Justin Fields isn’t going down without a fight. And neither are thousands of other B1G players, parents, coaches and fans.

On Sunday, the Ohio State quarterback created a petition, urging B1G commissioner Kevin Warren and the conference’s presidents to reverse their decision on the fall football season. In less than one hour, the petition had received more than 20,000 signatures.

Less than eight hours later, the petition has now collected more than 150,000 signatures. Whether or not this forces the B1G to reconsider playing football this fall remains to be seen.

Sports Betting in Big Ten Country

There is big news coming to the upcoming 2022-23 Big Ten football season (and NFL season). Ohio online sports betting and Maryland sports betting are on the way.

21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

On Sunday evening, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported that the league office is aware of the petition, but did not make a comment.

“We, the football players of the Big Ten, together with the fans and supporters of college football, request that the Big Ten Conference immediately reinstate the 2020 football season,” the petition states. “Allow Big Ten players/teams to make their own choice as to whether they wish to play or opt out this fall season. Allow Big Ten players/teams who choose to opt out of playing a fall season to do so without penalty or repercussion.”

Players and parents have recently spoken out against the decision from B1G commissioner Kevin Warren and the conference’s presidents, who voted against playing this fall. Parent groups from Iowa, Ohio State, Nebraska and Penn State have recently sent letters to the conference, asking for an explanation.

“We want to play. We believe that safety protocols have been established and can be maintained to mitigate concerns of exposure to Covid-19,” the petition continues. “We believe that we should have the right to make decisions about what is best for our health and our future. Don’t let our hard work and sacrifice be in van. #LetUsPlay!”

Is there a chance the B1G reverses course? While it seems unlikely, parents and players are putting a ton of pressure on the league, and its presidents, to reconsider the options.