CB Gowan cites his daughter’s health as reason for opting out
UCF cornerback Tay Gowan said he opted out of playing during the 2020 season because of concerns about his daughter’s health.
In a social media post published Wednesday, the redshirt senior thanked Knights fans for their support and explained his decision not to play this season.
“I’m a father first to a beautiful baby girl who was born prematurely with health problems,” Gowan posted on Twitter. “I have also tested positive for COVID in the past and I will not put my daughters health at risk again.
“Her health is important, my health is important.”
Gowan went on to thank the UCF football program and the coaching staff before announcing he was entering his name into the 2021 NFL draft.
“I’ve came to the toughest decision in my life as a man and I have to stand on what I believe is right. I love this game with all my heart and never thought I’d have to make this decision. With that being said I WILL BE ENTERING MY NAME IN THE 2021 DRAFT!!! #23OUT #GowanIsland,” he wrote.
Gowan was among 10 Knights UCF coach Josh Heupel said chose to opt out this season. Several of them posted on social media they planned to play for UCF next season.
“Everybody’s perspective and situation with COVID-19 is different and there all valid and real,” Heupel said during a virtual conference call Tuesday with reporters. “We’ve tried to educate our guys continuously as to what the
practices are. Educate them as to what we’re doing here to keep them as safe as possible. Each of these kids who chose to opt out have different reasons behind their decisions. They’re valid, they’re real and we support those guys and we’ll continue to help them.”
Gowan, who transferred into the program in 2018, had 31 tackles, two interceptions and eight passes broken up in 13 games for the Knights last season. He moved to cornerback after Brandon Moore sustained an ACL injury in the second half of the 2019 season opener against Florida A&M on Aug. 29.
No fans for ECU
East Carolina
officials
an
nounced there will be no fans in attendance for the Pirates’ home game against UCF on Sept. 26.
“This is disappointing news to deliver to Pirate Nation,” ECU athletics director Jon Gilbert said. “Currently, it is in the best interest to proceed without fans for our first home game after consulting with local and state health officials. We are optimistic we will be able to host fans in Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium during the 2020 season at the appropriate time.”
Only essential game management and broadcast personnel will be allowed at the stadium along with a limited number of media members.