Responding to the New York Times on Monday evening, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned of "needless suffering and death" if the United States prematurely opens portions of the country amid the coronavirus pandemic. Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

Did Dr. Fauci close the door on fall college football?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/12/20

In an email tweeted by Sheryl Gay Stolberg‏ of the New York Times on Monday evening, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned of "needless suffering and death" if the United States prematurely opens portions of the country amid the coronavirus pandemic:

Full Fauci email message to me: pic.twitter.com/yq8IAa9f8g
— Sheryl Gay Stolberg (@SherylNYT) May 12, 2020

While speaking in front of a Senate committee on Tuesday, Dr. Fauci hinted that those hoping for a standard college football schedule this fall should pump the brakes regarding such thoughts.

Fauci said that, as things stand on May 12, he doesn't envision students being protected by a vaccine or treatments for fall school terms:

Dr. Anthony Fauci says the idea of having treatments or a vaccine as students begin school is “a bit of a bridge too far.”

“Even at the top speed we’re going, we don’t see a vaccine playing in the ability of individuals going back to school this term.” https://t.co/jKdLnMqXFJ pic.twitter.com/NIiDxFreyL
— ABC News (@ABC) May 12, 2020

Some may quickly retort that Fauci's words don't automatically eliminate the possibility of universities hosting college football games in September. After NCAA president Mark Emmert said he believes fall sports won't occur at schools where students can't return to campuses, ESPN's Paul Finebaum said Emmert "has no more authority or influence over college football than Bozo the Clown."

As Dave Biddle of 247Sports wrote, Power 5 conference commissioners remain committed to college football starting on time. Last week, however, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey explained he and other conference executives must be prepared to adapt to a sports landscape that's ever-changing due to the pandemic.

It's not yet known if spectators would be welcomed to college football games at any point this year.

More must-reads: