Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman opts out of 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns

Tommy Wiita
Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13) runs the ball in the end zone for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Penn State, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Minneapolis.[Stacy Bengs/Associated Press]

Tuesday, University of Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman said he is opting out of the upcoming college football season due to COVID-19 concerns.

Bateman tweeted a video Tuesday morning, explaining his reasoning and thanking the program.

"Coach, you’re the reason I came to Minnesota. And I would do anything to play football for you again alongside my teammates and bring back a Big Ten championship to the Twin Cities," Bateman said in the video.

His reasoning for opting out is due to the uncertainty around health and safety in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Sports Reference College Football, in two seasons as a Gopher, Bateman recorded 111 catches and 1,923 receiving yards, adding 17 touchdowns to his resume. He finished second in receptions (60), receiving yards (1,219) and touchdowns (11) during the 2019 season as a sophomore.

Bateman will enter the 2021 NFL Draft.

Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck issued his thoughts on Bateman through a tweet on Tuesday.

U of M Athletic Director Mark Coyle also issued a statement, saying Bateman helped "change our program forever."