There have been plenty of concerns about the college football season because of the coronavirus. It seems conferences are trying to fix schedules to work, but it appears at least one team is not going to participate this year.
The University of Connecticut has announced they will not play the 2020 season. The Huskies were going to play independently this season, so they also didn’t have a conference plan available.
However, just as Notre Dame did, it would’ve been possible to join a conference for this season. They went 2-10 last year for their final year in the AAC.
“After receiving guidance from state and public health officials and consulting with football student-athletes, we’ve decided that we will not compete on the gridiron this season,” UConn athletic director David Benedict said in a news release. “The safety challenges created by COVID-19 place our football student-athletes at an unacceptable level of risk.”
The Huskies seem to be together on this decision. Their head coach, Randy Edsall, said that they listened and engaged with their student-athletes about the decision of whether or not to play.
Players are expressing concerns to opt-out themselves if the team does not do so.
Michigan State DE and Minnesota WR Opt-Out
Jacub Panasiuk, starting defensive end for the Spartans, has opted-out of the 2020 season. He finished last year with 34 tackles and five sacks.
“Our country is facing difficult times with many unanswered questions regarding COVID-19,” Panasiuk wrote. “Unfortunately, with the uncertainty of the effects of COVID-19, I cannot risk my health and safety in order to play football this season.”
The NCAA has plans to continue the season but has announced to schools to let players opt-out. Because of the coronavirus, their scholarships still have to be honored.
Joining him in opting out of the season is Minnesota wide receiver, Rashod Bateman. He is one of the biggest names to announce not to play. He is projected to be a first-round selection in the 2021 season.
He will skip this year and begin preparing for the NFL.
“In light of the uncertainty around health and safety in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have to set my wishes aside for the wellness of my family, community, and beyond,” Bateman said. “Because of this, I have decided to opt-out of the 2020 college football season, and I will be taking the next steps in my journey by declaring for the 2021 NFL draft.”
This could be a growing trend for some of the top prospects in college. If they are already a projected first-round pick, maybe the best decision for them is not to play.
Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck made a statement on how much he will miss having his star wide receiver, but he also respects and supports his players’ decision.
This list is going to grow as the season approaches. This could have an impact on the decision to go ahead with the conference schedules.
