The Michigan Wolverines football players were quick to voice their joy on Twitter this morning when the Big Ten announced its return to action this fall, and now head coach Jim Harbaugh and President Mark Schlissel have joined the conversation as well.
"Great news today," Harbaugh said in a release. "Over the past month, I could sense the anticipation from our players and coaches, and I’m thrilled on their behalf that they will have a chance to play a 2020 season.
"Stay positive. Test negative. Let’s play football."
Harbaugh had been outspoken all along about his desire to play this fall, while Schlissel had reportedly been against the idea of autumn action taking place on the gridiron in Ann Arbor.
He gave a thorough explanation this morning, however, on where he currently stands on the issue and why.
"I want to share my support for the Big Ten decision to begin football competition next month," he wrote. "I join Athletic Director Warde Manuel and everyone at Michigan Athletics in offering appreciation for all the athletes and coaches, the fans and the families who have been preparing for the possibility of playing in the Big House this fall.
"Earlier I expressed my concern, shared by my fellow Big Ten presidents and chancellors, that we just didn’t know enough about the health and safety concerns unique to intercollegiate athletics to move forward with practices and competition.
"As has been so true during this pandemic, we continue to learn more every day and we have adjusted our approach based on the new information that was developed. I especially want to thank the health and safety officials from the Big Ten campuses who have carefully assessed the risk and developed a stringent plan – that will include daily COVID-19 testing – to mitigate those risks for our student-athletes, coaches and others.
"While this approach will start with football, our hope is to use this same approach to resume competition in other sports. To our millions of fans worldwide, I again thank you for your understanding and your patience.
"Your support of our teams and our student-athletes is inspiring.
Go Blue!"
Michigan Football Players React to This Morning's News on Twitter:
More Reaction to the Big Ten's Return This Fall:
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