Reports MSU Football Would Opt out of CFB are 'Bizarre'

Michigan State athletic director Bill Beekman confirms reports saying the Spartans planned on opting out of the college football season were false.

Before the Big Ten reinstated college football, loads of reports came out saying some universities wouldn't participate.

One, in particular, turned out to be completely false.

DP on B1G: "The Presidents and Chancellors will vote today. Mich. probably not going to play, Mich. St. not going to play, Maryland's probably [won't] play. But you're going to get Nebraska, Iowa, Purdue, Indiana, Ohio St. Wisconsin wants to play but may not be able to." pic.twitter.com/6QiusRB5t1

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) September 14, 2020

On September 14, Dan Patrick reported that Michigan and Maryland probably wouldn't play if the Big Ten returned, and Michigan State would opt out of the 2020 season altogether.

Michigan State athletic director Bill Beekman was "befuddled" by where those theories originated.

"Those reports, from my perspective, were absolutely bizarre. Michigan State has never in this entire process been anything – in terms of representing our perspective to the conference, has been anything other than completely enthusiastic about playing," MSU athletic director Bill Beekman told reporters Wednesday afternoon.

"That's from my perspective as the athletic director, Coach Tucker's perspective, and President Stanley's perspective."

The Spartan head coach spoke to reporters last week, confirming he was "looking forward to getting back out on the grass with our guys."

"We've always said to the beginning that we wanted to play in the worst way, but we wanted to make sure that the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, staff, and administrators were at the forefront," Tucker said.

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