Ad Disclosure
Ryan Day throws support behind Justin Fields’ petition: ‘I’m honored to coach him’
Published:
Ryan Day is throwing his support behind quarterback Justin Fields and his last-ditch effort to get the B1G to reconsider playing football in the fall.
On Sunday, Fields created a petition urging B1G commissioner Kevin Warren and the conference’s 14 presidents to reverse their decision and re-instate the college football season for the league this fall. That petition, in just over a day, is approaching 250,000 signatures.
Day backed his quarterback on Monday with a message on Twitter, saying he’s proud to be associated with Fields and the rest of the Buckeyes.
“I could not be more proud of Justin Fields and I support his efforts,” Day wrote on Twitter. “He loves Ohio State. He loves his teammates. We as our players to be leaders and he’s leading. I’m honored to coach him and this team. #FIGHT.”
Fields was one of the advocates for the #WeWantToPlay movement among players that began earlier this month. That push was started by Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who gained overwhelming support among college football players.
In his petition, Fields said that he believes a season can be played safely during the fall.
“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!”
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