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I'm am really surprised by how many smart people are freaking out over the Big12/SEC/ACC saying they will still play.
There is zero chance those schools get more than a few games in before shutting down as well.
The Big Ten isn't stupid.
There is zero chance those schools get more than a few games in before shutting down as well.
The Big Ten isn't stupid.
The SEC is going to ride this out for public perceptions. Same as the ACC. "We didn't cave like the weak Big Ten" will be their narrative for the next few weeks.
Until they have to have full contact practices. Then they'll cancel too. Because they all have lawyers.
Until they have to have full contact practices. Then they'll cancel too. Because they all have lawyers.
And as far as the "why don't they sign a waiver" crowd, you do understand that asking unpaid athletes to sign a waiver releasing the school from responsibility IF THEY DIE from a known pandemic probably won't hold up in court, right?
Also, the NCAA banned said waivers.
Also, the NCAA banned said waivers.
The only possible way college football will be played for a full season during a pandemic is to have athletes in a bubble.
If the only sport you watch is college football, you may think them going to the facility and then going back to their dorm is a bubble.
But it isn't.
If the only sport you watch is college football, you may think them going to the facility and then going back to their dorm is a bubble.
But it isn't.
The NBA and NHL have true bubbles. They have food, entertainment options, and recreation activities all on site. No one allowed in without a quarantine. Tested every day. And no one leaves.
If one football player stops to get gas in their car, the bubble is broken.
If one football player stops to get gas in their car, the bubble is broken.
So, without college football conferences putting every player, coach, and team manager in a hotel for four months and then banning them from leaving, it's not a bubble.
Ohio State would be willing to do that, and can afford it. Can all of their opponents?
Ohio State would be willing to do that, and can afford it. Can all of their opponents?
One other thought - how many players would be willing to go without seeing girlfriends, best friends, roommates, family members, and others for four months in a bubble?
I know Justin Fields would. Would the backup punter? On every team in the Big Ten? And every conference?
I know Justin Fields would. Would the backup punter? On every team in the Big Ten? And every conference?
Obviously, the bubble solution is impossible without negotiating. But since college players have no union, and they can't have players sign a waiver, what other option is there?
The option was to risk players health, with no legal protection for the schools. Not happening.
The option was to risk players health, with no legal protection for the schools. Not happening.
The Big Ten and Pac 12 have done the only thing they can do, outside of a bubble. Perhaps that's because they know a bubble system would basically undo amateurism forever.
Maybe they just knew it would be way too damn difficult.
Either way, it's the only logical conclusion.
Maybe they just knew it would be way too damn difficult.
Either way, it's the only logical conclusion.
Meanwhile, the other conferences are playing a PR game. They want to look "tough", I guess.
They know they won't risk the liability. That are holding out for PR reasons, at best. And in a few weeks, they will cite "emerging health concerns" or some BS. Because they know.
They know they won't risk the liability. That are holding out for PR reasons, at best. And in a few weeks, they will cite "emerging health concerns" or some BS. Because they know.
Finally, I hate all of this. I hate that my kids' dance recitals got cancelled.
They worked hard all year, and ended up dancing in our house on a glorified Zoom call for 5 mins. It was miserable.
My kids had to grow up quick during this pandemic. Some in CFB need to as well.
They worked hard all year, and ended up dancing in our house on a glorified Zoom call for 5 mins. It was miserable.
My kids had to grow up quick during this pandemic. Some in CFB need to as well.
