Following heavy pressure from players, parents, and President Donald Trump, the Big Ten has reversed its decision to postpone college sports until next year.
The announcement made on Wednesday reveals that games will resume starting from the weekend of October 23. The current plan is for each team to participate in an eight-game autumn season.
A unanimous vote by the Council of Presidents and Chancellors on Tuesday led to the decision to restart the program. Just a month earlier, the vote had been 11-3 in favor of delaying the autumn season, with only Ohio State, Iowa, and Nebraska opposing the move. The postponement decision was initially made due to concerns about player and public health and safety amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the capacity for Big Ten teams to play in front of crowds of up to 100,000 for major games, it is likely that teams will either compete in empty stadiums or with limited attendance as long as the virus remains a threat.
This decision was influenced by advocacy from coaches, parents, the US President, and a lawsuit filed by players. Following the re-vote, President Trump was quick to express his support for the decision on Twitter.
The lack of rapid-response COVID-19 testing was a significant factor in the council’s prior decision. However, with the increased availability of such testing, the council organized a re-vote. Starting on September 30, the Big Ten announced the introduction of daily testing for players, coaches, and other staff members.
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