To Play or Pandemic? Feelings Towards an Unknown Season.

When I was 18, and a Freshman with Penn State football, I would have done just about anything to be out on the field.  

Not even to play, just to dress.

As a walk-on, and a late one that made it via try-out, I had an incredible uphill battle.  

If I were to put myself in my 18 year old self, I would absolutely want to stay involved, and play a season.  I would sign a waiver.

I imagine, for those upperclassmen who may have waited years for this opportunity, they would do nearly anything to play.

I imagine that pretty much anyone who truly loves the game and has a near fanatical passion for it, would want to play.

The question becomes "Under what circumstances?"  

As long as the approaches and measures taken are what the players, the coaches, and support staff are comfortable with, then I can in good conscience support an attempt at a season.

HOWEVER,

I recognize we are in a pandemic state.

Over 160k have tragically passed in America to this novel Coronavirus.  

The only way any nation has been able to control the virus has been widespread adherence to social distancing and mask wearing combined with vigorous testing and contact tracing.

It appears to most in our academic and health care communities agree that having large crowds and doing nearly anything together over time greatly increases the risk.

If Penn State does value the opinions of doctors and academics, then I believe any kind of season will not have fans.

As a former letterman, mine (as well as others) have had their sideline privileges taken away (I have zero problems with this).

The players, coaches, and support staff must always feel safe and supported as well as their families.  If for this season, it is recommended there are no fans in seats then fine.

I honestly think they could play the games, tape them and play them later and all of America would still watch while knowing the results. Thats how starved I feel some people are for new athletic content.

Now, I also think people should also accept and be open to the idea that a season may start, stop and not have a clear champion.

We need to be OK with these potential scenarios as our collective health and well being are more important than one specific sport or game or thing.

If no one is sick, or getting sick, and things are improving, fantastic. 

If we move into November and an outbreak hits the offensive or defensive lineman rooms?

If the the support staff aren't properly equipped and they pass the disease to a loved one?

These are difficult times, and we need to be patient and support one another through everything.  I want those young guys to have fun.  To be able to show how hard they worked, not just this year, but for their whole life.

I love the guys out there asking to have a season just as much as I love Micah for deciding not to play and train in a more comfortable environment.  Both things can be true.

I think we can try to have some football on the players terms, but I think we as fans and as people, need to recognize that this is difficult and turn to our better angels of support and empathy at this time.