Big Ten Football: Presidents know what’s best for players?

Big Ten Presidents should be proud of themselves. They have managed to do what wars and other epidemics couldn’t, postpone the football season.

The University Presidents have voted, and as everybody knows by now the Big Ten football season has been postponed. Just think, epidemics. WWI, WWII and other conflicts and wars couldn’t stop member teams from playing football since the Big Ten Conference was formed.

Now the Presidents, many of whom never set foot in a locker room when they were in college I’m sure, have accomplished that feat. The sad thing is, these intellectuals went against the wishes of the players they are supposedly protecting.

It’s been widely reported the vast majority of college football players want to suit up on Saturdays. Why not let them?

It was already determined players who wanted to opt out of the season could do so without losing their scholarship or eligibility, so those who want to play should be able to. Nobody is forcing them to hit the gridiron.

And the players have as safe and secure environment as possible if member schools are taking steps like the Ohio State football program has been. It’s been widely reported Ryan Day and the entire staff are bending over backwards to ensure the facilities are extremely sanitary and proper protocols are followed.

And if a player contracts the CoronaVirus, it will be caught quickly with regular testing and he will receive outstanding medical care. Let’s look at the situation now that the Presidents voted to cancel the fall season.

The players will have plenty of free time on their hands with less structure. Just think back to when you were 18-22 years old and had time on your hands. Did you ever go anywhere you shouldn’t or do something you now regret?

I was in the Navy when I was that age and on a ship at sea it was a structured environment, but things changed when we hit port. It seemed like one sailor was often going places or doing things he wasn’t supposed to.

I know that college football players are far more disciplined than I was, but they are young and like to have fun. With free time don’t you think they will venture into places where they may catch the virus?

In any event, the players’ thoughts should have been given more weight than they were. Unfortunately it seems as though those in the Ivory Towers thought they knew better without getting input from players, coaches and others in their football programs. If they did and ignored it, that’s even worse.