SEC Announces Delayed Start Of 2020 Football Season
The Southeastern Conference will kick off its 2020 football season on September 26 as it monitors the spread of COVID-19, three weeks later than the original planned start on Labor Day weekend.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey announced plans Thursday for a 10-game conference-only schedule this fall. He said the delayed start will allow SEC schools to focus on the healthy return of students and staff, factoring in a gradual return to athletics.
“After careful consideration of the public health indicators in our region and following advice of our medical advisors, we have determined that this is the best course of action to prepare for a safe and healthy return to competition for SEC student-athletes, coaches and others associated with our sports programs,” Sankey said in a statement.
The commissioner said the schedule supports safety measures being implemented at SEC schools amid the coronavirus pandemic. The SEC will limit competition to conference-only opponents. The move could save the SEC millions of dollars by eliminating “buy games.”
“This new plan for a football schedule is consistent with the educational goals of our universities to allow for the safe and orderly return to campus of their student populations and to provide a healthy learning environment during these unique circumstances presented by the COVID-19 virus,” Sankey said. “This new schedule supports the safety measures that are being taken by each of our institutions to ensure the health of our campus communities.”
The SEC football championship is slated for December 19 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Officials said the schedule adjustments offer the best opportunity to complete a full season, allowing opportunities to adapt given the fluid nature of the virus.
Human remains identified as Travis Decker, wanted for killing his daughters
Decker, an ex-soldier, was wanted for the murder of his three young daughters after they were found dead near a campground in June.
Trump to place import taxes on drugs, home furnishings and heavy trucks
President Trump said he will put import taxes of 100% on pharmaceutical drugs, 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, 30% on upholstered furniture and 25% on heavy trucks starting on Oct. 1.
Alabama executes Geoffrey Todd West for the murder of Margaret Parrish Berry
The execution took place despite Berry's son's opposition to it and was marked by less movement than other nitrogen gas executions.
Ex-FBI Director James Comey indicted on criminal charges stemming from 2020 testimony
Comey faces one count of making false statements and one count of obstruction of justice in connection.
Hollywood now has dueling open letters over the Israel film boycott
Over 1,200 Hollywood figures, among them Liev Schreiber, Mayim Bialik and Sharon Osbourne, signed a letter on Thursday rejecting a previous call to boycott Israeli film groups.
Trump advances TikTok deal with new executive order
The new order says that the deal to turn over a majority stake in TikTok to a group of U.S. investors meets the terms ordered by Congress, and will allow it to stay online in the U.S.
