Big Ten Football Returns
2020-09-16 · Kevin Warren, Commissioner, Big Ten Conference (Big Ten)
Just 5 weeks after Warren declared the postponement "will not be revisited," the Big Ten announced a return to play with games beginning October 23-24. Presidents voted unanimously to reinstate football.
What he said
Our focus with the Task Force over the last six weeks was to ensure the health and safety of our student-athletes. Our goal has always been to return to competition so all student-athletes can realize their dream of competing in the sports they love.
We are incredibly grateful for the collaborative work that our Return to Competition Task Force have accomplished to ensure the health, safety and wellness of student-athletes, coaches and administrators.
The Big Ten Conference will resume the football season the weekend of October 23-24, 2020. Our student-athletes are excited to compete.
The fact-check
- "Our goal has always been to return to competition so all student-athletes can realize their dream of competing in the sports they love." — Misleading
- "Our goal has always been" is revisionist. Warren declared the cancellation permanent. This framing obscures the embarrassing reversal.