James Franklin: Big Ten Should ‘Delay, Seek Clarity’ Before Canceling Football
James Franklin is once again tweeting in support of playing college football this fall. However, he’s got a few new ideas this time around.
Franklin briefly called on the Big Ten to avoid canceling its season and instead “delay, seek clarity, [and] build the safest environment” for its players. His statement is likely a direct response to swirling rumors suggesting the Big Ten is nearly prepared to cancel college football this fall.
“While we all agree there is much uncertainty; the best decision right now isn’t to cancel the season,” Franklin wrote. “I implore the Big Ten to consider all possibilities to preserve college football this fall.”
Franklin said the last month “in particular” has been taxing on student-athletes’ mental health. He cited the many unanswered questions the Big Ten and NCAA have failed to address and noted Penn State needs more transparency and direction to adequately move forward.
He did, however, cite the Big Ten’s conference-only football schedule, which gives it greater flexibility to change things up on the fly and potentially postpone the start of the season. Franklin argued more can be done to make things easier for both players and administrators, though.
“I support our student-athletes’ desire to play this fall & will exhaust all options for them,” Franklin wrote.
Earlier Monday, rumors began swirling after radio personality Dan Patrick and Stadium’s Brett McMurphy reported the Big Ten’s presidents had allegedly voted 12-2 in favor of canceling the college football season. According to their report, Nebraska and Iowa were the lone programs who voted against shuttering the season. However, the rumored decision isn’t final or official yet.
This weekend, a number of Penn State football student-athletes tweeted in support of the season themselves. They touted the efforts of Penn State’s staff members and made it clear they’re prepared to play this fall. Late Sunday night, the Penn State Football Parents Association published a letter echoing that sentiment and encouraging the team to play this fall.
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