As we all await the news of a cancelled fall season that at this point seems inevitable, athletes, media members, and others have taken to Twitter to voice their thoughts. Among those with strong opinions about cancelling the season is Clemson QB, and likely top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Trevor Lawrence.
Lawrence, as have other notable college athletes, has taken to Twitter to show his support for playing a season.
— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) August 9, 2020
Tonight, he broke his opinions down even further in a series of responses to the crushing news of cancellation.
People are at just as much, if not more risk, if we don’t play. Players will all be sent home to their own communities where social distancing is highly unlikely and medical care and expenses will be placed on the families if they were to contract covid19 (1)
— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) August 9, 2020
Lawrence went on to add context to his risk assessment later in the thread:
“Not to mention the players coming from situations that are not good for them/ their future and having to go back to that,” said the Clemson star. “Football is a safe haven for so many people. We are more likely to get the virus in everyday life than playing football. Having a season also incentivizes. Players being safe and taking all of the right precautions to try to avoid contracting covid because the season/ teammates safety is on the line. Without the season, as we’ve seen already, people will not social distance or wear masks and take the proper precautions.”
While there is clearly momentum among FBS presidents and chancellors, including those in the Big Ten, to cancel the season, there is a very human element to value here for players who are losing out on an opportunity.
No matter your opinion on whether or not college football can/should be played, we can all come together in feeling heartbroken for a group of athletes who are ready to do anything they can to take the field.