Ohio State football: Waivers are for OSU to cover their butts

The Ohio State football team had to sign waivers before voluntary workouts started. These waivers are only to cover the university legally, but that might not be a bad thing.

Before any Ohio State football player was able to step foot into the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, they had to sign a waiver. That waiver, which was also signed by their parents, is a two-page document that basically says that the university cannot completely protect them from Covid-19.

This waiver was termed a “pledge” by Athletic Director Gene Smith. If you do not adhere to the pledge, which includes practicing social distancing, wearing a mask during non-football activities, and having regular temperature checks, you may not be able to play.

This so-called “pledge” is nothing more than a waiver to cover the behinds of the university. It makes it so the players can’t sue the university for negligence if they test positive for the virus. It’s desguised as a pledge so that people don’t think of it as a legally binding document.

Just because it is a legally binding document doesn’t make it a bad thing. In fact, this was probably a necessary step to ensure the football season actually occurs this season. Smith is making sure that all of his bases are covered for himself, the university, and now his players.

This very well could start a trend across the country. I would very much expect other universities to enact a similar philosophy. A waiver is the only way to ensure that the season starts on time or is even played at all. Ohio State is just ahead of everyone else.

Calling it a “pledge” as a disguise is a little bit of a bad look. I understand that no one likes to be held by a legally binding document, especially kids who don’t get any compensation in return for their play. But trying to hide exactly what this is won’t help anyone.

While a waiver is probably the only way to make sure the season happens, I’m a little uneasy about what happens if a player isn’t comfortable with the stipulations that are set. It almost seems like he has no choice to sign it. If he doesn’t he won’t play. That doesn’t seem quite right.

I don’t have the right answer on how it should be done. Perhaps this is the best way right now. Either way, every Buckeye player has signed it and is ready to prepare for the season at hand.