(News Nation) — The Pac-12 announced Tuesday all sports competitions will be postponed through the end of the 2020 calendar year, just hours after the Big Ten confirmed the same amid coronavirus concerns.
Pac-12 officials held a press conference Tuesday to announce their decision saying that the conference would consider a return to competition for impacted sports after Jan. 1, 2021.
In a press release, Pac-12 said student-athletes impacted by the postponement will continue to have their scholarships granted and encouraged the NCAA to grant students an additional year of eligiblity.
“Additionally, the Pac-12 Conference strongly encourages that the NCAA grant students who opt out of competition this academic year an additional year of eligibility,” the conference said in a press release. “As part of their guaranteed scholarships, they will continue to have university support, including academic advising and tutoring, among other support services.”
“All of the Pac-12 presidents and chancellors understand the importance of this decision, and the disappointment it will create for our student-athletes, the coaches, support staff and all of our fans,” said Michael H. Schill, president of the University of Oregon. “Ultimately, our decision was guided by science and a deep commitment to the health and welfare of student-athletes. We certainly hope that the Pac-12 will be able to return to competition in the New Year.”
Some of the fall sports postponed include:
- football
- men’s and women’s soccer
- women’s volleyball
“We know that this is a difficult day for our student-athletes, and our hearts go out to them and their families,” said Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott. “We have made clear that all of their scholarships will be guaranteed, and that as a Conference we are strongly encouraging the NCAA to grant them an additional year of eligibility.”
The Pac-12 Conference has 12 teams within the conference, primarily located on the west coast.
The Big Ten conference was the first of the Power 5 to cancel not only fall football, but the entire fall sports season.
This story is developing. Refresh for updates.