SEC commissioner expects no COVID-19 postponements this fall
HOOVER, Ala. (KMIZ)
SEC Media Days is officially back after a year off due to COVID-19. Commissioner Greg Sankey was the first person at the podium on Monday.
COVID-19 continues to be a major topic in college sports. Sankey said six of the 14 football teams in the league have reached 80% vaccination rates.
"That number needs to grow, and grow rapidly," Sankey said.
According to the SEC's policy, teams that reach 85% no longer have to get tested for the virus. They also no longer have to wear masks.
Sankey said the upcoming season will go on as scheduled this fall. He is not planning on postponing any games due to COVID-19.
"We've not built in the kind of time we did last year, particularly at the end of the season, to accommodate disruption," Sankey said. "Our teams are going to have to be fully prepared to play their season as scheduled."
Sankey added he hopes to get rid of the 53-man minimum recommendation for teams to play. He said he hopes this will motivate student-athletes and staff members to get vaccinated.
"Your team needs to be healthy to compete, and if not - that game won't be rescheduled," Sankey said.
Mizzou will have its turn at SEC Media Days on Thursday. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz will be joined by defensive lineman Akial Byers and offensive lineman Case Cook.
