Wisconsin Sports Headlines – 3/17/2020

The Latest Sports Headlines: 

>>Packers Sign A Pair Of Players Even Before The Formal Start Of FA Period

(Green Bay, WI)  — The Green Bay Packers have signed two players – even before the formal start of the N-F-L’s free agency period. Linebacker Christian Kirksey signed a two-year deal with Green Bay.  Kirksey had been released by the Cleveland Browns a week ago and that made him free to sign with any team immediately. The other signing was offensive tackle, Rick Wagner. He will get a two-year deal worth 11 million dollars to replace veteran right tackle Bryan Bulaga. Both deals were announced by the Packers Monday.

 

>>Badgers Cancel April 18th Open Spring Football Practice

(Madison, WI)  — University of Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez is announcing the cancellation of several upcoming events – including the April 18th open spring football practice. In a note on U-W-Badgers-dot-com, Alvarez says the steps are being taken to try to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Also called off are the Badger Kids’ Fair, the U-W Varsity Band concerts set for next month, and the April 25th Crazylegs Classic. The Big Ten Conference had already suspended all organized team activities until April 6th.

 

>>NBA Leaves Bucks, 29 Other Teams In State Of Limbo

(Milwaukee, WI)  — The N-B-A’s decision to suspend the current season leaves the Milwaukee Bucks and 29 other teams with no idea of what the future holds.  Currently, there is a 30-day hiatus in effect, but it simply isn’t known how long the break will last. Because the Bucks have rolled up such a historic record, they seem to have more to lose than other teams in the league.  Right now, nobody knows when play will resume in the N-B-A – or, even if it will resume.

 

>>Brewers GM David Stearns Talks About Break For Coronavirus

(Phoenix, AZ)  — Milwaukee Brewers general manager David Stearns says about one-third of the team is remaining at the spring training complex, with one third back in Milwaukee and the rest having returned to their off-season homes.  Several coaches live in Arizona and they are available at the facility for players wanting to work out. Manager Craig Counsell and at least two of his coaches live in Milwaukee and they can oversee workouts at Miller Park.  The players’ union has told its members to spend the time where they feel most comfortable, planning to be there for the next “four-to-six weeks.”

 

>>Marquette Is Possible Destination For Harvard Guard In Transfer Protocol

(Milwaukee, WI)  — Marquette is one of the major college basketball programs to have contacted Harvard guard Bryce Aiken – a six-foot, 175-pound shooting guard. Aiken has graduated and the Ivy League doesn’t let graduate students complete in athletics.  When asked, he told a reporter Marquette is one of several prominent schools to reach out to him. Others include Seton Hall, Michigan, Iowa State, Kansas and Gonzaga. Aiken has had injury problems at Harvard, but he is a solid scorer – meaning the competition for the Golden Eagles will be strong.