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up in the air Because of COVID-19, thereâ€™s a chance Big 12 football teams could play in empty stadiums this fall.

C OV E R S T O RY

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Bowlsby says spring games are ‘unlikely,’ possibility of football season with no crowds H allie Hart S taff Repo rter @ halliehart

Bob Bowlsby intends for the Big 12 to have a normal football season, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he can’t predict what will happen in the fall. In a teleconference Thursday, Big 12 commissioner Bowlsby talked about a range of changes in the sports world that are related to this pandemic, and the unknowns about football season were a major topic. “Right now, our plan is to play the football season as it’s scheduled,” Bowlsby said. “If we find out that we have to depart from that, we will do so, and we will do it with plenty of time to let people know what it is we’re thinking and to challenge what we’re thinking.” At Oklahoma State University, fans were already building enthusiasm for football season during the winter, when running back Chuba Hubbard and wide receiver Tylan Wallace announced they would return for another year. The campaign to sell out Boone Pickens Stadium was emphasized at a pep rally in the Student Union, but it’s unclear whether crowds will be present at Cowboy football games this coming season. Bowlsby said Big 12 football teams might play games in front of no fans, though at this point, it’s tough to make a prediction. “I suppose it’s possible that we can return to some form of competition before

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Empty shelves have become a common sight at supermarkets nationwide as consumers hoard food and other household goods.

Adam Luther/O’Colly

In a teleconference Thursday, Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby talked about the changes in the sports world because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

we got to the point where we were comfortable with public assembly,” Bowlsby said. “And we can end up with what we thought we might end up with in basketball, and that is playing in front of no crowd. On the one hand, that allows you to watch it on television, but the environment would certainly be far poorer as a result of not having an enthusiastic crowd in the stands.” Although it’s unclear how much the pandemic will affect football in the fall, spring football has shut down because of it. Bowlsby said the chances of having spring games or more days of spring practice are “unlikely.” Here are a few other quotes from Bowlsby’s teleconference. Bowlsby on the financial consequences of canceling sports events: “The canceled basketball championship games, it looks like it’ll cost us about $6.6 million. The NCAA board of governors just took action to distribute $225 million, as opposed to

$600 million, so we would normally get about $24 million from that. Instead, I think that distribution is going to be around $10 million. “There are some fairly good-sized negatives, and there are a few positives that will make a difference. It looks like the net could be in the $15-to-18 million range, which obviously goes directly to distribution. Those are round numbers. It’s a little early to tell if that’s gonna play itself out.” On the general situation: “I just think it’s very presumptuous to try and force athletics decisions into an environment that’s so uncertain and so universal in its impact in our society. I just think we all have to stand back and recognize that we’re managing important games, but they’re just games. It’s that context I think that’s kind of helped me to stay focused and think about these things in ways that are perhaps a little different than we might have in the past.”

What social distancing looks like Mal e e h a H ame e d S taff Re p o rte r @ o c o l ly

As students left for the scheduled spring break festivities, the COVID-19 was spreading quickly across the nation. Many parents and students dismissed the power of COVID-19, but it wasn’t long before even Norman was affected by the deadly virus. For Lori McClure, a teacher, the virus is taking both a mental and physical toll on the community. “It’s terrifying how quickly COVID-19 has affected our nation, much less our community,” Lori said. “I feel like I can’t even step in my backyard without making myself susceptible to the virus.” Grocery stores like Walmart and Target have remained open for residents to obtain food, but even a simple run for milk at the local grocery store has become an endeavor. “I have to schedule pick-ups at Walmart two days in advance,” Lori said. “Even with the Walmart app, I can’t get everything I need for the house. They

didn’t have any Honey Nut Cheerios, and eggs were in low supply. Even EmergenC wasn’t at Walmart for a few days.” Sam McClure, , chimes in on the harrowing effects of the pandemic and how it affects the working class. “Most people are working from home now, and even all the gyms are closed,” Sam said. “Orange Theory is closed. I’ve had to use Orange Theory on demand. When I take our dogs on a walk, the neighborhood has this eerie feeling to it. Everyone’s keeping at least six feet away from each other, and it’s strange, like we’re in some apocalyptic dystopia.” As of March 26, 164 Oklahomans suffer from COVID-19, with 5 of those cases already resulting in deaths, Cleveland county has reported 27of those cases. Recently, the Norman mayor declared a ‘stay-at-home’ order in order to “flatten the curve” and reduce overall cases of COVID-19. Meredith Rasnic, a senior at the University of Oklahoma, has had her senior year of college cut short. As a member of the Kappa Al-

pha Theta sorority and other organizations across OU, she has had to say goodbye to all of her extracurriculars and friends on short notice. “I didn’t even realize that my lasts were happening,” Rasnic said. “It’s bittersweet to have to say goodbye to OU so quickly, even if we are getting online schooling out of it. I’m sad my senior year had to end this way, but as some of the OU population has already been infected by COVID-19, it makes sense to keep the school online for everyone’s safety. It’s hard, but it’s best for everyone.” There’s no telling when the COVID-19 pandemic will slow down, but for now, it’s important for citizens to self-quarantine and stay indoors. When leaving the house, stay six feet away from others, and make sure to use hand sanitizer and avoid touching your face after interacting with others. It can take two weeks for symptoms to develop, in which someone can pass on the disease to numerous others, so it is vital that everyone does their part in reducing the spread of the disease.

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How COVID is impacting Stillwater, OSU K ay la D un n @K aylaJ_D u n n E d i tor in Ch ief

The global pandemic is dramatically shifting people’s daily lives, and its repercussions on Stillwater and Oklahoma State are extensive. Although new terms like social distancing and self-quarantine have been emphasized as a way to slow the spread of COVID, many have questioned what they mean specifically. The government is now beginning to define them legally and enforce fines. Below is a compilation of changes for the city of Stillwater and Oklahoma State respectively. City of Stillwater: 1. Organized gatherings of 10 or more people are prohibited This includes church, funerals, conferences, etc. Violations may result in $560 fine 2. Utilities Stillwater suspended disconnection of City/ SUA provided utility services for non-payment 3. Recreational centers that are still OPEN Golf courses, outdoor parks, boomer trail, Kameoka trail 6 feet of distance must be maintained at every location Violations may result in $560 fine 4. Non-essential businesses are CLOSED This includes but is not limited to barbershops,

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Of the countless regulations implemented due to COVID, Stillwater’s latest is a “ten person rule”, limiting every gathering to a maximum of ten and imposing a fine for violators.

nail salons, tattoo parlors, health clubs, spas, tanning salons, massage parlors, yoga studios, etc. 5. “Entertainment” venues are CLOSED This includes but is not limited gyms, movie theaters, bowling alleys, skating rinks, clubs, bars, lounges, etc. 6. Changes at essential businesses Precautions are in place to keep citizens six feet apart in lines, maintain business cleanliness etc. “Essential businesses” include but are not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, etc.

7. Restaurants All dine-in options are canceled Depending on the restaurant, you can either pick up food or have it delivered 8. Airport changes Social distancing seating areas have been established, but the airport is still in operation Oklahoma State University: 1. Bursar refunds OSU will be refund $9.85 per credit hour Refunds are being determined based on the amount of weeks remain-

ing in the semester and student’s specific payments Refunds will also be available to those with a meal plan, parking permit, or on-campus housing. 2. Pass/Fail Grading System At the end of the semester, students can decide to keep a letter grade that will impact their GPA (like normal) or opt to use the pass/fail grading system (which would impact their transcript but not their GPA). 3. Twenty-Something is open If you are a student liv-

ing on campus, TwentySomething is still available as a grocery option. 4. Edmon Low is virtual The library has officially closed, but the digital collections, which include 54 databases and 3.2 million e-books, can be accessed online 5. All buildings closed This includes but is not limited to the Union, Colvin, dining options etc. Prior to Wednesday, March 25, buildings on campus remained open during business hours, but they have officially closed. 6. All on-campus events closed

This includes but is not limited to career fairs, sporting events, etc. 7. Student Move-Out Unless a student has been approved to stay in the dorms, all must move out. 8. OSU is obeying Congress’s The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) ALL employees of OSU are eligible for up to two weeks of paid leave in the case of six corona-related scenarios. This includes faculty, staff, student employees, temporary employees etc.

lifestyle

Binge Madness

E l l i e Me l e ro Ne ws E di to r @ e l e ano r_me l e ro

Je t Tu r n er Oâ€™Colly Contributor @ J etBTu r n er

Zach G oshor n Staf f R eporter @zachxg osh

To make up for lack of basketball during bracket season, the Oâ€™Colly put together a bracket with the best TV shows to binge watch. All shows can be streamed from Netflix, Hulu, HBO, or Amazon Prime.

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Houses For Rent

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 June event that highlighted Zion in 2019 5 Revolt 9 Questlove’s do 12 “__ is human ... ” 14 Asian gambling mecca 15 Pasture 16 Greek goddesses of the seasons 17 Anglicized name for Australia’s Uluru 19 Game response that means no 21 Like mockumentaries 22 Sailboat staff 23 Sell 25 Disquiet 26 Messy roommate 27 Oscar winner Kazan 28 Valentine’s Day buys 29 Parts 31 Seeing right through 33 “Shame!” 34 Wannabe 36 Result of a lost feed 39 Free from 41 Get ready to play 45 Tests graded on a scale of 1 to 5: Abbr. 48 “Oh __!”: insult reaction 50 Maine college town 51 Deep-fried seafood appetizer 54 Thin opening 56 Winnipeg NHLers 57 End of a toast 58 This is one 59 Texter’s “But ... ” 60 To such an extent (as) 62 Thin 64 Connecticut college town 66 “My name is ... ” site 68 LAX abbr. 69 Brainstorms 70 Disney’s “Moana” was translated into it 71 __ gratias 72 Second opening? 73 Flanders et al. FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2020

600+ Rental Units Available Full Listings @ Stillwaterpm. com Stillwater Property 633 N. Husband 405-743-2126

Your Classified Ad or Business Square could be here! $10/Week Published online 3 times a week. Email ads@ocolly.com or lori@ocolly.com Advertise your business specials, online or remote church activities, houses and apartments for rent, help wanted ads, or any other special your business is offering.

By Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency

Level 1

3/27/20

By Brian Herrick

DOWN 1 Utmost degree 2 “Electric __”: 1984 dance-pop song 3 Sprays from cans 4 It’s on tap 5 __ trip 6 Salchow support 7 “Waitress” composer Bareilles 8 “The Planets” composer Holst 9 User of 28-Across 10 Speaks from memory 11 Winery fixture 13 Outdoorsy retailer 14 Island thanks 18 Baltic capital 20 “__ Walks in Beauty”: Byron poem 22 Car ad fig. 24 Jackpot, e.g., and a hint to completing four puzzle answers 30 __ generis 32 Western treaty gp. 35 Hwys. 37 Daft Punk, for one

Daily Horoscope

c las s if ieds

FOR RELEASE MARCH 27, 2020

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved

3/27/20

Solution to Thursday’s puzzle

38 Shoe brand first made for an NBA star 40 Happening in film 42 In close combat 43 Hard to work with 44 Sumptuous 45 Allergy medicine discontinued in the U.S. 46 Rotate inward while walking, as one’s foot

3/27/20

47 Gets married 49 Money symbolized by a stylized L 52 Crude dude 53 Northern seabird 55 Afternoon __ 61 John/Rice musical 63 Edge 65 Southeast Asian language 67 PFCs, e.g.

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

Today’s Birthday (03/27/20). Your professional star shines this year. A strong team is fundamental. Launch an important project before getting into home relocation or renovation. Shifting summer plans lead to sweet domesticity. Upgrade your communications and outreach next winter, before embarking on an exciting educational adventure. Discover new terrain. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Go for the gold. A dreamy and lucrative opportunity is within reach. Disciplined and coordinated action gets satisfying results. Make bargains and sign contracts. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Dress for success. Your status is rising naturally. Your past work speaks well for you. Update your resume and presentation. You never know who you’ll meet. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Savor peaceful, natural settings to let your mind wander. Escape from noise or chaos to refresh your spirit. Consider what you want and where you’re going. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Have fun with friends. Discuss dreams, fantasies and wishes. Invent ways to strengthen collaborative efforts for shared gain. Show up for each other. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Forge ahead with a professional project. Dreamy results are possible. A prize long envisioned is within sight. Coordinated teamwork and disciplined efforts pay off. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Get out and explore. You can adapt to changing conditions on the fly. An investigation calls to you. Study your subject in advance. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Collaborate on shared financial decisions and obligations. Communication is essential. Determine your part and then play it. Pull together and amazing results are possible. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Talk about dreams with someone you love. Learn something new about each other. Find a vision that sings to you both; pursue that together. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Love energizes you and lights you up. Instill that juice into your work. Build strength and endurance with physical exercise. Nature and sunlight feed your spirit. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is a 9 -- Follow your heart where it leads. Have fun with special people. Romantic dreams can absolutely come true. Talk about what you would love. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Talk with family and housemates about the domestic changes you want, and then make it happen. Big improvements can come easily, once you’re ready. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Creative and writing projects can get lucrative. Capture your vision into words and images and develop from there. Hone and refine. Share your message.