Big Ten Finally Reveals Vote to Postpone Fall Sports While Leaving One Giant Question

/
Image: Indiana University

Image: Indiana University

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Twenty days after dropping the axe on fall sports on August 11th, the Big Ten conference revealed how the conference’s presidents voted. It was 11-3 in favor of postponing reportedly with Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio State three votes to play. The information was listed in a brief that was filed by the Big Ten in response to a lawsuit brought against the conference by eight Nebraska players. The news was first reported by The Athletic.

“The response demonstrates that the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors (COP/C): 1) voted to postpone the fall sports season; 2) reached an 11-3 decision which far exceeds the 60% threshold required by the Big Ten’s By-Laws; and based its decision on multiple factors including the medical adevice and counsel of the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Big Ten Sports Medicine Commitee.

“The facts are clear that there was indeed a vote that far exceeded the 60% threshold, and the decision by the COP/C was based on the input of several medical and infectious disease experts in the best interest of the health and wellness of student athletes and the surrounding communities among the 14 member institutions

“The Big Ten Conference continues to share the disappointment that student-athletes and families are feeling. The Big Ten Return to Competition Task Force will continue to be transparent as it actively considers options to get back to competition when it is safe to play” the brief reads.

The Big Ten season was slated to start this week, however the conference will watch from the sidelines as three other Power Five conferences will attempt to play. The vote and this line specifically, “the facts are clear that there was indeed a vote that far exceeded the 60% threshold, and the decision by the COP/C was based on the input of several medical and infectious disease experts in the best interest of the health and wellness of student athletes and the surrounding communities among the 14 member institutions”, beg the question as to why some campuses are open. The 11 Big Ten presidents, including IU President Michael McRobbie, need to explain why it is safe enough to bring tens of thousands of students back to campus, but it is not safe enough to attempt a fall sports season.