You may have seen or heard the news earlier this week that Brian Kelly’s former employer, the University of Cincinnati, canceled their annual spring game. Word has now come that one of college football’s blue-bloods has joined the club as the University of Michigan has canceled their annual spring football game.
It’s surprising that it’s the first big-time college football program to do so but it’s not that hard to understand. Liability to that many thousands is one thing. It may pain Notre Dame fans but I’m not going to be surprised if Notre Dame announces something similar in the coming days.
However, Michigan went even a step further. From the University of Michigan press release:
For the health and safety of all involved, Michigan will not be allowing coaches to conduct off-campus recruiting activities or host recruits on official or unofficial campus visits during this time period.
This is the most noteworthy item. It’s one thing to not have a meaningless game and risk liability to the thousands upon thousands who would pay to attend. It’s another when you cut off allowing coaches to recruit in-person. To my understanding, they’re the first school that has taken this step.
It’s not often I say this but props to Michigan. They’re out ahead of this instead of reacting. Even if you aren’t one who thinks the threats of coronavirus are as severe as have been led on, they’re being proactive instead of waiting to cover up potential mistakes later and that’s worthy of praise in these crazy times.