A group of more than 60 parents of Iowa football players has sent a letter to Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren asking for an explanation as to why the fall football season has been postponed.
The letter comes three days after the presidents and chancellors of the conference voted that all bankruptcy sports should be put on hold due to medical concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The letter was delivered to the Big Ten’s office in Rosemont, Ill., On Friday by Kristin and Phil Spiewak, the parents of Iowa longtime snapper Austin Spiewak.
“We need answers to key health questions,” Stuart Duncan, the father of kicker Keith Duncan, posted on Twitter. “There is zero information shared and no transparency.”
Gary Koerner, the father of Iowa security Jack Koerner, posted on Twitter:
The parents noted in the letter that the Big Ten made their decision six days after the release of the 10-game club-only football schedule and the medical protocols for the season.
“Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren followed that up by saying ‘I have a son who is a football student athlete at the SEC in Mississippi State. And, so I asked myself as a father, I would be nice to him to in the Big Ten based on the test policies, protocols and procedures we have in place? And as of today, the answer is yes, ” the parents noted. “Six days later, Commissioner Warren and Council of Presidents canceled and Chancellors bankruptcy sports competition. What has changed? “
Conference officials, including Warren, noted the fact that athletes who have the COVID-19 virus can suffer from myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle.
In the letter, the parents stated, “Anyone who tests positive MAY have an increased risk of this condition and the CDC shows that just over 3 percent of infected people have a problem so far. Dr. Andy Peterson, team doctor from Iowa, states, ‘There are other viruses that cause myocarditis, such as flu in winter and things like that.’
“Footballers, like all athletes of all contact sports, are well aware of the risks involved. They are educated about those risks and accept the consequences of those risks when they step on the field. Risks such as paralysis, infectious disease, cardiovascular and respiratory problems become Reported by the CDC.Further risks include hearing loss, which leads to depression, anxiety, aggression, personality changes, increased risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, CTE and other brain disorders.However, the individuals who accept these risks – our sons – never consulted, heard of, or even considered in the Big Ten’s decision to cancel the season. No medical findings or expert advice have ever been shared. “
The parents also pointed out that the Big Ten universities will have students on campus this fall and attend classes.
The players exposed to potential risk of COVID-19, risks where they have already been exposed to the flu, it is not acceptable for their school and conference to remove this in meetings behind closed doors and they still expose and all students and staff around the same risks are staggering – and suggests a president that is completely unacceptable, “the letter stated. “The Big Ten’s lack of communication and leadership is offensive.
“There is still time to do this correctly – to involve the athletic directors, coaches and game representatives. To allow them input, the ability to ask questions, to provide medical information that allows players to accept or exclude the opportunity of the mentioned risks, simply because they have the opportunity to deal with all the other risks associated with contact sports. “
Among the requests of the parents:
- A meeting with Warren and committee members with “meaningful and in-depth statements to a group of representatives that includes parents, players and coaches.”
- To be able to ask questions and “get immediate answers, and have a sense in decision making.”
- To view a complete action plan, including protocols and security measures.
The parents asked for a reaction from the Big Ten on August 19th.
“There is time to repair the crimes and emerge as leaders,” the letter stated. “We strongly encourage the Big Ten to revisit the fall college football season, develop a plan of meaningful action and allow these young adults to be involved in decision-making.”
