Mid-to-late November ‘most aggressive’ return target date for Pac-12, source says
Heather Dinich (ESPN.com) — The Pac-12’s “most aggressive” return plan is currently targeting mid-to-late November, according to a source familiar with the league’s discussions.
Earlier this month, the Pac-12 announced its partnership with Quidel Corporation, a manufacturer of FDA-approved rapid tests that will allow the league to test its student-athletes daily for the coronavirus.
While the new testing systems will be on every campus by the end of the month, the league still expects to need a short time to train staff how to use them, and ensure the proper testing protocols are in place.
Schools in the states of California and Oregon still have not been cleared by public health officials to resume contact practices, let alone games. The league’s presidents and chancellors wouldn’t consider a vote to return until that status changes. Ideally, the Pac-12 would like its teams to have six weeks to practice and physically prepare for the season, the source said.
To get to a mid-November start between now and when the tests arrive, the Pac-12 would have to be cleared by public health experts, the source said. Late November could be more realistic considering the double crisis with the pandemic and wildfires that continue to singe the Pacific Northwest.
The conference announced in August that it was postponing all competitive sports through the calendar year, citing the need for “rapid point of care tests” as part of its decision.
Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott called the purchase of the new tests a “game-changer” and said the availability of rapid testing will allow the conference to consider resuming competitive activities before Jan. 1, 2021.
__________
TrojanDailyBlog members — Always feel free to add information or topics to the TDB which don’t necessarily pertain to any particular moderator post or member comment.
You may disagree with this, but the PAC-12 conference leadership acts like it’s a Power 5 heavyweight. But it performs like the Mountain West Conference in football. Larry Scott can stand in front of a podium and blabber away like a well-paid politician he is. But most know the truth about his leadership failures and the way this conference is performing. If this was a responsible commercial business, Mr. Scott would be gone. In a conference of schools where support of its sports programs are seemingly a lower priority, you need a strong commissioner that can overcome this. This plainly… Read more »
When I was a teenager my mom employed a geriatric “nanny” to watch my siblings and I. “Grandma” laid down the law one afternoon after school and told me I couldn’t see my friend across the street. I went to my room and exited through the window while she watched her soaps. I have said it before. It’s time for SC to climb out the window. Leave the nanny behind and play with the big kids again.
I cannot see how the state can prevent the Trojans, bruins, Bears, and the trees from playing when they have allowed all the pro teams to proceed. The testing gets done, the guys have a camp and then lets kick off. This last weekend had its usual blow outs with cream puff scheduling. Louisville looked pretty darn good, and to my joy Florida St. was awful. Clemson looked like a contender no question, but the qb, in my humble opinion, is not the best in the nation. He just has an incredible team around him, like Daniels had in high… Read more »
Apparently the ability of professional sports to rapidly test is what has allowed them to practice and play. If colleges can do the same procedures they should be able to play as well. Sure hope so this weekend was okay but I miss my Trojans.😪
I still had an enjoyable football weekend, despite the scaled down college football menu. Kind of surprised me. I love college football, and not just because of USC.
I also watched a lot more NFL than I normally would have and that helped fill the gap during these Covid times. Some very interesting story lines, coaching decisions, and performances.
I thought Dallas got robbed last night on the late PI call. Seemed like both the WR and DB were engaged in mutual hand-to-hand combat.
I have to give the NFL a couple weeks to find a band wagon to jump on. After the Chargers left SD I haven’t had much interest in NFL. I am looking forward to another 2 weeks and the SEC getting it going. LSU will be my team, absent SC.
Sofi Stadium is unreal. Nothing’s gonna compete with that in the immediate future. What a place.
Colin Cowherd on the New York Jets in three words:
AWFUL, GASE CLOSED
“Gase is now 7-10 as the Jets head coach. They’re the only team with fewer than 270 yds. I understand they’re rebuilding the offensive line again. That was just embarrassing. He ain’t making it to Thanksgiving.”
Jeff Potrykus @jaypo1961
#Badgers chancellor Rebecca Blank today during a teleconference when asked about B1G football: “I will say we’re all going to move together in the Big Ten. We’re all going to play or not if we possibly can. This isn’t going to be a school by school thing.”