Michigan cancels football practice ‘until further notice’ - MLive.com

The University of Michigan has nixed all practices, games and competitions involving its winter and spring sports.

And yes, that does that include the football team.

According to updated guidance from athletic department officials, the Ann Arbor-based school “will not compete or hold organized practices in any team or individual sport until further notice.”

Jim Harbaugh’s team was planning to begin spring practice on Tuesday, March 17, a schedule that included 14 additional sessions and an open-to-the-public practice on April 21 at Michigan Stadium. The open practice, under the guidance of a school-issued plan released on Wednesday, had previously been canceled.

What this means going forward is very much unclear. The NCAA on Thursday canceled its popular men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, while the Big Ten Conference axed its men’s basketball tournament earlier in the day. Later in the day, the Big Ten went a step further and canceled all conference and non-conference athletic competitions through the end of the academic year.

MORE: U-M cancels football pro-day event amid coronavirus outbreak

In a statement through university officials, Michigan athletic department director Warde Manuel called the decision to suspend all team practices “unprecedented and proactive.”

“This decision, reached in collaboration with the Big Ten Conference and campus leaders, was reached after thorough discussion and was necessary given the magnitude of this global issue,” Manuel said. "The hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, coaches and staff is a source of inspiration for so many. So, too, will be our response as a we confront the spread of this global pandemic.

“On behalf of our entire department, I thank the Big Ten Conference, presidents and athletic directors, our head coaches and community partners who have offered input and unwavering support.”

The news comes in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, one that has infected more than 1,500 and killed 40 in the country as of Thursday afternoon. Globally, the outbreak has been labeled a “pandemic” by the World Health Organization, with more than 134,000 infected and 4,900 killed.

Earlier today, the Michigan football program canceled its planned “pro day” event Friday in Ann Arbor, just as other Division I athletic conferences started canceling its men’s basketball tournaments and NFL teams began pulling their scouts off the road. Several professional sports leagues, including the NBA, NHL and MLS, have all suspended their respective seasons.

Michigan has also put a halt to recruiting, telling its coaches not to participate in in-person or on-campus recruiting trips with potential student-athletes until at least April 21. The NCAA is currently engaged in a “quiet period” through April 14, limiting such contact anyway.

Get Wolverines Confidential texts straight to your phone from our Michigan Football writers. Cut through the clutter of social media and communicate directly with our beat reporters, just like you would with your friends. Sign up for insight on the Wolverines for $4.99 a month by texting 734-215-6605.

Read more on Michigan football:

Michigan OL John ‘Jumbo’ Elliott elected to College Football Hall of Fame

LB Devin Gil to enter transfer portal

Three U-M players crack CBS Sports’ three-round mock NFL draft

Chris Evans’ loyalty gives Michigan an experienced option at running back

Let's block ads! (Why?)

"football" - Google News
March 13, 2020 at 04:23AM
https://ift.tt/2IIRkLq

Michigan cancels football practice ‘until further notice’ - MLive.com
"football" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2ST7s35
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update

Bagikan Berita Ini