One of the millions of questions that has been floating around since the coronavirus started to shut college sports down has been answered - What happens to the scholarships of student athletes who decide not to participate because of health or safety concerns.
The SEC released a statement today answering that question for their athletes.
"SEC universities are committed to full support of its student-athletes, whether or not a student-athlete decides to participate in sports during these uncertain times," said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. "SEC student-athletes have frequently expressed their desire to compete, but it is important for student-athletes and their families to know the financial support committed to them by their institutions will not be at risk because of health concerns presented by the current pandemic."
The decision came after a recommendation from the league's athletic directors, and was followed up by a unanimous vote of support from school chancellors and presidents.
The SEC is the first of the Power Five leagues to announce such a decision, but I would largely expect the other leagues to follow their lead on this.
See the full statement from the SEC below.
Southeastern Conference student-athletes who elect to not participate in intercollegiate athletics during the fall 2020 academic semester because of health and/or safety concerns related to COVID-19 will continue to have their scholarships honored by their university and will remain in good standing with their team, the Conference announced Friday.
The action is the result of a unanimous vote of the SEC's Presidents and Chancellors following a recommendation of the Conference's Athletics Directors.
"SEC universities are committed to full support of its student-athletes, whether or not a student-athlete decides to participate in sports during these uncertain times," said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. "SEC student-athletes have frequently expressed their desire to compete, but it is important for student-athletes and their families to know the financial support committed to them by their institutions will not be at risk because of health concerns presented by the current pandemic."
The SEC will continue to monitor developments related to COVID-19 to determine at a later date if the policy should be extended to the Spring semester of 2021 or beyond.