The Big Ten continues to confuse us as reports today surfaced surrounding the discussion of a football season that could come earlier than we expected.
Earlier this morning, Jeff Potrykus, a Wisconsin writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, reported that a Thanksgiving start date was on the table as the Big Ten decides how and when to play football this year.
Big Ten working on a plan that could feature football starting Thanksgiving weekend. https://t.co/23hspABzKV
— Journal Sentinel (@journalsentinel) August 28, 2020
Based on additional reports, including one from Nicole Auerbach of The Athletic, a Thanksgiving restart is not the focus, although is a possibility that is being discussed. The focus remains on trying to play around January, although multiple start dates are on the table at this extremely early point in the process.
Sports Illustrated reporter Pat Forde said that a source described the early process as “a circus.”
One source described the situation as “a circus,” and said some coaches won’t listen to their presidents. “Everyone is pushing their own interests.”
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) August 28, 2020
At this early stage, that seems to be an appropriate word to use to describe balancing the interests Commissioner Kevin Warren, university leaders, athletic directors, and players. There are still many options on the table, and little traction has been made on any concrete decision surrounding when Big Ten football will resume.