Nebraska publicly decries Big Ten’s decision to cancel fall football

Nebraska leadership denounced the Big Ten’s decision to cancel fall football, arguing that team structure would adequately protect players from COVID-19.

University of Nebraska leadership decried the Big Ten’s choice to cancel the fall football season, making the Cornhuskers the first team to publicly criticize the conference’s decision.

The university’s strong statements implied that conference brass ignored the science behind the decision and expressed optimism that the team could find a way to play football in the fall despite the increasing likelihood that the rest of the Power Five will quickly follow suit.

“We will continue to consult with medical experts and evaluate the situation as it emerges,” a statement from Nebraska’s administration read. “We hope it may be possible for our student-athletes to have the opportunity to compete.”

“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.”

The full statement is co-signed by head coach Scott Frost, athletic director Bill Moos, school president Ted Carter, and university chancellor Ronnie Green. All four were united in condemning the Big Ten’s choice.

Financial ramifications could be the main consideration here. Football brings in more revenue than any other college sport for most schools, and a year without it could have devastating effects on small businesses and the larger university community.

Frost has previously said that canceling the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to harsh consequences from which “the sport may not recover,” per Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports, and Nebraska seems committed to playing despite the Big Ten’s decision.

While Frost and the Nebraska administration appear hell-bent on playing, the decision will likely not be theirs to make. Reports indicate that the Pac-12 has also canceled its season, and the ACC and Big 12 may not be far behind. If both drop out, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has said that his conference would likely do the same.

The unfortunate reality for fans around the country is that college football simply will not be feasible in 2020. There is too much risk surrounding the health and safety of players and their families due to the coronavirus pandemic, and as more conferences cancel their seasons, holdouts like Nebraska will be forced to do the same.

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