2020 ND Football Schedule Options

[T-Boone]

If the college season is cancelled the kids should be able to go into some temporary semi pro league without losing eligibility so as to keep the skills up.

 

[NorthDakota]

This may very well go to 2022. Getting ahead of the pandemic is no joke. I have also seen lasting issues in patients with minimal symptoms. Imagine a pro cornerback retiring after contracting covid never needing hospitalization but developing persistent respiratory symptoms. With ongoing admission deferrals and short falls in sports revenue there will be schools that opt out of football. At least in the short hall

So instead of playing football, have them sit out because hypothetically they could develop long-term issues just like anyone else?

 

[317Irish]

So instead of playing football, have them sit out because hypothetically they could develop long-term issues just like anyone else?

Severe depression from not being able to play football is not something to joke around about. So I won’t...

 

[Ndaccountant]

Mountain West has officially pulled the plug for the fall.

This outcome, along with what is going to follow, is too predictable.

First, when the major conferences went shortened season / conf games only, schools in the MAC or MW were left holding the bag. They lost their "buy" games, which was a lifeline of sorts. Without those games, the potentially liability of a lawsuit and the likely further financial bleeding (e.g., make it worse than not playing) made it an easy call for them.

Now, you are the PAC 12 and BIG 10. There are a few problems with continuing to push to play. First, if one person gets a serious side effect of COVID 19, you are talking a huge liability. Imagine having to defend why, say, Utah thought it was safe to play while Utah State shut it down. Sure, testing, data, blah blah blah. Won't matter.

Then you have the whole money issue. Sure, it wasn't viable for Eastern Michigan to financially take on the burden of playing football safely. They don't have the Big 10 media revenue that Michigan has. But if Michigan went forward while their literal neighbor didn't, how could they possibly defend themselves against the accusation that players are compensated fairly for their services? You can't say it's about local transmission, yada yada yada. The fact is, they have more resources, because the players bring in more money for the school. This, at a time where players are now fully aware of the value they bring. No AD wants to risk the whole herd to save one cow.

You then have the whole title IX to deal with too. If you put all of those precautions in place for football players, you need to do for women's soccer and volleyball too. Fat chance schools want to mess with that.

Finally, you have the whole issue of treating football players like you would any other student. This goes along with the money issue, but if you can guarantee safety for the football players by putting in effective testing and measures, you better do it for the whole student body. Sure, there are already athlete dorms at many/most schools. But it doesn't end with isolating in certain rooms. It's about testing regularly, better heath care, etc. I just don't see how, absent money, a school would ever do it (hence, MAC and MW postponed the season). You are asking for some serious long term issues if you move forward.

So, IMO, this has a little to do with the health risks of the players, but it's more about a CYA for the schools and trying to preserve the system that is in place. You won't hear them say it that way, it will be all about safety. But it's about money and will always be about money. They can borrow at low rates and take the smaller hit over say, 10 years (at least the major schools can). There is away to keep it afloat for awhile without football this fall. Sure, it will still be painful. But it won't completely upend the system they worked hard to put in place to exploit players.

 

[317Irish]

Yes to all of the above. Well said

 

[Valpodoc85]

So instead of playing football, have them sit out because hypothetically they could develop long-term issues just like anyone else?

Point is there is a lot to learn about this disease and it’s long term effects. Dr Robert Gallo is the head of the Global Virus Network, and long time HIV researcher, he thinks there will not be a vaccine with a lasting effect. I think the problem for universities means literally changing their business plan. This will be hard when there are so many unknowns

 

[JurDocDuLac]

I hope Irishize does not mind if I repost his post in this thread. Worth considering here.

https://www.espn.com/college-footba...vid-19-fuels-power-5-concern-season-viability

A rare heart condition that could be linked with the coronavirus is fueling concern among Power 5 conference administrators about the viability of college sports this fall.

Myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle, has been found in at least five Big Ten Conference athletes and among several other athletes in other conferences…

[T]he COVID-19 virus has been linked with myocarditis with a higher frequency than other viruses…

Conference officials and athletic directors told ESPN that the uncertainty about the long-term effects of myocarditis has been discussed in meetings of presidents and chancellors, commissioners and athletic directors, and health advisory board members from the Big Ten, Pac-12 and other conferences around the country.

----
This goes straight to the legal liability issue. Once you are informed of a risk, you have a legal duty to take the proper precautions (or risk getting seriously sued...).


.

 

[Legacy]

FWIW - Air Force will still play Army and Navy on their schedule. The Commander-in-Chief trophy has been awarded annually for forty-eight years. BYU is down to games against Navy, Houston and North Alabama.

 

[irishfan]

FWIW - Air Force will still play Army and Navy on their schedule. The Commander-in-Chief trophy has been awarded annually for forty-eight years. BYU is down to games against Navy, Houston and North Alabama.

Well, if all hell breaks loose and all is cancelled, I hope we entertain the idea of playing Air Force, Army, BYU, and Navy. I’ll take that barely over nothing plus it would be hilarious to claim the 2020 title.

 

[Irish YJ]

All I can say is that I think Saban is correct in saying kids are probably safer playing than staying at home.

I'd also add that they still played college FB during the 3 years of the Spanish Flu. Shortened season, but still played.

Interesting that Nebraska said they are open to playing even if the B10 doesn't. Guessing they could join the B12 for a year.

 

[Irish#1]

Trump will be on Clay Travis this morning. Not sure how much impact he will have, Trump is pushing for CFB.

Not sure how this is about money when the school presidents want to cancel a big revenue generator. Sounds like the commissioner of the B1G is pretty new in his job. He used to be the agent for Jason Whitlock. Whitlock thinks the guy has aspirations to be the commissioner of the NFL, so he may be doing what's best for him and not what's best for the school or players. It will be interesting to hear what the B1G says today, given all of the pushback.

I also think it's pointless to compare HS/college/pros and what they are doing. Each is very different and unique from the other. The only common denominator is the ball. For instance HS kids are still under the protection of their parents, live at home where they can be controlled better than a kid in college. It's a job for the pros and they are usually more mature than a kid in college. Plenty of college kids like to party/mingle and aren't closing supervised. Players in college will have to be put in a bubble to make it work.

 

[T Town Tommy]

All I can say is that I think Saban is correct in saying kids are probably safer playing than staying at home.

I'd also add that they still played college FB during the 3 years of the Spanish Flu. Shortened season, but still played.

Interesting that Nebraska said they are open to playing even if the B10 doesn't. Guessing they could join the B12 for a year.

I don't think Nebraska would have the ability to play outside the B1G. Their contract for such things as media rights go through the B1G. I don't believe the B1G would give up that up, even for one year and even for whatever revenue Nebraska would drum up.

 

[Irish YJ]

I don't think Nebraska would have the ability to play outside the B1G. Their contract for such things as media rights go through the B1G. I don't believe the B1G would give up that up, even for one year and even for whatever revenue Nebraska would drum up.

Not sure how it would work, but have to imagine they see a path if Frost is openly saying it. On the other hand, might just be positioning. Day has been pretty loud about wanting to play as well. Glad there are some loud voices. IF the Big10 decided not to play, AND another conference was still playing like the Big12, I'd bet the Big10 would let them.

The whole situation is interesting. Seems like the Big10 and PAC are the ones most likely to cancel fall sports, but seems like the SEC is still holding strong, and ACC is adamant they will make their own decision on their own timeline. I am a bit surprised the Big10 is one of the conferences leaning towards cancelling. I figured the PAC would be the first P5 to drop if any. It will be really strange if part of the P5s play this fall, and the remaining try to play in the spring.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Not sure how it would work, but have to imagine they see a path if Frost is openly saying it. On the other hand, might just be positioning. Day has been pretty loud about wanting to play as well. Glad there are some loud voices. IF the Big10 decided not to play, AND another conference was still playing like the Big12, I'd bet the Big10 would let them.

The whole situation is interesting. Seems like the Big10 and PAC are the ones most likely to cancel fall sports, but seems like the SEC is still holding strong, and ACC is adamant they will make their own decision on their own timeline. I am a bit surprised the Big10 is one of the conferences leaning towards cancelling. I figured the PAC would be the first P5 to drop if any. It will be really strange if part of the P5s play this fall, and the remaining try to play in the spring.

There may be some loopholes to go down if it comes to that. I am really not that shocked with the B1G. They want to "lead" the way. The thing I can't square is this... if university Presidents vote to cancel or move the season to the spring, how then do they justify having students on campus?

There is much more liability with the general student population than there are with the football players being in a controlled environment. I am all for player safety and well being and CFB and the revenue generated from that should not override the safety of the players. But I think the two things at this point that are the driving forces is the liability issue and the fact that maybe these conferences and Presidents want to slow play the player's attempt to organize and get their demands met.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

There may be some loopholes to go down if it comes to that. I am really not that shocked with the B1G. They want to "lead" the way. The thing I can't square is this... if university Presidents vote to cancel or move the season to the spring, how then do they justify having students on campus?

There is much more liability with the general student population than there are with the football players being in a controlled environment. I am all for player safety and well being and CFB and the revenue generated from that should not override the safety of the players. But I think the two things at this point that are the driving forces is the liability issue and the fact that maybe these conferences and Presidents want to slow play the player's attempt to organize and get their demands met.

I think the schools are very, very concerned about appearing exploitative. And the fact that some schools have already appeared to mislead about the precautions undertaken and the Washington State mess are a big perception problem for the other schools.

 

[Irish YJ]

There may be some loopholes to go down if it comes to that. I am really not that shocked with the B1G. They want to "lead" the way. The thing I can't square is this... if university Presidents vote to cancel or move the season to the spring, how then do they justify having students on campus?

There is much more liability with the general student population than there are with the football players being in a controlled environment. I am all for player safety and well being and CFB and the revenue generated from that should not override the safety of the players. But I think the two things at this point that are the driving forces is the liability issue and the fact that maybe these conferences and Presidents want to slow play the player's attempt to organize and get their demands met.

Yup. If kids are going to go to school, there's no reason not to play football. Purely my opinion, but I think they should simply give kids the option to either sign a waiver and play, or opt out for the season. If they have enough kids to play, then play... I'd make all the general students sign a waiver as well.

In general though, I think the football playing kids would be far safer at school playing football, then jacking around at home, or not in a bubble at school. Keep the players in a bubble, and simply set up vid for all the classes. Guessing they'd get far better medical care at school too.

 

[IrishLax]

There may be some loopholes to go down if it comes to that. I am really not that shocked with the B1G. They want to "lead" the way. The thing I can't square is this... if university Presidents vote to cancel or move the season to the spring, how then do they justify having students on campus?

There is much more liability with the general student population than there are with the football players being in a controlled environment. I am all for player safety and well being and CFB and the revenue generated from that should not override the safety of the players. But I think the two things at this point that are the driving forces is the liability issue and the fact that maybe these conferences and Presidents want to slow play the player's attempt to organize and get their demands met.

This is where everything is falling apart. It makes no sense whatsoever... but the truth is that it's financially in their interest to have as many students on campus as possible, and it's financially against their interests to play games without packed stadiums. That's what's driving everything here... the $$. It makes them way more money to play the season in the spring if it gets them more butts in the seats.

The new angle shooting they're trying to do is talking about heart inflammation in COVID affected athletes. The reality is that the heart inflammation they're citing as a safety issue 1) is not a new thing 2) even if more prevalent in COVID affected people, it can be screened for.

 

[Irish#1]

They do have the TV revenue. Not sure how packed the stadiums in the north and midwest would be if games are played in the spring unless they don't start until mid to late March. Even then the weather can be iffy.

You'll see a lot of kids opt out of the spring to avoid injury and prepare for the NFL.

SEC commish on Dan Patrick right now. Patrick mentioned that his source tells him liability is the key factor with these discussions. SEC commish tapped dance around giving a straight answer but his answer eluded to it.

 

[notredomer23]

Not necessarily football related, but ND’s dashboard tracking COVID is more impressive than what some states put out:
https://here.nd.edu/dashboard/

 

[dublinirish]

FWIW - Air Force will still play Army and Navy on their schedule. The Commander-in-Chief trophy has been awarded annually for forty-eight years. BYU is down to games against Navy, Houston and North Alabama.

Air Force having a two game season is wild

 

[Ndaccountant]

This is where everything is falling apart. It makes no sense whatsoever... but the truth is that it's financially in their interest to have as many students on campus as possible, and it's financially against their interests to play games without packed stadiums. That's what's driving everything here... the $$. It makes them way more money to play the season in the spring if it gets them more butts in the seats.

The new angle shooting they're trying to do is talking about heart inflammation in COVID affected athletes. The reality is that the heart inflammation they're citing as a safety issue 1) is not a new thing 2) even if more prevalent in COVID affected people, it can be screened for.

WRT to the on campus thing....What is good for the goose is good for the gander. If players are intentionally "bubbled" to protect against students on campus, everyone needs to ask "why do that for just the players?". We know why, the schools want the $$ that comes with the media rights. They need to protect those players making them $$. But you can't protect them and let the other students fend for themselves. It would be a terrible look. I don't see a circumstance that allows football to be played this year without the last remaining shred of amateurism flying out the window.

Schools have already started lining up loans for the athletic departments in the event this would happen. I think the schools are taking a calculated risk in that it would be more expensive to fight the players claim to additional compensation versus borrowing costs. Just my opinion.

 

[IrishFanJMercy]

I think best case is ACC, BIG 12, and SEC all play and your champion is from that group, worst case is ACC and BIG 12 cancel and SEC forms a bigger conference.

 

[drayer54]

The SEC will play. We will not be deprived of Coach O, Kiffin v Leach, or the conference where it just means more. I'd be shocked if they didn't play.

I can skip the other stuff, but it will be very sad if we don't get Irish football.

 

[Legacy]

Exercise and Athletics in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era (Amer College of Cardiology, May 14, 2020)

Impacts of Covid on heart have been reported for some time even in asymptomatic patients.

 

[Pops Freshenmeyer]

WRT to the on campus thing....What is good for the goose is good for the gander. If players are intentionally "bubbled" to protect against students on campus, everyone needs to ask "why do that for just the players?". We know why, the schools want the $$ that comes with the media rights. They need to protect those players making them $$. But you can't protect them and let the other students fend for themselves. It would be a terrible look. I don't see a circumstance that allows football to be played this year without the last remaining shred of amateurism flying out the window.

Schools have already started lining up loans for the athletic departments in the event this would happen. I think the schools are taking a calculated risk in that it would be more expensive to fight the players claim to additional compensation versus borrowing costs. Just my opinion.

Has anybody been asking for money?

 

[BeauBenken]

Has anybody been asking for money?

Players wanted half of athletic revenue.

 

[stpeteirish]

I think best case is ACC, BIG 12, and SEC all play and your champion is from that group, worst case is ACC and BIG 12 cancel and SEC forms a bigger conference.

If SEC players test positive after games they'll shut it down. It will be difficult for them as they think the players are livestock but there will too much risk to continue if players test positive after games.

 

[T Town Tommy]

This is where everything is falling apart. It makes no sense whatsoever... but the truth is that it's financially in their interest to have as many students on campus as possible, and it's financially against their interests to play games without packed stadiums. That's what's driving everything here... the $$. It makes them way more money to play the season in the spring if it gets them more butts in the seats.

The new angle shooting they're trying to do is talking about heart inflammation in COVID affected athletes. The reality is that the heart inflammation they're citing as a safety issue 1) is not a new thing 2) even if more prevalent in COVID affected people, it can be screened for.

As well, universities rely on grants for research and a large part of that is tied to the student population.

And you are correct on myocarditis. It was determined fairly quickly that myocarditis was an issue in some Covid cases. This isn't revelatory news but has since been pushed to the front by those who needs another angle on the narrative.

 

[T Town Tommy]

Leaked video of the SEC trying to convince the B1G to play football.

https://youtu.be/IbZLsxTP46g

 

[yankeehater]

As well, universities rely on grants for research and a large part of that is tied to the student population.

And you are correct on myocarditis. It was determined fairly quickly that myocarditis was an issue in some Covid cases. This isn't revelatory news but has since been pushed to the front by those who needs another angle on the narrative.

It was found in rare occurrences of Covid patients. The report also stated it has been found in other viral infection cases including coronaviruses like the common cold, H1N1 influenza and mononucleosis. That fact didn't stop sports from being played.