The entire Big Ten is waiting to see what a potential winter or spring football season would look like.
Many key areas need to addressed, including player safety and eligibility. The NCAA is expected to vote on a proposal that would allow all fall sports athletes to keep their year of eligibility, no matter if (or how much) they play in the fall or spring, according to The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach. If this plan passes, seniors will be exempt from 2021 scholarship limits, per Auerbach.
Conferences are currently trying to figure out what type of winter or spring models may work. With all of the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, nobody has clear answers.
Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck is meeting with each player individually to get their perspectives. Last week, Fleck said he already spoke with a third of his players and each of them supported the Big Ten’s decision.
“Every single person I’ve talked to, we’re 30 for 30, like the ESPN show, every player has said the Big Ten made the right decision,” Fleck said.
Fleck stressed the importance of gathering information and following the guidance of medical experts. He is providing all of the resources his players and staff members need during this difficult time. Fleck said the mental health of every person is critically important right now.
“The mental health of everybody inside our organization – led by me – is at the forefront of my mind,” he said. “These young people are dealing with so many stressors in their life right now, so many.”
Fleck understands the unique world everyone is currently living in. He is doing everything he can to prioritize the safety and well-being of each player in Minnesota’s program.
“Their safety, well-being, medical health, mental health, emotional health, physical health, has to be at the forefront of every decision we make. Period.” Fleck said. “Football, again, is second nature right now.”
P.J. Fleck is focused on the mental health of everyone right now.
“The mental health of everybody inside our organization – led by me – is at the forefront of my mind,” he said. “These young people are dealing with so many stressors in their life right now, so many.” #Gophers pic.twitter.com/zDEex4x92P— Daniel House (@DanielHouseNFL) August 14, 2020
I joined Mark Rogers TV to discuss the latest Big Ten developments. We talked at length about Fleck’s mental health comments. It is important to make sure we are checking on everyone right now. Additionally, we looked ahead to the future of Minnesota’s program. How much will this postponement impact the Gophers?
Here’s the full video:
