By The Associated Press

Southern Heritage cancels game

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Southern Heritage Classic canceled the Sept. 12 game scheduled between Tennessee State and Jackson State in the first known Division I cancellation because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I know this is a great disappointment to many who consider SHC one of the major highlights of the year,” founder Fred Jones said in Wednesday’s announcement. “The health and safety of our attendees along with that of our staff, sponsors, and others is a top priority.”

It is the second cancellation in three years for the Southern Heritage Classic, which is played at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis. The 2018 game was called due to weather.

Officials are offering refunds, and Jones said he encourages following safety and social distancing precautions so everyone can return to usual activities as soon as possible.

The Liberty Bowl is home to the Memphis Tigers, and Memphis officials issued a statement saying they were made aware of the “difficult decision” to cancel this year’s Southern Heritage Classic. Memphis said it expects to have only season-ticket holders at home games this season. No single-game ticket sales are planned.

Kick Off game pushed back

HOUSTON — The Texas Kickoff game between Ole Miss and Baylor was moved back a day.

Game officials said it will be played on Sunday, Sept. 6 at Houston’s NRG Stadium instead of that Saturday.

It’s scheduled to be part of ESPN’s Labor Day weekend opening schedule.

Both teams are led by new head coaches, the Rebels’ Lane Kiffin and the Bears’ Dave Aranda. It’s the fifth edition of the Texas Kickoff on the holiday weekend.

It will be the second time in the last three years Ole Miss has opened the season in the kickoff game. It will be Baylor’s first appearance.

Players pledge $1M for minors

NEW YORK — Major leaguers committed $1 million to support minor leaguers whose leagues appear unlikely to start this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Major League Baseball Players Trust, a not-for-profit affiliate of the Major League Baseball Players Association, made the announcement.

Players with big league contracts received up to $286,500 each in salary advances from MLB, and players with minor league deals got $400 weekly allowances from MLB through May. Many teams have extended the allowances.

In addition, about 370 players with major league service who were at spring training with minor league contracts received advance payments of up to $50,000 each from the union.