The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
No football would be ultimate test for fans
As the novel coronavirus pandemic continues to keep countless number of Americans in their houses, let’s ponder for a moment as the sports world is put on hold.
Yes, it goes without saying sports in America should be near the bottom of anyone’s priorities with people succumbing to COVID-19. Still, for the purpose of this column, when and if sports return is a relevant discussion.
The issue for fans is there doesn’t seem to be a finish line anywhere in sight. As the numbers of those infected grow, the farther ahead that finish line seems to extend.
If that continues, football in America could be in jeopardy. Trust me on this one. Americans don’t want their football taken away from them. If the pandemic worsens, it’s only a matter of time before difficult decisions must be made.
It could result in empty high school football stadiums on Friday nights.
The thousands from all corners of Ohio who drive into Columbus on Ohio State football game days will be staying at home.
The festive atmosphere for Browns home games could present a bizarre scene of teams playing in an empty FirstEnergy Stadium.
The millions who play fantasy football and place a wager on a game or two could have serious withdrawals this fall.
Football in America has for years been the kingpin among the pecking order of sports. The postponements of the NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball have been an adjustment for sports fans.
The cancellation of March Madness was a crushing blow for millions.
No football in America for 2020? That will be the ultimate test for fans, and the most crushing blow yet.
ESPN college football announcer Kirk Herbstreit stirred that pot March 26 during an appearance on ESPN Radio when asked about the upcoming NFL and college football seasons.
“I’ll be shocked if we have NFL football this fall, if we have college football,” said Herbstreit. “I’ll be so surprised if that happens.”
The reaction from sports fans following postponement after postponement and cancellation after cancellation has been collectively impressive and kept in perspective. It’s as if the country — while disappointed — mostly nodded in agreement and thought, “We understand. There’s no other choice.” With a virus that has no vaccine as of yet and has killed thousands, sports must be put to the side.
It might not be that simple if there’s no football in the fall. Well, summer might be an option. The Sports Business Journal recently reported there’s been talk of playing the college football season in July, August and September.
The idea stems from the possibility of COVID-19
subsiding in the warm months. But the report said factors such as campuses being able to staff games and the status of TV contracts — among others — need to be further discussed.
The Sports Business Journal report said college football decisions makers fear games in the summer might be the only way to play in 2020.
How this could affect college football’s lower levels such as FCS, Divisions II and III wasn’t mentioned in the report.
On the NFL front, Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report recently reported some NFL coaches and front-office types believe it will be “nearly impossible” for the season to start on time, and that at the earliest, preseason camps will begin is the fall.
All of which could mean watching Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields playing in (an empty?) Ohio Stadium in July. Or watching regular-season NFL games in late January. Or the Super Bowl staged in early March. Or watching Baker Mayfield and the Browns play in empty stadiums. Or watching Tom Brady’s much-anticipated debut with Tampa Bay while hearing a pin drop.
If that’s the case, football fans will take it.
The alternative — no football at all — could drive fans to the edge.