The Case To Play:
Many of the players themselves have been very vocal on their desire to play this fall, whether it’s for love of the game, or trying to get pro-exposure only they know. The general sense is everybody around the nation, from players to fans to university personnel all want the season to go on. The NCAA could take a similar approach to the NFL with consistent testing plans and potentially incorporate masks into the players facemasks.
Although those methods offer some protection from virus-exposure, they cannot entirely stop the spread of virus. The NCAA will likely search for as many approaches as possible to try and keep their billion dollar per year industry from sitting out this year. Without a season, we could see many of the smaller universities bite the bullet and cut sports programs. A fall without college football could decimate non-power five school’s athletic programs.
The Case To Not Play:
Playing this fall would potentially be asking players to put their lives and their families lives in danger with near nothing in return. The players cannot be paid to play, which is the main factor differentiating college and pro sports situations. Many top players in the NCAA who know they’ll be drafted have no reason to play, why should they be asked to risk their lives or career when they get nothing in return?
In a sport where players are hitting and breathing on each other for 60 minutes straight there is bound to be cases. Keep in mind, these players are on college campuses where they interact with other students and faculty on a daily basis. A bubble-system is unrealistic considering the size of rosters, and distance between teams. The players could take every precaution and still contract the virus. Once someone tests positive what will be the protocol? Will the team’s season be done? Will just one player have to sit out? When it comes to College Football this fall there might simply be too many uncertainties and risks to play.
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