Big Ten Cancels 2020-21 Fall Sports, Including Football

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

Just days after releasing the revamped conference-only football schedule for the 2020 season, the Big Ten has officially postponed all fall sports, football included. After 48 hours of speculation and rumors, the conference released a statement on Tuesday afternoon.

“The Big Ten Conference announced the postponement of the 2020-21 fall sports season, including all regular-season contests and Big Ten Championships and Tournaments, due to ongoing health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In making its decision, which was based on multiple factors, the Big Ten Conference relied on the medical advice and counsel of the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Committee.

"Our primary responsibility is to make the best possible decisions in the interest of our students, faculty and staff," said Morton Schapiro, Chair of the Big Ten Council of Presidents/Chancellors and Northwestern University President.

"We know how significant the student-athlete experience can be in shaping the future of the talented young women and men who compete in the Big Ten Conference. Although that knowledge made this a painstaking decision, it did not make it difficult. While I know our decision today will be disappointing in many ways for our thousands of student-athletes and their families, I am heartened and inspired by their resilience, their insightful and discerning thoughts, and their participation through our conversations to this point. Everyone associated with the Big Ten Conference and its member institutions is committed to getting everyone back to competition as soon as it is safe to do so."”

The fall sports that have been postponed include football, cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. The Big Ten announced that they are continuing to evaluate their options, including holding a season of some sort in the spring of 2021.

As of Tuesday afternoon, there are reports and public statements that the SEC and ACC are planning on playing this fall but their plans would change if the advice from their medical advisory boards indicate a change is needed.

The full statement from the conference can be found at IUHoosiers.com

Indiana athletic director Scott Dolson released the following statement as well:

“I am heartbroken by today’s news of the postponement of the Big Ten fall sports schedule. As a lifelong Hoosier and IU sports fan I am disappointed that we won’t be able to enjoy seeing our teams compete, but I am most devastated for our students.  They invest an enormous amount of time, effort, and energy for the opportunity to represent IU on the field. But as difficult as it is to absorb, I am confident it is the right decision. Throughout this process, the Big Ten Conference has made the health and safety of our students, staffs, and communities the No. 1 concern and priority. Today, our medical experts believe it is not currently safe to take the next step to participating in intercollegiate competitions. I continue to appreciate Commissioner Kevin Warren for his leadership and guidance through these unprecedented times. We will continue to focus on the development of our students academically, athletically, and personally as we move forward.”

We will update this story as further developments occur.