The Fordham women’s basketball team wants to play.
The Rams currently aren’t being allowed to, as The Associated Press reported that more than 100 active COVID-19 cases in a two-week time period on the Fordham campus in New York City has caused the athletic department to go on a two-week pause. The halt began prior to Sunday’s home game against LaSalle.
Fordham’s women’s basketball team — which has had zero positive COVID tests this season — is hoping to find a way to play, creating a petition to compete immediately.
The petition, which was created by junior captain Kaitlyn Downey, is asking that Fordham president Father Joseph McShane “allow us to play these final weeks of our season on the road.”
“For six straight months, Fordham’s Women’s Basketball team has defied many odds to maintain a healthy and safe bubble to be able to compete in the Atlantic10,” the petition reads. “With over 1,400 negative tests, ZERO positive results, trials of isolation from family and friends during holidays, and a consistent commitment to Fordham University’s Covid-19 health policies, our program has a proven record to safely finish the remainder of our season. The one part of our lives that remained a glimmer of hope in a world that fuels too much hate and not enough love has been our family, our team.
“We have trusted our University and now we are asking you to trust us now. With our backs against the wall, we are asking for Fordham Administration to not walk away from us now. We have an incredibly strong travel plan, Doctor’s approvals, and funding plan that we have prepared to make our reality. We have agreed to sign any waiver that removes University liability from our team.”
The change.org petition had more than 3,500 signatures as of Thursday morning. According to the AP, the team has a town hall meeting with McShane scheduled for later this week.
The Rams have compiled an 11-3 record. Their 8-2 Atlantic10 record has them trailing only Dayton (12-1, 11-0) in the conference standings. Fordham’s regular season was scheduled to end Feb. 28 at home against Saint Louis, while the Atlantic10 Tournament is set for March 2-7.
