If there’s been any governor in this country that’s led the charge on what it looks like to put measures in place to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, it was Ohio’s Mike DeWine. He acted swiftly, decisively, and did it all in knowing he would probably face staunch criticism.
Since then, many states have followed his lead, but now things are slowly beginning to reopen in a bit of a patchwork sort of way. That means many are starting to think about — and even put forth plans — on how to bring sports back.
All that being said, this virus is in charge and charting the course for everyone. We’re still learning, and many are wondering whether things will be in good enough shape to have college football this fall.
And in Columbus, that means Ohio State football. A big business, but also one with a passionate fanbase that is very concerned about being able to watch their beloved Buckeyes this fall.
So, maybe you might be interested in this little nugget. The governor, the one in charge of social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and plans to reopen and remain that way has renewed his Ohio State football tickets for this fall.
According to an article by David Briggs of the Toledo Blade, DeWine is actually quite optimistic about the chances of Ohio State football being played when the season rolls around, though he did hedge his bets a little.
Gov. Mike DeWine just renewed his OSU season tickets. I asked if he anticipates Buckeyes will play this fall.
“I would certainly think they could figure out how to do a season…Can we go watch them? I think it's much too early to be making that [call].” https://t.co/C5lEgyeOKg— Dave Briggs (@DBriggsBlade) May 9, 2020
“Well, look, first of all, it’s much, much too early,” DeWine said. “The one thing we’ve found about this virus is there’s a lot we don’t know about it. We’re going to have respect for it.”
But what does he think will happen?
“I would certainly think they could figure out how to do a season,” he said, before adding the obvious caveat. “Can we go watch them? I think it’s much too early to be making that [decision].”
Take all of that for what you will, but at least there seems to be a thought from Ohio’s governor that we’ll see Ohio State football this year. What that looks like remains to be seen, but as Jim Carey said in Dumb and Dumber … “So, you’re saying there’s a chance?”