Coronavirus concerns prompt Morehouse College to cancel fall sports season

The coronavirus has had a tremendous impact on American sports since the pandemic began in mid-March, and college athletics not been spared the brunt of it.

Morehouse College announced Friday that it is canceling all fall sports, including football because of COVID-19 concerns.

In a statement by Morehouse President David A. Thomas, called the decision “difficult” but one that had to be done out of health and safety concerns.

“It follows my intention to maintain a safe campus in hopes that our students will be able to return in August, Thomas said in a statement posted on the school’s website. “Our Maroon Tiger teams travel to other NCAA institutions and cannot compete without breaking from social distancing guidelines still maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sporting events also invite individuals to our campus who will not be subject to the testing and monitoring that we plan to implement for our students, faculty, and staff.

I know this news will be most disappointing to our scholar-athletes, especially our seniors. I can only ask for your understanding and respect for the fact that the College is prioritizing your health and safety ahead of all else.”

Thomas said Friday’s decision will not impact the upcoming winter or spring sports seasons.

“Those decisions will be forthcoming later in the year,” he said.

The school, Thomas said, will still honor the athletic scholarships of athletes impacted by the cancellation of the fall sports season.

“In the last several weeks, we have had to make some hard decisions to cope with the exigencies of COVID-19,” Thomas said. “We will rise out of COVID-19 moment stronger and more focused on delivering our mission.”