The young men want to play because they are young and think they are invincible.
With the proper testing in place, it can definitely work. The BIG 10 and other conferences are willing to take the risk similar to a lot of the country that a few positive tests won’t bring them all down.
My issue is the young men are being used as a scientific experiment. While it is important to know the long term effects it is scary when you see it in writing.
All COVID-19 positive student-athletes will have to undergo comprehensive cardiac testing to include labs and biomarkers, ECG, Echocardiogram and a Cardiac MRI. Following cardiac evaluation, student-athletes must receive clearance from a cardiologist designated by the university for the primary purpose of cardiac clearance for COVID-19 positive student-athletes. The earliest a student-athlete can return to game competition is 21 days following a COVID-19 positive diagnosis.
In addition to the medical protocols approved, the 14 Big Ten institutions will establish a cardiac registry in an effort to examine the effects on COVID-19 positive student-athletes. The registry and associated data will attempt to answer many of the unknowns regarding the cardiac manifestations in COVID-19 positive elite athletes.
What happens if there is long-term damage?
Will the schools cover health care costs even when the player is no longer there?
What if a senior contract the virus at practice or during a game and there are lingering effects for years?
Just something to think about while you are watching the games.
Flip the page for video of plans of the restart.