LSU to require proof of vaccination, test

LSU has become the third Power 5 school to announce that it will require fans attending games who are 12 or older to provide proof of vaccination from COVID-19 or a recent negative test.

The university said the decision, announced Tuesday, came after consultation with Gov. John Bel Edwards, LSU president William F. Tate IV, LSU’s Board of Supervisors, the Tiger Athletic Foundation and athletic director Scott

Woodward.

“While we are aware of the diverse perspectives across the nation regarding masks and vaccinations, we must take all reasonable measures to protect our campus and community,” Tate said. “The current threat to our lives, our health, and to our medical systems due to COVID-19 is overburdening our hospitals, and we must do our part to stop the spread.”

Last week, Oregon and

Oregon State became the first Power Five schools to announce those restrictions for fans attending football games.

LSU’s policy, the first such announced by a Southeastern Conference school, will be in effect when the Tigers play their home opener Sept. 11 against McNeese State.

Auburn

Defensive coordinator Derek Mason said he has tested positive for COVID-19, like head coach Bryan Harsin.

Mason said in a Twitter post that he is fully vaccinated and has recovered, urging others to get the shots. Harsin has declined to reveal whether he has been vaccinated.

“Having lost two family members to COVID last year as well as being the father of a daughter who is immunocompromised, I understand why I made the decision to vaccinate,” Mason said. “I can only speak for my own decision, but for those who are on the fence, I encourage you to look at ‘your why’ and consider protecting yourself, your loved ones and the health care workers who are working so tirelessly to save lives. I am thankful I did.”

Syracuse

Coach Dino Babers said that when the season starts in less than two weeks the Orange will use two quarterbacks — two-year starter Tommy DeVito and dualthreat transfer Garrett Shrader.

“We want to play both guys. We’re going to play both guys,” Babers said after practice. “I think the biggest thing is that we need to see them both in a game. We need to see production on the field in games. Practice is great, but eventually it comes down to who’s making plays in the game. We’ve just got to see how it goes.”

Shrader transferred from Mississippi State, where in 2019 he was one of three freshman quarterbacks to pass for 1,000 yards and rush for 500 yards.