The board of the Big 12 voted on Tuesday evening that their schools can continue the fall 2020 season, the conference announced on Wednesday. The conference also released its 2020 football schedule.
“I am very optimistic about moving forward,” said Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby on Wednesday. “However, we do know that when we get to a point where we are at a crossroads and the information is contraindicated, we can turn quickly to protect student athletes and do something else. “
During a conference call Tuesday evening, the Big 12 presidents and chancellors heard from medical experts before the vote, according to CBS Sports. Before the call, the presidents seemed to be in favor of playing the season.
“The mindset is that it’s too early [to cancel]”Said a Big 12 source to CBS Sports ahead of the meeting.” Unless the medics hit the switch. [we’ll go]. “
Bowlsby said the conference will run “advanced tests” consisting of three tests per week for football and all other “high-contact sports”. He also said that players who test positive and recover will receive adequate heart care as there is mounting evidence that even those with mild COVID-19 cases can suffer Heart damage.
The schedule for the Big 12 conference starts on September 26th, usually the fourth week of the football season. The teams compete in a 10-game season consisting of 9 conference games and one non-conference game each. The annual Red River Showdown between Texas and Oklahoma will be held at the Cotton Bowl on October 10th, although the Texas State Fair has already been canceled.
The SEC is now the only Power Five conference that hasn’t released a full schedule or postponed its football season. The conference seems to be keenly interested in gaming, as the commissioner said the conference’s medical advisory board has announced that it will continue with the fall season, according to CBS Sports. Your season is scheduled to start on September 26th.
The Big Ten and Pac-12 both postponed their fall season on Tuesday due to concerns about the Coronavirus pandemic. The ACC released its schedule on Aug. 6, and an official previously told CBS Sports that the conference “absolutely” intended to play the season.
While not part of the Power Five, the Great East announced on Wednesday that its schools will not hold a 2020 fall season. “The conference will examine alternative options for holding autumn sports competitions in the spring of 2021,” said a statement from the conference. The Mid-American Conference, also not a Power Five member, canceled his season on Saturdayand also said it would look to invent the games in the spring.
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