Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby held a conference call on Wednesday. Here are the highlights from his media session:
- Bowlsby said they spent time learning and listening to scientists. He said there is a lot they don't know, but they do know testing is the best way. Said rigorous testing will be necessary.
- Bowlsby said they heard from doctors who advised them over the past few months and weeks
- He said each school will have a non-conference game, and those teams will be required to adhere to their testing standards
- Bowlsby said he feels good going forward, and so does the board.
- Bowlsby said he feels good about the vote from last night and sense of the meeting. He won't say if it the board gave overwhelming approval.
- Bowlsby said nobody can accurately forecast what will happen with the virus, but said he feels good about where they are because there are good practices in place. In addition, he said the preseason practices was close to a bubble. After outbreaks when players returned, many programs haven't had an outbreak in weeks.
- Bowlsby said Nebraska did not reach out about playing Big 12 teams
- Bowlsby was asked about eligibility rules, which has not been determined. He said if a player appears in nine games and one is cancelled, he probably will not get a year back. Bowlsby does not believe the redshirt rule will prevail this year. In addition, it is important to retain financial aid for anybody who wants to opt out.
He expects to have those answers before the season starts.
- When asked about the decisions by the Pac-12 and Big Ten, Bowlsby said each league has to make its own decisions.
- Bowlsby said teams are not using the same testing companies or labs, but same style of testings.
- In addition, Bowlsby said testing will likely occur on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday night during the football season.
- Bowlsby said he speaks regularly with all the commissioners, at least six times a week since the first week in March
- When asked to give his biggest argument for playing football, Bowlsby said nobody has told us its poorly advised to do what we're doing. The experts to go forward and move slowly, but it's safe to move along. If told to shut it down, they will.
- Bowlsby believes the people advising them have their best interest at heart, and they will continue following that advise.
- Bowlsby doesn't know how many positive tests it will take postpone a game. Said he will work with the coaches to determine that number before the season.
- Bowlsby said they need to determine if a player opts out and already redshirted if he will get an additional year of eligibility
- Bowlsby said he expects to play the championship game at AT&T Stadium. If it doesn't occur on Dec. 12, he said they may need to find another venue.
- When asked about moving football back to the spring, Bowlsby never thought it made much sense. He said nobody ever told them not to play in the fall. In addition, bringing players back in January would be in the "teeth of virus season."
- When asked why it's not safe to play football in California and safe in Texas, Bowlsby told the reporter he needs to ask the Pac-12 how they came to that conclusion.
- Bowlsby said if the ACC or SEC decided not to play this season, they have to do what's right for their conference, and they need to do what's right for the Big 12.
- Bowlsby said they spent time learning and listening to scientists. He said there is a lot they don't know, but they do know testing is the best way. Said rigorous testing will be necessary.
- Bowlsby said they heard from doctors who advised them over the past few months and weeks
- He said each school will have a non-conference game, and those teams will be required to adhere to their testing standards
- Bowlsby said he feels good going forward, and so does the board.
- Bowlsby said he feels good about the vote from last night and sense of the meeting. He won't say if it the board gave overwhelming approval.
- Bowlsby said nobody can accurately forecast what will happen with the virus, but said he feels good about where they are because there are good practices in place. In addition, he said the preseason practices was close to a bubble. After outbreaks when players returned, many programs haven't had an outbreak in weeks.
- Bowlsby said Nebraska did not reach out about playing Big 12 teams
- Bowlsby was asked about eligibility rules, which has not been determined. He said if a player appears in nine games and one is cancelled, he probably will not get a year back. Bowlsby does not believe the redshirt rule will prevail this year. In addition, it is important to retain financial aid for anybody who wants to opt out.
He expects to have those answers before the season starts.
- When asked about the decisions by the Pac-12 and Big Ten, Bowlsby said each league has to make its own decisions.
- Bowlsby said teams are not using the same testing companies or labs, but same style of testings.
- In addition, Bowlsby said testing will likely occur on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday night during the football season.
- Bowlsby said he speaks regularly with all the commissioners, at least six times a week since the first week in March
- When asked to give his biggest argument for playing football, Bowlsby said nobody has told us its poorly advised to do what we're doing. The experts to go forward and move slowly, but it's safe to move along. If told to shut it down, they will.
- Bowlsby believes the people advising them have their best interest at heart, and they will continue following that advise.
- Bowlsby doesn't know how many positive tests it will take postpone a game. Said he will work with the coaches to determine that number before the season.
- Bowlsby said they need to determine if a player opts out and already redshirted if he will get an additional year of eligibility
- Bowlsby said he expects to play the championship game at AT&T Stadium. If it doesn't occur on Dec. 12, he said they may need to find another venue.
- When asked about moving football back to the spring, Bowlsby never thought it made much sense. He said nobody ever told them not to play in the fall. In addition, bringing players back in January would be in the "teeth of virus season."
- When asked why it's not safe to play football in California and safe in Texas, Bowlsby told the reporter he needs to ask the Pac-12 how they came to that conclusion.
- Bowlsby said if the ACC or SEC decided not to play this season, they have to do what's right for their conference, and they need to do what's right for the Big 12.
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