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Devastating news hit the B1G on Tuesday, as the conference elected to postpone fall sports until at least spring. It became the first Power 5 conference to pull the plug on fall sports in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Shortly after the announcement was made, many coaches, athletic directors and presidents spoke about the league’s decision. Some were frustrated while most understood the decision from the conference.
Below are the responses from all 14 B1G schools:
Illinois Fighting Illini
This morning, I went to my happy place. And this afternoon, I delivered hard news to people I care a lot about…in many ways, these students and staff are my family. A lot of emotions from them and from me. We will persevere. Together, we are stronger than we even know. 🧡💙💪 pic.twitter.com/118aqcg1cw
— Josh Whitman (@IlliniAD) August 12, 2020
Indiana Hoosiers
A statement from #IUFB Head Coach Tom Allen: https://t.co/znU0Vr1s5X pic.twitter.com/fazsjNQl46
— Indiana Football (@IndianaFootball) August 11, 2020
Iowa Hawkeyes
This is an extraordinarily disappointing day for everyone involved with Hawkeye Football: pic.twitter.com/FyWIHPLXbu
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 11, 2020
Maryland Terrapins
A Statement from Head Coach Michael Locksley. pic.twitter.com/OJaTrFtma4
— Maryland Football (@TerpsFootball) August 11, 2020
Michigan Wolverines
Statement from @CoachJim4UM regarding the postponement of the 2020 season… pic.twitter.com/vXW7S1ZPWT
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) August 11, 2020
Michigan State Spartans
Statement from Coach Tucker on today's announcement from the Big Ten Conference. pic.twitter.com/SSx3Jr9oTZ
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 11, 2020
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Joint statement from @UMNews President Joan Gabel and #Gophers Director of Athletics Mark Coyle. pic.twitter.com/zkERrY9Z9C
— Minnesota Golden Gophers (@GopherSports) August 11, 2020
Nebraska Cornhuskers
On the Big Ten decision to move football to the spring: pic.twitter.com/tpzGfYHJTW
— Chris Dunker (@ChrisDunkerLJS) August 11, 2020
Northwestern Wildcats
There is no doubt that our @NorthwesternU family will continue to support one another – from students to staff to faculty and alumni – and we all will be ready whenever it is safe to compete. pic.twitter.com/mR9ySSzj2N
— Northwestern Athletics (@NU_Sports) August 12, 2020
Ohio State Buckeyes
2020 Fall Sports Postponed
• Ohio State release and statements
• B1G statement https://t.co/eUq2tgGzH3— Ohio State Buckeyes 🌰 (@OhioStAthletics) August 11, 2020
Penn State Nittany Lions
Statement From VP For Intercollegiate Athletics Sandy Barbour On Postponement Of 2020 Fall Sports.
📰: https://t.co/l6BvzreYNT#WeAre pic.twitter.com/9YsKTgE651
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) August 11, 2020
Purdue Boilermakers
From AD Mike Bobinski: #Purdue will not be looking to play football in another conference
"We’re not going to be looking for another home as our home. (Big Ten is) where we're going to compete and hopefully do so in the spring. It’s not an option"— mike carmin (@mike_carmin) August 11, 2020
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
The @bigten postpones 2020-21 fall sports season, including all regular-season contests and Big Ten Championships and Tournaments, due to ongoing health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Rutgers Scarlet Knights (@RUAthletics) August 11, 2020
Wisconsin Badgers
We all wanted to play
"In the end, there were too many questions we couldn't answer"
A message from Barry Alvarez#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/FJwiqzXIuC
— Wisconsin Badgers (@UWBadgers) August 11, 2020
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