SEC To Make Provisions For Fall Student-Athletes Who Opt Out of 2020-2021 Season

The SEC announced Friday that there will be provisions in place for student-athletes who choose not to participate in fall sports during the 2020-2021.

Should a student-athlete have health and or safety concerns due to the coronavirus outbreak, their scholarship will be honored and they will remain in good standing.

The decision comes just days after SEC athletic directors met with commissioner Greg Sankey in person for the first time since the shutdown occurred in March.

Friday, Sankey was quoted in an article posted on the conference website as saying the latest decision is more of an option as most athletes have made it known they want to participate in their respective sports.

"SEC universities are committed to full support of its student-athletes, whether or not a student-athlete decides to participate in sports during these uncertain times," he said. "SEC student-athletes have frequently expressed their desire to compete, but it is important for student-athletes and their families to know the financial support committed to them by their institutions will not be at risk because of health concerns presented by the current pandemic."