EMCC will not play in the fall

East Mississippi Community College has a strong tradition of winning national championships in football.

When it came to making a decision not to play the 2020 season because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it was not about chasing another ring or being in the title hunt.

The Lions of head coach Buddy Stephens have opted not to participate in fall football even if the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference goes ahead with plans to start a fall season on Oct. 1. EMCC, which announced the decision through a press release on Tuesday, has elected to withdraw from league play and has the support from the school’s board of trustees.

MACCC Commissioner Steve Martin has no problem with the action taken by

the Lions.

“Player safety is of the utmost concern,” Martin said in a statement. “We understand the decision made by East Mississippi Community College and support their stance.”

EMCC has won National Junior College Athletic Association football championships in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2018.

Not being able to play for another is tough news for the Lions, but one that Stephens said is necessary for safety concerns.

“The well-being of my players will always

come first,” Stephens said. “There are too many unknowns to put in front of our players moving forward at this time. We must make this incredibly heart-breaking decision to not participate in the fall 2020 season.”

Earlier this summer, the NJCAA announced it would be moving all close-contact fall sports, including football, to the spring semester.

It is not clear at this time whether spring is an option for any junior college team in Mississippi, but EMCC plans to honor student-athlete scholarships. Student-athletes will remain enrolled in classes either virtually or in person as full-time students and will retain access to facilities and support services, ensuring that student athletes remain on track academically.