CANNON TO HEAD BBL COVID FIGHT

The BBL and WBBL are to get their first ever Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Peter Cannon, MA BM BCh FRCS MRCGP, a General Practitioner who is also a member of the National Medical Commission for England Boxing, will support the Leagues’ Covid-19 return to play protocols and management.

He said: “I am thrilled to be joining the BBL and WBBL team. I have immediately been impressed by their work around managing Covid-19 risk for a return to training and competition. Basketball is such an important sport in local communities and sport is an integral part of wellbeing on individual and collective levels. Never has the need to restore the morale in our communities been more pressing.  I look forward to helping basketball to play its part.”

There has been some criticism of the protocols put in place, particularly for the WBBL which does not have a Covid testing regime.

Great Britain forward Hannah Shaw has questioned the league’s decision to keep on playing.

“Teams aren’t testing players and we are travelling/playing all over the country,” she said on Twitter. “Can we shut down and for a little while and try to have something salvageable in a few months?”

Cannon’s prime task will be to offer reassurance as well as support for the ongoing battle to keep the leagues as Covid-secure as possible.

Andy Webb, BBL Chief Operating Officer, said: “His expertise and advice will be integral as we continue to ensure best Covid-19 safe practice for the health and well-being of our players and staff across both the BBL and WBBL.”