Just last week, it looked like college football was going to proceed with caution in 2020. However, over the weekend, reports suggested an ‘inevitable’ cancellation of the upcoming season.
On Sunday, players all across the country led by Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence began an online movement about wanting to move forward with the 2020 season.
Let’s work together to create a situation where we can play the game that all of us love. Not divide and argue. There is a way forward
— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) August 9, 2020
On Monday, the #WeWantToPlay movement began gaining some steam as players, coaches, athletic directors and politicians were unified in their support of a 2020 season.
LSU athletic director Scott Woodward released a statement in support of a 2020 season.
[lawrence-related id=9961]
Alabama coach Nick Saban weighed in with his support, per Chris Low of ESPN.
I want to play, but I want to play for the players’ sake, the value they can create for themselves. I know I’ll be criticized no matter what I say, that I don’t care about player safety. Look, players are a lot safer with us than they are running around at home. We have around a 2% positive ratio on our team since the Fourth of July. It’s a lot higher than that in society. We act like these guys can’t get this unless they play football. They can get it anywhere, whether they’re in a bar or just hanging out.
Saban wasn’t the only SEC coach to speak up. Florida coach Dan Mullen took to his Twitter account to voice his support for a 2020 season.
I am so proud of our players. Their commitment to medical guidelines to stay safe has showed their resolve in preparing the right way for the season. They deserve to play this fall. They have worked so hard for this. Let’s fight for them and find a way. #WeWantToPlay
— Dan Mullen (@CoachDanMullen) August 10, 2020
[lawrence-related id=9830]
Mississippi State coach Mike Leach also chimed in.
I think I’m not supposed to say anything, but I’m not a big fan. I think we need to make sure that we’re right and we’re following the science on (COVID-19). People want to live their lives (in the) sand we need to aggressively pursue that as much as we can. Right now college football hasn’t decided whether they’re the dog or the vehicle. They don’t know if they’re going to stay.
It’s clear the voices of the players, coaches and athletic directors are being heard, but will it be enough to save football this fall?