Let’s hope this isn’t a sign of things to come, but arguably the Big Ten’s best receiver has announced his plans to sit out the 2020 college football season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minnesota receiver Rashod Bateman won the Big Ten’s Receiver of the Year in 2020 and is projected to be an NFL first-round pick in the 2021 draft. He took to Instagram to declare his plans on Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, in light of the uncertainty on the health and safety with the COVID-19 pandemic, I have set my wishes aside for the wellness of my family, community and beyond,” Bateman said in a social media video. “Because of this I have decided to opt-out of the 2020 college football season. I will be taking the next steps in my journey by declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft. Minnesota will forever be a place I was lucky enough to call home. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I love you all.”
Rashod Bateman, a projected first-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, announced he will skip his 2020 season at Minnesota "for the wellness of my family, community and beyond." https://t.co/kgVl4bqING
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) August 4, 2020
Bateman finished his 2019 campaign with 60 receptions for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was named AP Third Team All-America in addition to helping lead the Golden Gophers to an 11-2 season.
So far, there haven’t been a slew of high-profile players opt-out of the upcoming season, but we have seen similar decisions from Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley and Illinois running back Ra’Von Bonner.
So far, no player from Ohio State has elected to do the same, but we’ll keep tabs on it.
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