Amid reports that the Big Ten will become the first Power 5 conference to cancel football due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, President Donald Trump tweeted his support for those who wish to play this fall.
On Monday, President Trump shared a tweet sent by Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and also added his own take on the matter.
The student-athletes have been working too hard for their season to be cancelled. #WeWantToPlay https://t.co/lI3CCKZ4ID
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2020
Play College Football!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 10, 2020
As ESPN's Mark Schlabach noted, Lawrence, widely viewed as a future top pick in an NFL Draft, is among over a dozen college players who have campaigned to keep the season afloat via social media despite concerns related to the uncontrolled virus outbreak.
Let’s work together to create a situation where we can play the game that all of us love. Not divide and argue. There is a way forward
— Trevor Lawrence (@Trevorlawrencee) August 9, 2020
Fall championships for Division III and Division II were canceled last Wednesday because it was deemed that holding competitions "was not a viable or fiscally responsible option" during the pandemic. The Football Championship Subdivision postponed football seasons and could move those competitions to a springtime format.
Under the current schedule, a decision on Division I sports, including football, must be announced by the end of Aug. 21.
Players within the Big Ten and Pac-12 have formed unity groups and listed demands for safe return-to-play protocols if training camps and games go on as scheduled.
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