverages.

“Junction City is a community built on showcasing diversity and working through adversity,” JC Strong Board Member Terrah Stroda said. “This event, in addition to the JC Strong Benefit Run, will allow us to come together to celebrate and inspire one another to that end.”

JC Strong &amp; JC Brigade are proud to bring this event to Rathert Field to bring the community together after the struggles endured during this period of time. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. Admission for this event is $3; ages 5 and under are free. Fee will be paid at the gate before entrance. Live music will be played by “Denims &amp; Lace”. The fireworks show by Bennett Fireworks will begin at 10:00 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

“We, as a board, felt it is a great opportunity to get our community together, have a great time and take a moment to show our appreciation to all of those that are helping work through these trying times,” Board Member Jeff Underhill said.

For those concerned about COVID-19, the event has been in coordination with the Health Department and has several action plans to keep the public safe.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1593232540848.jpeg" alt="Logo - Junction City Brigade" />
 <figcaption>Logo - Junction City Brigade</figcaption>
 </figure>JUNCTION CITY, Kansas- JC Strong and JC Brigade Baseball Club will host an event to honor the Junction City community heroes. This event will take place on July 3rd at Rathert Field. It will feature family entertainment, live music, fireworks, food and beverages.“Junction City is a community built on showcasing diversity and working through adversity,” JC Strong Board Member Terrah Stroda said. “This event, in addition to the JC Strong Benefit Run, will allow us to come together to celebrate and inspire one another to that end.”JC Strong &amp; JC Brigade are proud to bring this event to Rathert Field to bring the community together after the struggles endured during this period of time. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. Admission for this event is $3; ages 5 and under are free. Fee will be paid at the gate before entrance. Live music will be played by “Denims &amp; Lace”. The fireworks show by Bennett Fireworks will begin at 10:00 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.“We, as a board, felt it is a great opportunity to get our community together, have a great time and take a moment to show our appreciation to all of those that are helping work through these trying times,” Board Member Jeff Underhill said.For those concerned about COVID-19, the event has been in coordination with the Health Department and has several action plans to keep the public safe.

JC Strong / JC Brigade presents Honoring Our Community Heroes

Blues baseball came out on the winning end of a doubleheader against the Topeka Junior team.

Junction City won the first game 14-3 and the second game 13-3 Tuesday night.

Blues baseball came out on the winning end of a doubleheader against the Topeka Junior team.Junction City won the first game 14-3 and the second game 13-3 Tuesday night.

Blues pick up two wins

St. Joseph—After much discussion over the past several months, the Kansas City Chiefs officially notified Missouri State University (MWSU) this week that they will be unable to hold their 2020 Training Camp at Missouri Western due to the NFL’s evolving policies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a statement from Josh Looney, vice president of intercollegiate athletics, Missouri Western State University.

Both MWSU and the Chiefs were very excited about the potential of our 11th training camp in St. Joseph this summer, but with health and safety a top priority surrounding the many facets of hosting an NFL Training Camp, the university understands and appreciate the need for caution. 

Fans in St. Joseph look forward to rooting on the defending Super Bowl champs throughout this coming season and welcoming them back to the MWSU campus in July 2021 and beyond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591814013520.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>St. Joseph—After much discussion over the past several months, the Kansas City Chiefs officially notified Missouri State University (MWSU) this week that they will be unable to hold their 2020 Training Camp at Missouri Western due to the NFL’s evolving policies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a statement from Josh Looney, vice president of intercollegiate athletics, Missouri Western State University.Both MWSU and the Chiefs were very excited about the potential of our 11th training camp in St. Joseph this summer, but with health and safety a top priority surrounding the many facets of hosting an NFL Training Camp, the university understands and appreciate the need for caution. Fans in St. Joseph look forward to rooting on the defending Super Bowl champs throughout this coming season and welcoming them back to the MWSU campus in July 2021 and beyond.

Chiefs won't hold training camp at Missouri Western this summer

&nbsp;Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. has announced&nbsp; that Major League Baseball anticipates beginning its 2020 regular season approximately one month from now, on July 23rd or July 24th.

The announcement follows confirmation that the MLB Players Association has accepted the health and safety protocols that will guide MLB’s return to play and that players will be able to report for training by July 1st.&nbsp;

MLB has submitted a 60-game regular season schedule for review by the Players Association. The proposed schedule will largely feature divisional play, with the remaining portion of each Club’s games against their opposite league’s corresponding geographical division (i.e., East vs. East, Central vs. Central and West vs. West), in order to mitigate travel. The vast majority of Major League Clubs are expected to conduct training at the ballparks in their primary home cities.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. has announced&nbsp; that Major League Baseball anticipates beginning its 2020 regular season approximately one month from now, on July 23rd or July 24th.The announcement follows confirmation that the MLB Players Association has accepted the health and safety protocols that will guide MLB’s return to play and that players will be able to report for training by July 1st.&nbsp;MLB has submitted a 60-game regular season schedule for review by the Players Association. The proposed schedule will largely feature divisional play, with the remaining portion of each Club’s games against their opposite league’s corresponding geographical division (i.e., East vs. East, Central vs. Central and West vs. West), in order to mitigate travel. The vast majority of Major League Clubs are expected to conduct training at the ballparks in their primary home cities.&nbsp;

Major League baseball will return in July

Wild West Fest Baseball Tournament in Hays seeks team entries

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics, in conjunction with university and county medical officials, has announced it has paused all voluntary workouts for football student-athletes for 14 days following the most recent COVID-19 test results. As of June 19, a total of 14 student-athletes have tested positive for active COVID-19 following PCR (polymerase chain reaction)&nbsp;testing of more than 130 student-athletes. The 14 individuals who have tested positive are being medically managed according to current local, state, national, and CDC guidelines, which begins with self-isolation for 10 days and until the patient is without fever for 72 hours without medication, whichever takes longer.&nbsp; “The health and well-being of our student-athletes will always be our top priority,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “Following the most recent test results, we felt like temporarily pausing all football workouts and access to our facilities was the best decision for everyone. We continue to take this situation very seriously and want to do everything we can to get back to workouts soon.” The department will continue to work closely and communicate with county and university health officials to evaluate the situation and continue best practices.

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics, in conjunction with university and county medical officials, has announced it has paused all voluntary workouts for football student-athletes for 14 days following the most recent COVID-19 test results. As of June 19, a total of 14 student-athletes have tested positive for active COVID-19 following PCR (polymerase chain reaction)&nbsp;testing of more than 130 student-athletes. The 14 individuals who have tested positive are being medically managed according to current local, state, national, and CDC guidelines, which begins with self-isolation for 10 days and until the patient is without fever for 72 hours without medication, whichever takes longer.&nbsp; “The health and well-being of our student-athletes will always be our top priority,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “Following the most recent test results, we felt like temporarily pausing all football workouts and access to our facilities was the best decision for everyone. We continue to take this situation very seriously and want to do everything we can to get back to workouts soon.” The department will continue to work closely and communicate with county and university health officials to evaluate the situation and continue best practices.

K-State pauses all voluntary workouts for football student-athletes

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies say five players have tested positive for COVID-19 this week at the team’s spring training complex in Clearwater, Florida. The situation has prompted the Phillies to indefinitely shut their camp. 

The Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants also closed their spring training sites because of virus concerns. The moves came while Major League Baseball owners and players try to negotiate a deal to start the season. They had hoped to begin a second round of spring training on June 26. Most teams would likely hold those workouts at their home ballparks, rather than at their spring camps in Florida and Arizona.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies say five players have tested positive for COVID-19 this week at the team’s spring training complex in Clearwater, Florida. The situation has prompted the Phillies to indefinitely shut their camp. The Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants also closed their spring training sites because of virus concerns. The moves came while Major League Baseball owners and players try to negotiate a deal to start the season. They had hoped to begin a second round of spring training on June 26. Most teams would likely hold those workouts at their home ballparks, rather than at their spring camps in Florida and Arizona.

Five Phils test positive for virus, three teams shut spring camps

The NCAA Division I Council  approved a plan to allow college basketball players to start working with their coaches for the first time since the pandemic wiped out March Madness. 

The summer access period for men’s and women’s players will begin July 20. The NCAA also announced the expected approval by the council of an extended preseason model for football teams. And the council introduced a legislative proposal to create a path for schools to transition straight from Division III to Division I, paving the way for St. Thomas (Minn.) to make that jump as soon as next year.&nbsp;

The NCAA Division I Council approved a plan to allow college basketball players to start working with their coaches for the first time since the pandemic wiped out March Madness. The summer access period for men’s and women’s players will begin July 20. The NCAA also announced the expected approval by the council of an extended preseason model for football teams. And the council introduced a legislative proposal to create a path for schools to transition straight from Division III to Division I, paving the way for St. Thomas (Minn.) to make that jump as soon as next year.&nbsp;

NCAA approves plan for basketball players to access coaches

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State Athletics will honor a group of 11 outstanding individuals with induction into its Athletics Hall of Fame in September, school officials announced today.

The 2020 Hall of Fame class includes three football greats in&nbsp;David Allen,&nbsp;Jordy Nelson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Darren Sproles,&nbsp;Laurie Koehn&nbsp;(women’s basketball),&nbsp;Liz Wegner&nbsp;(volleyball),&nbsp;A.J. Morris&nbsp;(baseball),&nbsp;Mike Wreblewski&nbsp;(men’s basketball),&nbsp;Attila Zsiovczky&nbsp;(track and field) and&nbsp;Marty, John and Mary Vanier&nbsp;(contributors).

“This year’s group of 11 individuals is a star-studded class, and we are excited to welcome them into the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame,” said&nbsp;Kenny Lannou, Executive Associate Athletics Director for Communications and K-State Athletics Hall of Fame Chairperson. “Each of these inductees has made a lasting impact on K-State Athletics and Kansas State University, and we look forward to welcoming them back to Manhattan this fall for a special induction weekend.”

The class is the 13th in the history of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame, including the charter class of 1990, and will be honored during the weekend of September 5. Official induction ceremonies will take place on Friday, September 4, before the inductees are recognized at halftime of the football game against Buffalo the following day.

More ceremony details will be announced later this summer.

Assistant Athletics Director for Communications

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592410133716.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;K-State Athletics will honor a group of 11 outstanding individuals with induction into its Athletics Hall of Fame in September, school officials announced today.The 2020 Hall of Fame class includes three football greats in&nbsp;David Allen,&nbsp;Jordy Nelson&nbsp;and&nbsp;Darren Sproles,&nbsp;Laurie Koehn&nbsp;(women’s basketball),&nbsp;Liz Wegner&nbsp;(volleyball),&nbsp;A.J. Morris&nbsp;(baseball),&nbsp;Mike Wreblewski&nbsp;(men’s basketball),&nbsp;Attila Zsiovczky&nbsp;(track and field) and&nbsp;Marty, John and Mary Vanier&nbsp;(contributors).“This year’s group of 11 individuals is a star-studded class, and we are excited to welcome them into the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame,” said&nbsp;Kenny Lannou, Executive Associate Athletics Director for Communications and K-State Athletics Hall of Fame Chairperson. “Each of these inductees has made a lasting impact on K-State Athletics and Kansas State University, and we look forward to welcoming them back to Manhattan this fall for a special induction weekend.”The class is the 13th in the history of the K-State Athletics Hall of Fame, including the charter class of 1990, and will be honored during the weekend of September 5. Official induction ceremonies will take place on Friday, September 4, before the inductees are recognized at halftime of the football game against Buffalo the following day.More ceremony details will be announced later this summer.RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for Communications

Kansas State announces 2020 Athletics Hall of Fame Class

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that two student-athletes have tested positive for active COVID-19 following PCR (polymerase chain reaction)&nbsp;testing and the on-boarding process of approximately 120 student-athletes through June 16. All student-athletes are required to follow the department’s return-to-campus policy which includes a 7-day stay-at-home recommendation and quarantine upon arrival in Manhattan and prior to testing. Under this protocol, student-athletes are not allowed inside any department facilities nor can they participate in any voluntary or required team activities until they have received a negative test result. “We will always keep our focus on the health and well-being of our student-athletes and staff,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “A small number of positive tests was something that we were anticipating based on what we are seeing from across college football, and our medical staff and coaching staffs are well-prepared for the next steps. While we know this is a very fluid situation, we have a great plan in place and all of our student-athletes have done their part in following the correct procedures to return to campus.” Each student-athlete that tests positive is medically managed according to current local, state, national, and CDC guidelines, which begins with self-isolation for 10 days and until the patient is without fever for 72 hours without medication, whichever takes longer. These guidelines would also include quarantine for any individuals known to have been in contact with someone who tested positive. The department will continue PCR and antibody testing of student-athletes as they return to campus, and those results will be released upon completion.

– k-statesports.com –

KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that two student-athletes have tested positive for active COVID-19 following PCR (polymerase chain reaction)&nbsp;testing and the on-boarding process of approximately 120 student-athletes through June 16. All student-athletes are required to follow the department’s return-to-campus policy which includes a 7-day stay-at-home recommendation and quarantine upon arrival in Manhattan and prior to testing. Under this protocol, student-athletes are not allowed inside any department facilities nor can they participate in any voluntary or required team activities until they have received a negative test result. “We will always keep our focus on the health and well-being of our student-athletes and staff,” Athletics Director Gene Taylor said. “A small number of positive tests was something that we were anticipating based on what we are seeing from across college football, and our medical staff and coaching staffs are well-prepared for the next steps. While we know this is a very fluid situation, we have a great plan in place and all of our student-athletes have done their part in following the correct procedures to return to campus.” Each student-athlete that tests positive is medically managed according to current local, state, national, and CDC guidelines, which begins with self-isolation for 10 days and until the patient is without fever for 72 hours without medication, whichever takes longer. These guidelines would also include quarantine for any individuals known to have been in contact with someone who tested positive. The department will continue PCR and antibody testing of student-athletes as they return to campus, and those results will be released upon completion. – k-statesports.com –KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics

K-State Athletics Confirms Two Active Positives for COVID-19 with PCR Testing as of June 16

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A pair of K-State Football Ring of Honor members,&nbsp;Michael Bishop&nbsp;and&nbsp;Darren Sproles, were among 78 Football Bowl Subdivision players named to the 2021 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced today.

Sproles is on the ballot for the first time, while Bishop is a repeat candidate.

“It’s an enormous honor to just be on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot considering more than 5.4 million people have played college football and only 1,027 players have been inducted,” NFF President &amp; CEO Steve Hatchell said. “The Hall’s requirement of being a First Team All-American creates a much smaller pool of about 1,500 individuals who are even eligible. Being in today’s elite group means an individual is truly among the greatest to have ever played the game, and we look forward to announcing the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT early next year.”

One of the most dynamic players in program history, Bishop played a major role in propelling the Wildcats to their first-ever No. 1 national ranking during the second of his two seasons at K-State (1997-1998). He still holds the K-State season passing efficiency record after a 159.6 rating in 1998 (164-of-295 for 2,844 yards and 23 TDs/4 INTs) in addition to ranking second in season total offense at 3,592 yards.

Bishop went 22-3 as a starter, including a 15-1 mark in Big 12 play, as his 88-percent winning clip is the best mark in school history. He was a two-time All-Big 12 performer, the 1997 Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, winner of the 1998 Davey O’Brien Award and runner up for the Heisman Trophy that year.

Sproles, a 2003 First Team All-American and three-time All-Big 12 performer, held 28 school records at the time of graduation, 21 of which still stand 15 years after his playing days. The Olathe, Kansas, product rushed for 4,979 career yards, nearly 2,000 yards more than the player in second place. Sproles, finished fifth in the 2003 Heisman Trophy voting and third in the Associated Press Player of the Year voting that same season, was a three-time All-American, including earning first-team honors in 2003.

Sproles was selected in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers and ended up playing 15 years in the league prior to his retirement at the conclusion of last season. He accumulated 19,696 career all-purpose yards to rank fifth in NFL history, while he ranks seventh in career punt-return yards and eighth in kickoff-return yards. He played in three Pro Bowls and was named to seven All-Pro teams, including six first-team honors.

The ballot was emailed today to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF's Honors Courts, which will deliberate and select the class. The FBS Honors Court, chaired by NFF Board Member and College Football Hall of Famer Archie Griffin from Ohio State, and the Divisional Honors Court, chaired by former Marshall head coach, longtime athletics director and NFF Board Member Jack Lengyel, include an elite and geographically diverse pool of athletic administrators, Hall of Famers and members of the media.

The announcement of the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT will be made in early 2021, with specific details to be announced in the future.

The 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT will be officially inducted during the 64th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on December 7, 2021, at the New York Hilton Midtown. They will also be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2021 season.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592325716226.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;A pair of K-State Football Ring of Honor members,&nbsp;Michael Bishop&nbsp;and&nbsp;Darren Sproles, were among 78 Football Bowl Subdivision players named to the 2021 ballot for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced today.Sproles is on the ballot for the first time, while Bishop is a repeat candidate.“It’s an enormous honor to just be on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot considering more than 5.4 million people have played college football and only 1,027 players have been inducted,” NFF President &amp; CEO Steve Hatchell said. “The Hall’s requirement of being a First Team All-American creates a much smaller pool of about 1,500 individuals who are even eligible. Being in today’s elite group means an individual is truly among the greatest to have ever played the game, and we look forward to announcing the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT early next year.”One of the most dynamic players in program history, Bishop played a major role in propelling the Wildcats to their first-ever No. 1 national ranking during the second of his two seasons at K-State (1997-1998). He still holds the K-State season passing efficiency record after a 159.6 rating in 1998 (164-of-295 for 2,844 yards and 23 TDs/4 INTs) in addition to ranking second in season total offense at 3,592 yards.Bishop went 22-3 as a starter, including a 15-1 mark in Big 12 play, as his 88-percent winning clip is the best mark in school history. He was a two-time All-Big 12 performer, the 1997 Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, winner of the 1998 Davey O’Brien Award and runner up for the Heisman Trophy that year.Sproles, a 2003 First Team All-American and three-time All-Big 12 performer, held 28 school records at the time of graduation, 21 of which still stand 15 years after his playing days. The Olathe, Kansas, product rushed for 4,979 career yards, nearly 2,000 yards more than the player in second place. Sproles, finished fifth in the 2003 Heisman Trophy voting and third in the Associated Press Player of the Year voting that same season, was a three-time All-American, including earning first-team honors in 2003.Sproles was selected in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers and ended up playing 15 years in the league prior to his retirement at the conclusion of last season. He accumulated 19,696 career all-purpose yards to rank fifth in NFL history, while he ranks seventh in career punt-return yards and eighth in kickoff-return yards. He played in three Pro Bowls and was named to seven All-Pro teams, including six first-team honors.The ballot was emailed today to the more than 12,000 NFF members and current Hall of Famers whose votes will be tabulated and submitted to the NFF's Honors Courts, which will deliberate and select the class. The FBS Honors Court, chaired by NFF Board Member and College Football Hall of Famer Archie Griffin from Ohio State, and the Divisional Honors Court, chaired by former Marshall head coach, longtime athletics director and NFF Board Member Jack Lengyel, include an elite and geographically diverse pool of athletic administrators, Hall of Famers and members of the media.The announcement of the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT will be made in early 2021, with specific details to be announced in the future.The 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT will be officially inducted during the 64th NFF Annual Awards Dinner on December 7, 2021, at the New York Hilton Midtown. They will also be honored at their respective schools with an NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute, presented by Fidelity Investments, during the 2021 season.– k-statesports.com –RYAN LACKEYAssistant Athletics Director for Communications

K-State's Bishop, Sproles on College Football Hall of Fame ballot

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals have long valued high school prospects, but a run of them have failed to pan out. So the past few drafts have been full of college pitchers, and that trend continued with the first-round selection of Texas A&amp;M standout Asa Lacy. 

Now, the Royals have a farm system stocked with pitchers that could hit the majors in just a couple of years, and could form the backbone for a team trying to return to the World Series after back-to-back appearances in 2014 and '15.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals have long valued high school prospects, but a run of them have failed to pan out. So the past few drafts have been full of college pitchers, and that trend continued with the first-round selection of Texas A&amp;M standout Asa Lacy. Now, the Royals have a farm system stocked with pitchers that could hit the majors in just a couple of years, and could form the backbone for a team trying to return to the World Series after back-to-back appearances in 2014 and '15.

Kansas City Royals are stocking the farm system with pitchers

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball players told Major League Baseball additional talks to start the season during the coronavirus pandemic are futile and said owners should order a return to work, which likely would spark lengthy litigation and the sport’s return to labor wars. 

The union’s action could lead to a season of about 50 games rather than the 82 initially proposed by MLB. The Major League Baseball Players Association could respond by filing a grievance that would be heard by arbitrator Mark Irvings

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball players told Major League Baseball additional talks to start the season during the coronavirus pandemic are futile and said owners should order a return to work, which likely would spark lengthy litigation and the sport’s return to labor wars. The union’s action could lead to a season of about 50 games rather than the 82 initially proposed by MLB. The Major League Baseball Players Association could respond by filing a grievance that would be heard by arbitrator Mark Irvings

Baseball players say talks futile, tell MLB to order return

The Junction City Blues baseball team lost to Salina Thursday night 6-0 but won the second game of the doubleheader 6-4.&nbsp; The Blues are 3-3 on the young season.

The Junction City Blues baseball team lost to Salina Thursday night 6-0 but won the second game of the doubleheader 6-4.&nbsp; The Blues are 3-3 on the young season.

Blues split two games in Salina

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that no student-athletes have tested positive for active COVID-19 following PCR (polymerase chain reaction)&nbsp;testing and the on-boarding process of approximately 90 student-athletes this week. In addition, one student-athlete did test positive for COVID-19 with antibody testing but is not considered acute. The department will continue PCR and antibody testing of student-athletes as they return to campus, and those results will be released upon completion. Should a student-athlete test positive, each will be medically managed according to current local, state, national, and CDC guidelines, which begins with self-isolation for 10 days and until the patient is without fever for 72 hours without medication, whichever takes longer. These guidelines would also include quarantine for any individuals known to have been in contact with someone who tested positive.

KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics&nbsp;&nbsp;

MANHATTAN, Kansas&nbsp;–&nbsp;Kansas State Athletics has confirmed that no student-athletes have tested positive for active COVID-19 following PCR (polymerase chain reaction)&nbsp;testing and the on-boarding process of approximately 90 student-athletes this week. In addition, one student-athlete did test positive for COVID-19 with antibody testing but is not considered acute. The department will continue PCR and antibody testing of student-athletes as they return to campus, and those results will be released upon completion. Should a student-athlete test positive, each will be medically managed according to current local, state, national, and CDC guidelines, which begins with self-isolation for 10 days and until the patient is without fever for 72 hours without medication, whichever takes longer. These guidelines would also include quarantine for any individuals known to have been in contact with someone who tested positive.KENNY LANNOU Executive Associate A.D. for Communications and Public Relations | K-State Athletics&nbsp;&nbsp;

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