Big Ten Postpones Fall Sports, NU Responds

The Big Ten announced today it has postponed the fall season for all sports, including all regular season contests and Big Ten Championships and Tournaments, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those sports, including football and volleyball, could still be played at some point, possibly next spring. 

In a news release announcing it was postponing fall sports, Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren said  “it became abundantly clear that there was too much uncertainty regarding potential medical risks to allow our student-athletes to compete this fall.” 

The Big Ten’s release, which said “decisions regarding winter and spring sports will also continue to be evaluated” was posted on huskers.com. 

It was followed by a statement from UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green, President Ted Carter, Athletic Director Bill Moos and Head Football Coach Scott Frost.  It reads: 

“We are very disappointed in the decision by the Big Ten Conference to postpone the fall football season, as we have been and continue to be ready to play.  Safety comes first.  Based on the conversations with our medical experts, we continue to strongly believe the absolute safest place for our student athletes is within the rigorous safety protocols, testing procedures, and the structure and support provided by Husker Athletics.  We will continue to consult with medical experts and evaluate the situation as it emerges.  We hope it may be possible for our student athletes to have the opportunity to compete.”