Six State Leaders Ask Big Ten to Reconsider Football Delay

Leaders of six state legislatures have sent a letter to Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren asking the conference to reconsider its decision to postpone the fall football season. 

Nebraska is not represented in the letter, which is written on the letterhead of Michigan House Speaker Leo Chatfield and also signed by statehouse leaders from Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio and Pennsylvania. 

The letter says: “Recent actions taken by other conferences around the country to start football and other fall sports have placed the Big Ten, its members and students at a disadvantage.”  The letter also says the situation is even more frustrating because “Big Ten athletic programs are leading the way by providing outstanding health and safety protocols.” 

The conference, and Warren in particular, have received strong pushback since the postponement of fall sports was announced.  Eight Nebraska players filed a lawsuit.