Aquinas coach Harriott appears on CNBC show

Professional and collegiate sports leagues have become a major focus during the coronavirus pandemic as sports fans discuss and debate when and how those leagues should return to the field.

The same discussion is happening at the high school level. On Monday night, CNBC had St. Thomas Aquinas football coach Roger Harriott on its “Crisis in America” special report to discuss how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting South Florida high school sports.

“Football is a way of life down here in South Florida,” Harriott said on CNBC, “and we’re trying hard to put together the appropriate accommodations to fulfill those type of requirements [to start playing].”

The Broward County Athletic Association tentatively set July 6 as the date when high school sports teams could begin in-person workouts, but with coronavirus cases spiking in Florida, that start date may be pushed back.

“We were optimistic — extremely optimistic — up until the past week-and-ahalf, when we had a tremendous increase in numbers,” Harriott said. “I think that will be pushed back with regards to what’s right and in the best interest for our kids.”

The BCAA has issued guidelines for how teams must operate when workouts begin. Those guidelines include socialdistancing requirements and the wearing of masks.

“We want to make sure that [players] are following the appropriate protocols with the three W’s: wear your mask, watch your distance and wash your hands,” Harriott said.

Harriott said he was approached to do a live spot on the program June 26 and was initially hesitant to speak because high

school football is not a typical topic on the financial network. But when he had the chance to learn more about what the program would entail, Harriott decided to participate.

“I was grateful for the opportunity to communicate how diligently and thorough our governing bodies — [Archdiocese of Miami], [Florida High School Athletic Association], BCAA — have been with creating practical protocols through these trying times,” Harriott said Tuesday. “As we continue to face these adverse circumstances around the country, let’s collectively focus on helping and healing for the greater good with an optimistic attitude.

“People are more productive when we work together as a team. This is how we’re going to beat COVID-19 and combat racism. There’s far too much divisive debating and not enough strategic collaborating on these health issues and social matters.

“Although the advancements in technology have been an advantageous source for convenience, people are our greatest resource on Earth. Let’s stop taking each other for granted. From a humanistic standpoint, the socialemotional evolution of humanity needs to be on our immediate agenda for progressive change, starting at the rudimentary level of education.”