(Radio Iowa) — The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission failed to take action on legalizing the betting on E-sports last week after a legal opinion that the state’s gambling law did not allow it. The president of the Iowa Gaming Association, Wes Ehrecke, says the 19-state licensed casinos will work to get state lawmakers to change the law. “We want to go back and visit with a lot of those key legislative leaders and legislators who help support legalizing sports wagering to see if they will include E-sports as another viable option that could be wagered upon,” Ehrecke says.

The Iowa Legislature is back in Des Moines after suspending the session as the coronavirus outbreak took off. He says they will start talks with lawmakers now. “Take the opportunity while they are in session or back to mention what has occurred and at least heighten their awareness to see what might be available — planting the seed at the very least for future opportunities,” Ehrecke says. Ehrecke is not sure lawmakers would have time to take up the issue with all they have going on this year. If not, they would shoot for getting the law change in the next session. He says the goal is to get it passed and authorized.

The I-R-G-C did approve betting on sports games involving E-sports — which is allowed in the gambling law — while direct betting on E-sports is not.

(Radio Iowa) — The University of Northern Iowa began welcoming athletes back to campus beginning today with veteran football players. It is part of a staggered process that will have all athletes back by the end of the month. UNI athletic director David Harris.

Harris says athletes will be monitored daily.

Harris believes bringing back sports at different times is the safest approach.

Panther football coach Mark Farley says about 60 percent of the tream has returned and with it comes a responsibility.

Farley says they will take extra precautions to make sure players are separated as much as possible.

Farley is more confident there will be a complete season with fans but it is not what the team is focused on.

Here is the latest Mid-America sports news from The Associated Press

UNDATED (AP) — Iowa football players returned to campus to prepare for voluntary workouts amid an uproar. Former players over the past several days alleged systemic racism and other mistreatment in the program. The team’s strength coach, Chris Doyle, has been placed on administrative leave and coach Kirk Ferentz’s leadership was called into question. About two dozen current players took to social media to voice messages of unity. None complained directly about his treatment.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska says receiver JD Spielman has put his name into the transfer portal. Spielman is the first player to put together three straight 800-yard receiving seasons for the Cornhuskers and leaves No. 3 in career receptions and yards. Nebraska coach Scott Frost announced in March that Spielman had left the team to deal with an unspecified health matter and probably would miss all of spring practice. Spielman would have been a senior in eligibility this fall. It was unclear if he’s on track to graduate this summer, which would make him immediately eligible at his next school. He is the son of Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman.

NEW YORK (AP) — Over the years, baseball’s amateur draft has featured big hits, bad calls and even back-to-back home runs. Now, it’s about to enter the next phase of an ongoing development — same as all those young prospects who get picked every year. This year’s event, which begins Wednesday night, was slashed from 40 rounds to five because of the coronavirus pandemic. And with more permanent changes possibly coming, including a new home on the horizon, the June draft that began in 1965 might never look the same.