Virginia Tech star CB Farley to skip season
Major-college football player to opt out because of concerns about the coronavirus
Virginia Tech star cornerback Caleb Farley announced Wednesday he will not play for the Hokies if there is a season, becoming the most notable major-college football player to opt out because of concerns about the coronavirus. The redshirt junior from Hickory, North Carolina, revealed his decision in a video posted to social media. The 6-foot-2, 207-pound Farley is considered one of the nation’s top defensive backs. He said he’s forgoing the season “due to uncertain health conditions and regulations and all the other opt-outs going on in football right now.”
There has yet to be a stream of public opt-outs among college players, but more than two dozen NFL players have said in recent days they will not play this season as teams report to training camps.
Farley, whose mother died in January 2018, said he “cannot afford to lose another parent or loved one.” and despite his competitive desire to play, ”I cannot ignore what’s going on in my heart and I must make the decision that brings me the most peace.”
Hokies coach Justin Fuente was not immediately available to comment on the decision.
Last week, Illinois announced senior running back Ra’Von Bonner planned to sit out the season for personal reasons. Bonner told the Chicago
Tribune that seeing team- and pushing the league mates test positive for the championship game back virus during team workouts at least one week if not two. this summer made Most Power Five conference him rethink the situation. schools have said that
Conferences are in the players would not have process of redoing schedules their scholarships taken to try to mitigate potential away if they chose not to disruptions caused play this season. by COVID-19. The Atlantic For Farley, though, this Coast Conference, where was likely his last year. He Virginia Tech plays, announced said he would begin preparing within an hour for the NFL draft. of Farley posting his video “So, thank you Virginia that it was going to a 10game Tech. My coaches, teammates conference schedule and anyone else who and eliminating all but has supported me in the one nonconference game. past,” Farley said. “I wish It was also delaying the you all the best. Stay safe start of the season a week and God bless.”