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Justin Fields’ father weighs in on decision to cancel football season by B1G
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A lot of players were heartbroken by the B1G’s decision to postpone the college football season on Tuesday. It was equally as devastating for several parents of those players.
One of the best offensive players in the B1G and Heisman Trophy favorite Justin Fields was no different. The Ohio State quarterback was looking forward to another big year in Columbus, hoping to lead the Buckeyes to another conference title and potentially a national championship.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde, Justin’s father, Pablo, detailed his son’s emotions.
“My son is always upbeat and positive, but in our conversation that day he was heartbroken,” Pablo said. “I don’t think he wants to be done being a college football player. We’re not rich by any means, but he’s not in a hurry to get the dollars. He loves Ohio State University and loves his teammates, and he has some unfinished business he’d like to complete.”
Justin helped lead Ohio State to a 13-1 season last year, with the only loss coming to Clemson in the semifinal round of the College Football Playoff.
This year, the Buckeyes were a favorite to win the B1G again, as well compete for the College Football Playoff title. But when the B1G pulled the plug on a fall season, those hopes were washed away.
Pablo says that he thinks the players should be able to choose whether or not the season is played.
“I think they’re grown men and should be able to choose for themselves,” Pablo said. “I was a young man, 22 years old, when I became a police officer. There were risks every day walking the beat, and I chose to take them. It’s certainly OK to right a wrong and the B1G can do that.”
It seems highly unlikely that the B1G would reverse courser. However, parents from Iowa, Ohio State and Nebraska have either sent in letters or are drafting letters to send in to commissioner Kevin Warren.
There’s a small chance that the outcry to reverse the decision leads to a change in the conference, but it’s highly unlikely.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB