Morehouse, a traditionally Black college in Atlanta, revealed Friday that it is canceling its 2020 football season due to the fact that of the coronavirus pandemic.
Morehouse likewise will not compete in cross nation, its other fall sport, this year. Morehouse president David A. Thomas stated the school would continue to honor athletic scholarships.
” I understand this news will be most frustrating to our scholar-athletes, specifically our senior citizens,” Thomas said in an open letter posted on the school website. “I can just request your understanding and regard for the fact that the College is prioritizing your health and safety ahead of all else. We are devoted to the principle that our athletes are foremost and very first trainees.”
Morehouse is thought to be the first scholarship football program to cancel its 2020 season. Florida Tech shut down its football program entirely in May due to the pandemic, and at least four games involving traditionally Black institution of higher learnings, such as the Southern Heritage Classic between Jackson State and Tennessee State, have been canceled.
Thomas said the decision was made with the health and well-being of the trainees and neighborhood in mind and that no choices have been made on winter or spring sports.
“It follows my objective to maintain a safe school in hopes that our trainees will have the ability to return in August,” Thomas stated.
Morehouse, which contends at the NCAAs Division II level, was set up to open its season Sept. 5 in Atlanta against Edward Waters College.