Even as the Big Ten announced it would hold a season that involved playing only conference opponents, Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith acknowledged there is a very real chance that college sports will not get the green light this fall.
“I am very concerned,” Smith told the Big Ten Network. “I used to be cautiously optimistic, but I’m not even there now. When you look at our trajectory with the virus, we are either the worst country or one of the worst. We wanted September available to use to provide flexibility and control to handle disruptions.”
Gene Smith (@OSU_AD) is an optimistic man. He wasn't so optimistic today.
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) July 9, 2020
He joins @BTNDaveRevsine to talk about his concern that there might not be a football season. pic.twitter.com/aUn7kt4QiK
Smith said he hopes people understand that all options are on the table, including a cancellation of the entire season.
"I think people need to start understanding we may not play this season," Smith told the Big Ten Network. "We just may not. That's a reality. I know people don't want to hear that but we just may not play."
Smith said he’s still hopeful that a 10-game season may be possible.
"I'm hopeful that that's where we end up. I just want to give our kids a chance to play."
