Report: Big Ten Conference expected to vote to cancel football in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns

Tommy Wiita

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated from a previous version.

The Big Ten Conference is expected to cancel the 2020 college football season due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, according to multiple reports.

Sources told the Detroit Free Press the presidents were in agreement Sunday to end fall sports in the conference.

Multiple sources told the Detroit Free Press that a final vote of 12-2 was in favor of the cancellation Monday morning. The sources requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the decision. A formal announcement is expected Tuesday, the sources confirmed to the Detroit Free Press.

The University of Minnesota voted to cancel the season, as the only two to press on to play were the University of Nebraska and the University of Iowa, according to the report.

However, a Big Ten spokesperson said that a vote among presidents has not yet taken place. According to the Detroit Free Press, presidents were expected to meet again Monday night at 6 p.m. to formally decide on playing football.

In this Aug. 31, 2019, file photo, the Big Ten logo is displayed on the field before an NCAA college football game between Iowa and Miami of Ohio in Iowa City, Iowa.[AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File]

Just last week, the Big Ten released a revised 2020 college football schedule to begin in September. The schedule featured only Big Ten opponents facing each other.

According to ESPN, a coalition of players from all the Power Five conferences released a statement with demands that they want in play in order for a season to be had on Sunday.

However, others, including Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman, have opted out of a potential season due to health risks.

The United States continues to see COVID-19 cases climb. As of Monday, the virus has infected over 5 million people in the country.

This is a breaking news story. KSTP is working to confirm more information as it comes in. Be sure to refresh your page for the latest updates.