Illinois State University has opted out of its spring football season, citing player injuries and the desire to prepare the team for its upcoming fall season.
According to FBSchedules.com, the Redbirds’ decision to opt out came after a 1-3 start. With injuries piling up, head coach Brock Spack decided to pull the plug.
"I have wrestled with this decision for a couple weeks now, but I feel like it's a necessary move to protect our player's health and safety and their ability to be ready come this fall," Spack said in a statement announcing the decision. "Injuries at key positions, especially on the defensive line where we suffered two more setbacks yesterday, have made it nearly impossible for us to play this week and extremely difficult for us to compete in the remaining four games. We appreciate all the support and hard work put in by so many in the ISU Athletics Department and on campus to get us to this point during these challenging times."
The Missouri Valley Football Conference released a statement, declaring any games the Redbirds were scheduled to play will be canceled and declared a no-contest.
— Valley Football (@ValleyFootball) March 22, 2021
"I fully support Brock and his decision to cut the season short, especially when it comes to the health, safety and development of our student-athletes," ISU athletic director Kyle Brennan said.
