Covid Restrictions Might Factor Into Avalanche Deaths, Experts Say

By BY JOHN BRANCH from NYT Sports In the first week of February, avalanches in the United States killed at least 14 people, an extraordinarily high number. Experts say one explanation might be increased interest in outdoor activities during the coronavirus pandemic.https://nyti.ms/36Xh3Mn

3 Horses Die in 3 Days at Santa Anita, Prompting Fresh Criticism of Racetrack

By BY NEIL VIGDOR from NYT Sports People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has called on California racing officials to suspend racing at the track.https://nyti.ms/3awDBDM

Senators Call on M.L.B. for More Transparency on Foul Ball Injuries

By BILLY WITZ from NYT Sports Senators Richard Durbin and Tammy Duckworth wrote a letter to Commissioner Rob Manfred urging him to release data on which seats at ballparks are most vulnerable to dangerous line drives.https://nyti.ms/2YHohRZ

‘We Needed to Do Something’: White Sox Unveil Extended Protective Netting

By BILLY WITZ from NYT Sports As baseball comes to grips with a spate of serious fan injuries caused by foul balls, the White Sox took their nets to new lengths on Monday: all the way to each foul pole.https://nyti.ms/30LL1NU

After Fan Is Hit by a Cody Bellinger Foul, Dodgers Say They Are Studying Extra Netting

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS from NYT Sports The team said it would put the recommended changes into effect and extend the netting but provided no timeline or details on possible changes.https://nyti.ms/2Nd9Wbj

Commissioner Rob Manfred Says More Netting Is Not Likely This Season

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS from NYT Sports After a little girl was injured by a foul ball last week, Manfred said conversations about protective netting would continue into the off-season.https://nyti.ms/2IjIRh5

A Foul Ball, an Injured Little Girl and Another Cycle of Anguish Without Answers

By BILLY WITZ from NYT Sports Despite additional netting at baseball parks, spectators remain vulnerable, and some players and fans are wondering what it will take to spur more change.https://nyti.ms/2Igw3aX

On Everest, a Trail of Old and Faulty Oxygen Equipment

By KAI SCHULTZ from NYT Sports Illicitly recycled gear has fueled profits for some expedition companies for years. But after some harrowing failures, Nepal is taking action as Everest climbing season begins.https://nyti.ms/2IDLxZd