Lawrence deserves no 2nd-guessing for test
Don’t vilify QB for COVID after leading the movement to return
Despite Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence testing positive for COVID-19, let's hope the second-guessing of the
NFL's top draft prospect never gains any momentum.
Just because the quarterback of the nation's No. 1-ranked team and leader of the “We Want to Play” movement has become an unfortunate victim of the coronavirus, it doesn't mean Lawrence should now be vilified for his stance. Yes, he said players would be safer playing college football on campus than staying at home, but let's not act as if that was an irresponsible opinion because nobody knew then exactly what kind of impact COVID-19 would have on college athletics.
Every college football player who agreed to play in 2020 understood the risks, so they must live with the consequences of their decisions. Lawrence, who is more scrutinized because of his highprofile stature, will surely do that with his usual professionalism.
The spotlight on the Heisman Trophy frontrunner will be more intense now than ever, especially since his playing status for the November 7 showdown against No. 4-ranked Notre Dame will likely remain uncertain until late next week. Providing all the protocols are followed and Lawrence is cleared to play, then he should play. If not, that's simply bad luck for Clemson and coach Dabo Swinney must adjust accordingly.
No doubt, Lawrence's positive test will fuel more speculation about whether college football can finish the season, which is a fair debate. It could also make it much harder for the College Football Playoff committee to properly assess Clemson's resume for the postseason if the Tigers lose to Notre Dame, either without Lawrence or with him not having the benefit of normal practice time.
Unless news surfaces that implicates Lawrence for acting irresponsibly in getting the COVID, he deserves no admonishment for wanting to play or leading a player outcry to do so.
All Lawrence and every college football player can do is make the best decision they can with the information available to them. In this instance, since Lawrence appears to have followed the safety protocols, his positive test is just a tough break like any injury.
Whatever happens in the future, and that includes his decision of whether to turn pro after this season or return for one more season, Trevor Lawrence will likely handle it better than anyone ready to second-guess his every move.