Read on Twitter
I was recently told that the NCAA has left the decision of how to confront COVID-19 to each individual state, meaning each school defers to plans promulgated by their state’s govt. And when I asked why, I was told, “because that’s the way it has to be.”
I’m still confused. (1) it’s clearly not true that it has to be that way. (Two weeks ago Morehouse decided that they aren’t competing this fall.) (2) the NCAA is not a govt. entity, so not sure why it “has” to be the case that member schools defer to states?
I understand not doing anything prematurely or before states open, but doesn& #39;t the org exist to protect SAs? Can’t they protect beyond state regs?
I mean, I guess I’m pretty sure I know why they decided to go this way... The @NCAA is member-led and this is a good way to pass the buck.
I also think it& #39;s strange that some athletic depts are not engaging in advocacy in governor’s offices w/r/t reopening. Like @whatwouldDOOdo said, “sports are like the reward of a functioning society.”
It presumably is in a school’s best interest for safe reopening b/c that means fans get to go to games and schools get more money! (And I really want to go to games. My former teammates and I were supposed to have a reunion this year!)
So you’d think schools want to ensure states are opening safely & not too early.
(I’d love to know if there are any state or federal laws that prohibit this kind of advocacy. I think no b/c I’ve seen some college coaches do COVID-19 vids w/ governors.)
(I’d love to know if there are any state or federal laws that prohibit this kind of advocacy. I think no b/c I’ve seen some college coaches do COVID-19 vids w/ governors.)
I was waiting for the announcement from the Ivy League before I published this thread. I think the league& #39;s decision could be persuasive, but I also think that Power-5 schools will try to go their own way b/c they bring in much more athletic money than the Ivies.
Anyway, would have been cool to see a Power-5 school (or multiple schools) to lead on this. It would have been a great statement about how money is not worth this risk. But I& #39;m sure they& #39;ll continue digging their feet in.
I also want to add that they didn& #39;t have to cancel the season! Someone could have led by delaying their start or reducing the number of games.
I don& #39;t think anyone is surprised, after watching the way this country handled COVID from February–May, that we are where we are and things are unlikely to greatly improve in the next 2 months.
