iStock/Big 10
After multiple reports on Monday suggested that the Big Ten was set to cancel its college football season after 12 of 14 school officials voted in favor of doing so, the conference officially made the announcement on Tuesday afternoon.
All fall sports have been postponed due to “ongoing health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.” The other fall sports included in this announcement are men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball.
“The mental and physical health and welfare of our student-athletes has been at the center of every decision we have made regarding the ability to proceed forward,” said Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren in the announcement. “As time progressed and after hours of discussion with our Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee, it became abundantly clear that there was too much uncertainty regarding potential medical risks to allow our student-athletes to compete this fall.”
The conference is hopeful that sports can be played in the spring.
“The fall sports included in this announcement are men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. The Big Ten Conference will continue to evaluate a number of options regarding these sports, including the possibility of competition in the spring. Decisions regarding winter and spring sports will also continue to be evaluated.”
Reports have also suggested that the PAC-12 is set to follow in the footsteps of the Big Ten and cancel all fall sports seasons.
Now all eyes turn to the other three Power 5 conferences yet to make a decision on fall sports. The SEC is still looking to play football this fall and is even looking to add Big 12 and ACC teams willing to join the conference for the upcoming season, according to reports.
Related: Ohio State Football Player, Coach Want Buckeyes To Join SEC If Big Ten Cancels Season