Big Ten commissioner’s letter lays out impending plans for fall season

The Big Ten is considering all of its possible options for 2020 fall sports.

The Big Ten was one of the first Division I conferences to announce a conference-only schedule for fall sports, but a letter from commissioner Kevin Warren to all Big Ten athletic directors makes it clear that the conference’s plans to play this season are not set in stone. In his letter, Warren laid out the considerations on the table for health and safety protocols, scheduling and participation options.

Warren emphasized that the Big Ten is prioritizing the health and safety of its student-athletes and team personnel above all other factors, and openly stated that the conference could still decide to cancel the fall season. He acknowledged that the delays in decision-making are frustrating for those involved in fall sports, but the conference is making the right call in moving slowly. Just look at Clemson, which had dozens of positive COVID-19 tests after starting preseason training in June.

The Big Ten is one of the only Power 5 conferences to float the serious possibility of cancellation. Prominent coaches like LSU’s Ed Orgeron have insisted that they must and will play football this season, but that kind of thinking could put thousands of student-athletes across the country at risk. Obviously no school wants to lose football revenue, or the ability to play sports in general, but conferences need to take the risk of coronavirus seriously.

Per Warren’s letter, the Big Ten will be releasing both its schedule for the fall season and its safety and health protocols within the next week. Currently, the conference is planning to begin competition in September, but Warren emphasized the importance of flexibility and the variety of options being considered based on ever-changing medical advice.

While all of this uncertainty can’t be easy for athletes who just want to compete, but it’s reassuring to know that the Big Ten is clearly prioritizing taking care of its athletes. As painful as it would be to see more seasons get canceled, it would be far worse to see college kids getting seriously sick from competing. No sport is worth putting lives on the line.