Blank said, "We're all going to play or not if we possibly can. This isn't going to be a school-by-school thing."UNIV. OF WISCONSIN
Univ. of Wisconsin Chancellor Rebecca Blank indicated that if the Big Ten decides to reinstate its fall sports season, it "will do so collectively," according to Tony Paul of the DETROIT NEWS. Blank yesterday said, "We're all going to play or not if we possibly can. This isn't going to be a school-by-school thing." Paul notes a formal vote is "expected to take place at some point this week." Michigan and Michigan State, both with presidents who are infectious-disease experts in Dr. Mark Schlissel and Dr. Samuel L. Stanley, respectively, voted no last time, but neither has "given any indication how they'll vote this time." Asked to confirm Blank's comments that this will be an "all-or-nothing proposition for the Big Ten, spokespersons for Schlissel and Stanley both declined to comment." Blank's comments came after radio host Dan Patrick earlier yesterday reported that the Big Ten "could play on without Michigan, Michigan State, Maryland and possibly Wisconsin." He said that Ohio State, Iowa, Nebraska, Purdue and Indiana "would play." Patrick also indicated that the presidents and chancellors "would vote" yesterday, though there was "no indication" they did so (DETROIT NEWS, 9/15).
DECISION COMING QUICKLY? In Minneapolis, Chip Scoggins writes a vote by the Big Ten "would bring clarity, the most elusive element in this conversation." However, the Big Ten’s handling of this matter throughout has been a "case study in poor leadership and bungled messaging, so any scenario remains possible." Parents, legislators and even President Trump have pressured the conference to play football in the fall and it is "naive to think that degree of pushback had no effect on the Big Ten’s willingness to revisit its decision." An announcement "should come soon." There "won’t be any confusion over whether they voted this time" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 9/15). In Des Moines, Chad Leistikow writes there is "one main reason to rush toward an Oct. 17 date, and it's not about player safety." Starting at that time keeps the Big Ten "more viable for getting a team into the College Football Playoff." A proposed eight-game schedule "allows for one off/flex week and a Dec. 19 league title game" (DES MOINES REGISTER, 9/15).
