The Pac-12 unveiled a united front Tuesday ahead of the conference by the conference’s CEO group to suspend all bankruptcy sports for the remainder of the calendar year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Shortly after the decision was announced, UCLA Athletics Director Martin Jarmond tweeted: “Despite the tremendous efforts of so many, medical experts have advised us that the risk of competing this fall is too important. UCLA Athletics is fully in support of the decision. today.
“No game is worth it to endanger the health of even one person.”
The Pac-12 decision follows the Big Ten, which also postponed the fall sports season. The Big Ten, though, had at least one dissenter when Nebraska officials said they were still looking for a way for the Huskers to play football in 2020.
There was no direct indication one of the Pac-12 schools was looking to go its own way.
UO President Michael Schill, chairman of the conference’s CEO group, said in a webinar with media members that no one in the CEO meeting opposed the decision announced by the Pac-12 on Tuesday.
“There was no big drama,” Schill said. There were no fights. There were no similarities. Probably the biggest disagreement we had was over the wording of the press release. Must be a ‘the’ an ‘a’ – something like that. “
Others on the webinar included Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott, Arizona State Athletic Director Ray Anderson and Dr. Doug Aukerman, the senior associate athletic director of Oregon State for sports medicine.
All claimed that the decision was made for medical reasons, due to concerns about the ongoing spread of the coronavirus and the long-term impact the disease could have on those who contracted it.
Indications have increased that young people, generally less likely to die from COVID-19, may develop viral myocarditis, a heart condition that can lead to premature death.
“Coronavirus is still very prevalent in many of our institutional communities,” Aukerman said. “Due to metrics out there, it is not currently considered to be properly controlled.
“The other issue is that there is some emerging data on some health risks affecting athletes, and specifically cardiac side effects of potential COVID infections that we do not know enough about.”
Anderson said these potential risks have been met by all desire by fans, coaches, athletes and administrators to see Pac-12 athletes compete this fall.
“We knew from the beginning, and especially when we were on the road, this virus would be very fluid,” said Anderson of Arizona State. “That we should be dictated to and regularly guided by science and medicine.
“As it went on, we tried to make adjustments, to change schedules, to adjust the trainings. We want to play the worst way. But not at the risk of health and safety. Then, with this additional information coming out to you, you simply do not have enough to make a decision, especially in contact with sports with these young men and women to put them at risk.
According to Anderson, the Pac-12 decision is for all bankruptcy sports, including cross country, football and volleyball.
It will also affect the start of the winter sports season, which begins before Christmas. Teams will be allowed to practice, but will not play until at least January 1st.
Jill Steele, Oregon assistant athletics director for track and field operations, tweeted her disappointment. While football, soccer and volleyball could be played later in the year, that is unlikely for cross country. Distance rounds often include indoor sports, winter sports, and outdoor running in the spring.
“Just a friendly reminder, football is not the only bankruptcy sport,” Steele tweeted. “TF / XC athletes have meanwhile eliminated short, outdoor and now unexpected XC out. Another difficult day for our student-athletes. Wait until the sun comes up in 2020. ”
Sure, many at the conference feel ambivalent.
In a statement published by Washington State, Athletic Director Patrick Chun said: “While WSU supports this decision, there is deep sadness and disappointment for our bankrupt sports student-athletes, coaches and staff. They are making extraordinary efforts to create an environment committed to health, safety and well-being since their voluntary return in June. “
Cal coach Justin Wilcox said in a statement released by the school: “I am disappointed for our student-athletes that there will be no Pac-12 football season this fall. They have had a great attitude through all this uncertainty. But our ultimate responsibility is to keep everyone involved in our program as healthy and safe as possible. “
– Ken Goe
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