The NCAA has approved voluntary football and basketball activities on campuses. Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

NCAA to allow football, basketball players back on campuses on June 1?

The first step toward the resumption of collegiate athletics and a possible college football season amid the coronavirus pandemic can be taken following the end of May. 

On Wednesday afternoon, Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports reported that the NCAA has approved for college football players and basketball players, both men's and women's, to voluntarily return to campuses from June 1 through June 30. 

Decisions regarding other fall sports could come within a week. As Thamel added, final calls regarding opening things up to students will be handled by individual universities, conferences, and local and state governments that control stay-at-home and shelter-in-place restrictions.

One source informed Thamel an entire football squad could, theoretically, work out in separated groups in July. Per Thamel, universities will be charged with protocols for testing students for the coronavirus and with ensuring that athletes adhere to recommended social distancing guidelines. Similar training methods have been used by the German Bundesliga and English Premier League.

It's not known how a program or school would handle multiple players testing positive. 

While the start of the college football season remains penciled-in for August 29, logic suggests no final call on when games begin, if they happen, will be made until at least July. The NBA, NHL and MLB have all planned to complete games behind closed doors if those leagues play during the summer months. 

On Wednesday, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh told ESPN's "Get Up" that he'd rather play the season with no fans than forego the season, entirely. 

University of Miami President Dr. Julio Frenk told CNN it's believed the Hurricanes will play football games without fans if the school participates in a fall season. 

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