Tuscaloosa, Ala — The past 24 hours have been a whirlwind of changing storylines and emotions to fill the entire Bryant-Denny Stadium. With reports surfacing that the Big Ten conference will cancel its 2020 college football season, and the Pac-12 expected to follow, the remaining Power 5 conferences (SEC, ACC, and Big 12) are shuffling through the calls to cancel and calls to continue at a feverish pace.
Late last night, projected No. 1 overall pick, Clemson quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, sent shockwaves through the social media landscape when he selflessly stated emphatically his and fellow college football players’ desires to continue on with the season. Clemson, an ACC school, awaits in the balance as well and player after player, and coach after coach continue to express their position on not wanting their season taken from them.
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While it took some time, Alabama players quickly barraged Twitter with the collective statement of solidarity #WeWantToPlay posts. As for the administration, an overall silent approach from Athletic Director, Greg Byrne and Tide coach, Nick Saban — save for a likely scheduled tweet regarding Alabama’s new equipment room from the Crimson Tide Twitter account.
After a message from SEC Commissioner, Greg Sankey, stating the conference has and will continue to take a deliberate approach as it relates to Covid-19 activities, Byrne publicly endorsed continuing on with the season and standing by the Alabama players.
Wholeheartedly support our student-athletes, coaches & staff and commend our leadership from the @SEC, @UofAlabama & @UASystem for their direction and guidance as we navigate these issues. #WeWantToPlay #RollTide https://t.co/ULHwgCbtrD
— Greg Byrne 🥋 (@Greg_Byrne) August 10, 2020
Additionally, in an interview with ESPN’s Chris Low, Saban also stood in solidarity with his players believing the players are a lot safer under the guise of the Alabama staff than at their homes.
With arguably the most prominent coach in college football, and the blessing from its AD, Alabama adds more pressure to University of Alabama president, Stuart Bell on how to best proceed moving forward.
