|
The Air Force Academy has canceled all athletic events because of a federal government shutdown that began overnight. "Due to the government shutdown, all Air Force Academy home and away intercollegiate athletic events have been cancelled until further notice," the academy said in a statement. "In the event a solution is reached, the Academy will work to reschedule as many missed events as possible." Among the events scheduled for Saturday were men's and women's basketball games against Fresno State. The Falcons also had been set for competition in men's swimming, women's swimming, men's ice hockey, men's gymnastics and rifle. A Navy sports information director said the school is still playing its events Saturday, while the Army also issued a statement saying the Black Knights would play their games as scheduled. Navy's and Army's athletic teams are affiliated with their respective military organizations but do not use government funding, unlike the Air Force. The shutdown began Saturday at midnight ET, when U.S. senators could not reach a resolution to continue funding the federal government. The American Forces Network, which broadcasts American radio and television programming in Europe and other locations outside the U.S., put a message on its Facebook page that said its services would not be available "due to the government shutdown.'' The notice sparked a series of angry reactions from viewers, with several noting that the timing couldn't have been worse: The NFL conference championships will be played Sunday. "During NFL PLAYOFFS?!'' one post read. "AFN, start a GoFundMe & broadcast these games! Make it happen!'' NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said military members could watch the conference championship games at USO Centers overseas for free. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
|
