"Coronavirus is retiring the handshake. Here’s why that could change sports forever"

The LA Times’ David Wharton got the Column One slot to make a substantial consideration of the hand shake in sports going forward.

A sampler but as always, I recommend hitting the link for the full piece:

“It’s just one thing that should change and probably will change,” University of Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari said on the “BBN Live” show. “The game ends, you point. ‘See you after.’ Call the guy on the phone. These kids stay in touch anyway.”

If the custom fades — and not everyone thinks it will — experts hope something else will take its place.

Contact might not be required, the mere orientation of the hand conveying fundamental information. Think of a friend raising his hand in greeting or people turning their palms upward in exasperation or confusion.

So a simple nod and wave might suffice, or maybe the Hindu greeting of namaste, with hands pressed together as in prayer. When the PGA Tour returns with a tournament next month, officials have asked players to consider “a tip of the cap or an air fist bump or something from a distance.”

“You wouldn’t get the full effect of the actual touch,” Givens said. “But the recognition of another’s physical presence, you’re taking them seriously.”

Air chest bumps have already been a thing in golf.

And maybe Bubba and Chairman Payne were onto something in 2012, minus the face touching.