SEC extends coronavirus suspension through end of USC spring football, some seasons
Several University of South Carolina spring sports seasons are likely all but done as the SEC extended its suspension of intercollegiate competition through April 15 because of coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. The league made the announcement Friday and added team activities and practices to the list of things that are prohibited.
The regular seasons for beach volleyball, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s tennis all end before that date. The SEC tournaments for both tennis teams and women’s golf were scheduled to start on April 15.
That also would end, or at least postpone, the Gamecocks’ spring football practices and the spring game on April 4. USC and coach Will Muschamp had already completed five practices and were scheduled to have nine more.
The suspension of games and activities had originally run through March 30.
The only spring sports that have games, matches or events scheduled before after the ban ends are baseball, softball and track. The NCAA has also canceled its winter and spring championships.
It’s also not yet clear how seasons even could conclude without practice for at least a month.
Gamecocks athletics director Ray Tanner was set to speak to the media at 7 p.m. Friday.
The full SEC statement that was released Friday afternoon:
“The Southeastern Conference today announced that all athletics activities, including competitions, team and individual practices, meetings and other organized gatherings, will be suspended through at least April 15, due to continuing developments related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The SEC had previously announced that all competition was suspended until March 30.
That suspension of competition has been extended through April 15 and now includes all organized team activities.
SEC athletics programs will cease practices, individual and team workouts effective the end of the day Friday, March 13.
Team meetings shall conclude no later than 5 pm local time on Monday, March 16.
SEC member institutions will continue to provide their student-athletes with care and support to meet needs in areas including academics, medical care, mental health and wellness, nutrition and housing as needed.”
This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 4:04 PM.
