Is Time Running Out for the NCAA?

As the country attempts to cope with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the future of college sports remains cloudy.  Many questions remained unanswered and that is why I’ll start off the same way I ended my last entry by saying all we can do is take it day by day. 

The NCAA is faced with numerous decisions as the 2020-21 college sports season nears.

One thing that all sports fans must remember is that universities are educational institutions before anything else. Even though sports are a main attraction and financial contributor, the general operations of academics and facilities of these schools must be sorted out in a safe manner before sports can continue.  These universities are struggling to come to a common ground as new information surfaces daily.  Many are now questioning whether classes should be held in person or to resume online classes, just as this past spring. Some universities have already made the decision to cancel all in-person classes, with Harvard leading the way. All of their fall classes will be through virtual learning.  Only 40% of students will be able to return to campus, with freshmen and juniors being the exception. This brings up a good question; will there be special exceptions for athletic programs and if so, will it be for all or just a select few? Once again, just more questions that remain unanswered. 

Harvard University to only bring back 40% of all students in the fall.

Virtual learning to remain in place.

Everyone has been largely affected, even the largest, most successful universities in the country.  Clemson University anticipates an estimated $3.68 million in losses from revenue alone.   However, that number could continue to increase if fall sports are not held this season, especially college football.  Clemson’s football program brings in on average $50 million per year to the university.  With that figure alone, it’s safe to say that Clemson and every other Power 5 Conference team hopes there will be a fall sports season this year.  The SEC has yet to make a decision on football, yet they have already postponed the start of all other sports up until at least Aug 31, 2020 thus far.

Many head coaches are now voicing their opinions via Twitter and virtual interviews.  The University of Michigan head football coach, Jim Harbaugh, has faced a lot of scrutiny with his recent comments on the current situation. He mentioned that there is “no expert view,” that proves sports will contribute to the spread of the coronavirus.  In addition, on July 15th, Ed Orgeron, LSU football head coach made headlines by saying “this country needs football,” during a meeting with Vice President Mike Pence in Baton Rouge.  These statements by two prominent figures in the sports world have brought up some controversy from many around the country. Personally, as an athlete myself, I understand where the coaches are coming from.  When you have given years of life towards something and all of sudden it is potentially being taken away, I understand the thought process behind those responses.  However, we cannot fail to acknowledge the catastrophic damage that this virus has done to our country and the countless number of lives that have been lost in the process. Deaths have gone down, yet cases are upticking all around the country and more importantly, there is still no control or vaccine; leaving us with no certain time frame to see the end of this pandemic.

University of Michigan head football coach, Jim Harbaugh, gives his thoughts on the return of college football amid the pandemic.

As all of this unravels, college basketball fans will continue to watch closely from the sideline and await a decision from the NCAA. My guess is that they’ll be closely watching how fall sports are conducted, if any at all.  Furthermore, the return of professional sports such as the NBA and WNBA will serve as outlets to follow.  Ultimately, the unfortunate problem with college sports is that you cannot create a bubble.  These schools just do not have enough resources to do so, leaving a lot of athletes, staff, and personnel at a high risk for exposure on a daily basis.  The cost for testing alone weekly will dig severely into the pockets of many collegiate sports programs across the country.  Two-time national champion and new Iona Men's basketball coach, Rick Pitino, was one of the first to suggest that only conference games should be played until things are under control.  It seems that his suggestions are becoming a reality as the Big East recently cancelled all non-conference games for fall sports. All other college basketball programs have not collectively been included in this decision, however it should raise some eyebrows as officials are running out of time to make decisions. 

NBA has begun setting up practice facilities in Orlando, FL as their season is slated to continue July 30th.

As for me, I am still in Farmville, Virginia taking it day by day.  Here at Longwood University, we have attempted to create a bubble while we continue to move forward in our summer workouts. Some days are long, and some days go by faster.  The circumstances may have changed but the grind remains the same.  Through it all, I continue to appreciate this opportunity and in the process, I’ve fallen in love with the game of basketball even more.  Working hard to improve my game and just doing my best to stay prepared.  The work that we all put in during the dark, will show when the lights come on.  Whenever those lights finally come on, I will be ready.  

                                                                                                                       - Christian "C Wil" Wilson