“This isn't over!”
Despite reports that a cancellation of the 2020 Big Ten football season could be imminent, Ryan Day and the Ohio State football program aren't going down without a fight.
He made that clear in a tweet on Monday afternoon, just a few hours before the Big Ten presidents and chancellors are reportedly set to meet again to potentially make a final decision on the season.
Swinging as hard as we possibly can right now for these players!! This isnt over! #FIGHT
— Ryan Day (@ryandaytime) August 10, 2020
Day joined a chorus of other Ohio State football coaches and players who tweeted Monday about their desire to play this fall and their belief that the football program has created the safest possible environment for the Buckeyes to be able to play this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our players deserve the opportunity to choose whether they play or dont play. We will play anyone, anywhere. We dont care who it is.#WeWantASeason
— Brian Hartline (@brianhartline) August 10, 2020
I wish everyone could see our players over these last 3 months, the last 3 days, and especially the last few hours. Never been so proud of a group of men !!!!! Ridiculous leadership, unbelievable energy and relentless fight !!!! All in order to play the game they love !! BUCKEYES
— Mickey Marotti (@MickeyMarotti) August 10, 2020
Years of work will come down to votes from Presidents and Execs who havent even witnessed our protocols and safety measures with their own eyes. Our guys are safe. #WeWantASeason
— Justin Hilliard (@JHilliard47) August 10, 2020
Nothing has changed, so why shut it down now? It is apparent that this is less about the health & safety of us and more about maintaining a grip and control over the voices of players and coaches. We will be heard. We are not spoken for. #WeWantToPlay
— dan (@Danny_Vanatsky) August 10, 2020
Several other Big Ten coaches also made statements on Monday advocating for college football to still be played this fall, including Michigan's Jim Harbaugh, Penn State's James Franklin and Nebraska's Scott Frost.
I love our players & believe it is my responsibility to help them chase their dreams, both collectively & individually. I am willing to fight WITH them & for our program!#WeAre
— James Franklin (@coachjfranklin) August 10, 2020
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh released a statement on why hes advocating they play football this season citing recent numbers and protocols followed pic.twitter.com/8SBHPlSlQv
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) August 10, 2020
"Our University is committed to playing no matter what, no matter what that looks like and how that looks. We want to play no matter who it is or where it is."#Huskers HC Scott Frost on opponents for 2020. pic.twitter.com/kTPN9znv0v
— Husker Sports (@HuskerSports) August 10, 2020
Day said last week that he planned to do whatever he could to advocate for his players and speak out on their behalf.
“I want to advocate for these guys, because they work so hard and they deserve it,” Day said.
