Dr. Fauci Speculates MLB Could Start Up In July In Empty Venues

Fauci said the return of sports is going to depend on what actually evolves over the next couple of months Getty Images

Dr. Anthony Fauci suggested that MLB "could begin in July with player testing and without crowds," according to Peter Hamby of VANITY FAIR. Fauci appeared on the daily Snapchat show, "Good Luck America," where Hamby asked him if the MLB, NFL and college football seasons are "in jeopardy." Fauci: "I don't know. I really don't. ... It’s really going to depend on what actually evolves over the next a couple of months. ... This is going to be implemented by the initiation and the initiative of the people who own these clubs." Fauci speculated MLB "could get on television" with a July 4 start in empty ballparks: "People say, 'Well you can't play without spectators.' Well, I think you'd probably get enough buy-in from people who are dying to see a baseball game. Particularly me. I'm living in Washington. We have the World Champion Washington Nationals. You know, I want to see them play again." Fauci noted there have been "some proposals" by pro leagues to "get these people tested, and to put them in big hotels." Fauci: "Keep them very well surveilled. ... Have them tested, like every week. By a gazillion tests. ... Just let them play the season out. ... It might be better than nothing." Hamby: "The TV ratings would be through the roof." Fauci: "Oh, for sure" (VANITYFAIR.com, 4/15).



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