The SEC’s medical advisory group gave the conference presidents the green light to prepare them for the college football season this fall, according to Commissioner Greg Sankey.
“Our medical advisory group said, ‘Yes, we can move forward,'” Sankey told the Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. “Should that advice change, this would certainly be a stopping point.”
Sankey added, “We have not made a final decision, but we have set a start date. I would therefore be encouraged.”
He also said fans should play a role in whether the upcoming college football campaign will continue.
“It is very important in our part of the country that the fans of college football are part of solving the health problem … masks, hygiene, social distance,” said Sankey, per Dave Matter of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
On Monday, shortly after a report that the Big ten has plans to cancel his football season, Sankey addressed the uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic:
… Protocols for developed tests … We know that concerns remain. We’ve never had a FB season in a COVID-19 environment. Can we play? I do not know. We have not stopped trying. We support, educate and care for student-athletes every day, and will continue to do so … every day.
– Greg Sankey (@GregSankey) August 10, 2020
The SEC recently announced its COVID-19 protocols and guidelines for the 2020 season. They include at least two coronavirus tests per week and require coaches to wear face cover on the sidelines during games.
The conference also recently released two additional matchups for each team as part of their conference-only pandemic customized schedule.
