Glasgow Rocks have revealed their American contingent have turned down the chance to fly home to avoid a coronavirus crackdown.
With long waits at airports after US authorities imposed testing on all arrivals – and travel restrictions from the UK now into place – several British Basketball League teams, including Worcester, Newcastle, Manchester, Leicester and Sheffield, allowed their Stateside contingent to fly home on Monday on compassionate grounds.
It is still expected that the league will opt to cancel its season with a decision to be made on whether Glasgow, who are in top spot, are named as title winners by default.
Other countries, including Ireland, have opted to name the league leader at the point of suspension as champion. The Rocks’ case, however, will be complicated by having played more games than anyone else in the BBL – albeit with fewer defeats than their rivals.
But head coach Vincent Lavandier claimed his imports want to remain at the Emirates Arena until their fate is determined.
The Frenchman said: “They want to win the championship first. And here we are a Team United. All players will come on Tuesday for practice. And we want to be champion.â€
But with crowd restrictions now in place in Scotland, and other sides short-handed, BBL sources indicated they will call time once when its board meets on Tuesday morning..
And league chairman Sir Rodney Walker said: “No doubt there will be new advice coming out and we will respond and take appropriate action at that stage.â€
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