What they're saying about Big 10, Pac-12 calling off football season
Here are what some of the top officials in the Big Ten and Pac-12 are saying about the decisions to postpone fall sports in their Power 5 conferences, and what might happen going forward:
Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez has no doubt about one of the residual effects:
“There will be layoffs,” he said.
Barry Alvarez, not mincing words about the effects of the fall football cancelation: "There will be layoffs."
— Nicole Auerbach ? (@NicoleAuerbach) August 11, 2020
Alvarez also was asked about the possibility of playing football in the spring, a discussion he has had with coach Paul Chryst. It may have to be a shortened season, he said, considering his concern about playing two football seasons in the same calendar year.
#Badgers AD Barry Alvarez on Zoom. Has talked to Paul Chryst about a spring season, followed by fall. Perhaps 6-8 games in the spring, followed by a modified fall schedule?
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) August 11, 2020
Meanwhile, Oregon president Michael Schill is pleased that the Big Ten climbed aboard the cancellation train. Both conferences have the same set of values, he said.
#Oregon president Michael Schill mentions "a parallel track" between Pac-12 and Big Ten presidents in considering fall season. "Many of them have the same values we have, and we're pleased that they're joining us," Schill said.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) August 11, 2020
And, finally, Arizona State athletic director Ray Anderson apparently has more pressing matters than other schools from other conferences trying to poach his players.
“Have at it,” he said.
Wow, #ArizonaState athletic director Ray Anderson emphatic that the school will play again. On other schools from other leagues attempting to recruit Sun Devils athletes.
"Have at it," Anderson said.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) August 11, 2020
Jerry DiPaola is a TribLive reporter covering Pitt athletics since 2011. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in 1993, first as a copy editor and page designer in the sports department and later as the Pittsburgh Steelers reporter from 1994-2004. He can be reached at jdipaola@triblive.com.
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