Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley said on Friday that while hes still enthusiastic for a fall season, spring football is “very doable.”
As COVID-19 cases have risen in Oklahoma and throughout the South, Riley said its important that all alternatives are thought about.
, in my viewpoint, simply do not want to think about it,” Riley stated on a Zoom call with press reporters. “I just believe it would be incorrect of us to take any prospective alternative off the table right now. I think it d be really challenging to say the spring is not a potential alternative.
Riley stressed that he believes the present schedule can still work, including the Sept. 5 season opener versus Missouri State.
” I hope like hell we can play in the fall and do it as close as how weve always done it in the past,” Riley stated. “If we can do that, Im all for it, if thats the finest alternative.
2 RelatedA spring schedule would indicate shortening the season, more than likely, in addition to adjusting summer season schedules and possibly working with the NFL to move the draft dates.
” It d probably be a conference season and postseason only,” Riley said. “Weve seen frequently teams go in and play well into January in the College Football Playoff and begin spring practice at some point in February, and no one states a word about that.
One reason for a possible change is nationwide medical leaders raising the possibility of a coronavirus vaccine by the end of this year or early next year.
” There have actually been favorable things in terms of some of the treatments theyre beginning to establish that undoubtedly would have would have an influence on players, personnel, fans, everybody,” Riley said.
He said he understood the Sooners would have favorable coronavirus tests before the players began exercises Wednesday. Fourteen Oklahoma football players evaluated favorable, in addition to 2 of the 72 personnel members who were checked, the school said.
” Were type of a microcosm of the whole country today,” Riley stated. “We certainly werent expecting absolutely no.”
Riley was among 6 staffers who earn $1 million or more who was asked to take a 10% pay decrease as athletic director Joe Castiglione carried out budget cuts of approximately $13.7 million. The coach said it wasnt a tough decision.
” Joe visited the home and informed me what he was thinking,” Riley stated. “It took me about 2 1/2 seconds, and I stated I was good with it. Were all having to change. Its all unprecedented, and weve all got to do our part. I didnt see any factor why I should be any various.”
For now, Riley said hes concentrated on keeping his players safe and attempting to figure out the next stage of workouts.
” At some point, you do have to practice football, and its hard to do that without 2 individuals close to each other,” he stated. “Its tough to go to the next action till youve done the one prior to it. I would believe we desire to take our time and see how it plays out.”
, in my opinion, simply do not desire to think about it,” Riley stated on a Zoom call with press reporters. I believe it d be really challenging to state the spring is not a possible choice.” I hope like hell we can play in the fall and do it as close as how weve constantly done it previously,” Riley stated.” It d most likely be a conference season and postseason just,” Riley stated.” Joe stopped by the home and informed me what he was thinking,” Riley stated.
