ACC navigates pandemic-induced schedule changes
By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
September 21, 2020
Both 2020 Panthers gamedays have gone relatively smoothly. Seven Panthers sat out the Austin Peay game due to COVID-19 protocols, and three sat out against Syracuse. But Pitt has avoided the dreaded postponed or cancelled games that follow large-scale outbreaks.
Panther Pitt left in limbo during pandemic play
By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
September 11, 2020
After the COVID-19 pandemic drove fans from the stands of football stadiums, it left fans in limbo. But Pitt’s student section is trying to recreate some of the community sports creates.
Column | College athletes should take ownership of the business they sustain
By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
August 31, 2020
The risks the COVID-19 pandemic poses have exacerbated the unfair power disparity that exists in college sports. From waivers meant to free individual schools of liability should a player die or suffer long-term health defects after contracting COVID-19 on campus to allegedly lying about safety precautions, college football is doing all it can to push through to a 2020 season.
Meet the Editors: Sports
By Stephen Thompson and Alex Lehmbeck
August 18, 2020
As hard as COVID-19 might try to cancel them, sports have persisted. Baseball, basketball and hockey are already midseason, and college athletics are set for a relatively normal fall return.
Status of fall sports becomes progressively shaky
By Stephen Thompson, Assistant Sports Editor
August 17, 2020
Now — even as cases and deaths continue up a steady incline — sports leagues are beginning to plan their comebacks. But in college athletics, return to play procedures have led to more questions than answers.
Narduzzi opens 2020 training camp with mixed optimism, uncertainty
By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
August 10, 2020
Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi is a self-proclaimed optimist, and he said Friday even the stress of opening a football season in a pandemic hasn’t put a strain on his sunny outlook.
Lyke talks football scheduling, gambling and campus returns
By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 24, 2020
Athletic Director Heather Lyke said she is not encouraged by the way the COVID-19 pandemic mitigation is progressing. As cases continue to rise across the country — particularly in Pitt’s home of Allegheny County — she offered a pessimistic, yet not definitive answer to what she called “the million dollar question” — will college football be played in 2020?
Kimura begins work as associate athletic director
By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 22, 2020
Pitt’s newly minted associate athletic director for culture, diversity and engagement offered some insight into what her job will entail.
First-year Panthers to get to know
By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 21, 2020
But don’t wait until you step into Heinz Field, the Pete or Fitzgerald Field House to start learning about your classmates. Get to know some of the stars of the class in 2020 before you join them in Pittsburgh.
Trio of Panthers pegged as Bednarik Award contenders
By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor
July 14, 2020
A trio of Pitt football defenders — redshirt junior safety Paris Ford, redshirt junior defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman and senior defensive end Patrick Jones II — were named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watchlist Monday.