Val Ackerman Press Conference

[xudash]

Some good info - - from an HLOH post:

All the below quotes are courtesy of John Fanta on Twitter. Lots of good information here from Val.

“The Big East has been through a lot in its 41 years. I don’t even think Dave Gavitt could have come to grips that this would happen.” “When sports come back, they’re going to come back big.”

“If our campuses are not open, we will not have athletes coming back.”

Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman says the timeline for understanding fall semester / schools opening / sports returning could be late June / early July.

Val Ackerman notes that the Big East did have insurance for the conference tournament cancellation at Madison Square Garden. The pandemic is considered under the insurance umbrella.

Val Ackerman has described the future of college athletics as a “make it up as you go” playbook and “patchwork.” This sums up the level of unknown that is still out there with the pandemic, and the status of college sports returning this fall. There’s a high level of unknown.

Val Ackerman has announced that there will be alternative programming for the annual Big East Mental Health Forum for conference student-athletes this summer.

Think about the school locations of the 11 Big East schools. St. John’s and Seton Hall are in a totally different predicament than Creighton and Xavier. Staggered scheduling is a likely possibility, and it creates a complicated scenario. A lot of work to be done.

Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman says the formal vote for Name/Image/Likeness for college athletes is planned for January 2021 to be put into effect for 21-22 academic year.

Val Ackerman says the Big East is just looking at alternative schedules for the FALL right now. Basketball hasn’t been looked at in terms of alternative scheduling models.

“The NCAA is also looking hard at possible disruption (with national fall championships).” - Val Ackerman

[basket]

Sounds to me like there will not be basketball in the 2020-21 school year. Unlike what Coach Franklin at Penn State said about his sport. I appreciate the Big East Commish!!

[JTG]

Sounds to me like there will not be basketball in the 2020-21 school year. Unlike what Coach Franklin at Penn State said about his sport. I appreciate the Big East Commish!!

That's not at all what I took from what she said. I can't believe the number of people who are totally " the glass is empty" on Covid 19. We're coming back from this and it's not going to take 2 years. We have to get the country moving again. We can't wait around at home for government handouts for the next 12 months.

[XUGRAD80]

If there are some schools open, and there are others that are not, I think that the open schools will be given a choice of competing or not. I can see where the league doesn’t operate as a league and schools are given the opportunity to schedule games with other schools in their area that are open. At the end of the year they hold league tournaments for some leagues and some do not. The NCAA has no automatic qualifiers and all schools are chosen at-large. Maybe it’s 64-68 teams, maybe 32. All depends on how big the pool of teams to choose from is.

I just can’t see where if schools are open and CAN field a team why they wouldn’t, as long as they can find other schools to compete against. Would especially look for schools in the same geographical area to compete against, so as to cut down on travel expenses.


Of course....this scenario is ONLY IF the season doesn’t go on as is regularly constructed......which I think it will.

[basket]

That's not at all what I took from what she said. I can't believe the number of people who are totally " the glass is empty" on Covid 19. We're coming back from this and it's not going to take 2 years. We have to get the country moving again. We can't wait around at home for government handouts for the next 12 months.

Wow I guess your post isnt political!

[principal]

Wow I guess your post isnt political!

Reality is not political.

[SC in DC]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/29151573/commissioner-says-no-big-east-sports-students-campus

[bjf123]

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/29151573/commissioner-says-no-big-east-sports-students-campus

Makes sense to me. If the campus isn’t open to students, they shouldn’t make an exception for the student athletes. It should be all or nothing.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[basket]

Reality is not political.

Reality according to who? YOU! Thats DEFINITELY not reality!! Thats called YOUR opinion!! So if Xavierhoops.com under the mens bsketball section wants to promote politics on their boards I'm all for it but that has GOT to be a 2-way street where ALL sides are heard from NOT just the right wing conservatives.

[XU_Lou]

Reality according to who? YOU! Thats DEFINITELY not reality!! Thats called YOUR opinion!! So if Xavierhoops.com under the mens bsketball section wants to promote politics on their boards I'm all for it but that has GOT to be a 2-way street where ALL sides are heard from NOT just the right wing conservatives.

C'mon guys, you have to "shut up and obey!" Basket's all triggered because he wants to hide in his basement cowering in fear for the next two years waiting for a vaccine.

[xudash]

Reality according to who? YOU! Thats DEFINITELY not reality!! Thats called YOUR opinion!! So if Xavierhoops.com under the mens bsketball section wants to promote politics on their boards I'm all for it but that has GOT to be a 2-way street where ALL sides are heard from NOT just the right wing conservatives.

Go back and read it again.

No one in their right mind would have come to your original conclusion.

This isn’t political. Xavier just formally announced its intention to open back up for the fall. EVERYONE is focused on finding SAFE ways to get back to work, school - everything. That includes collegiate athletics.

[xudash]

2020 Commencement has been announced for August 8.

[xubrew]

Some good info - - from an HLOH post:

All the below quotes are courtesy of John Fanta on Twitter. Lots of good information here from Val.

“The Big East has been through a lot in its 41 years. I don’t even think Dave Gavitt could have come to grips that this would happen.” “When sports come back, they’re going to come back big.”

“If our campuses are not open, we will not have athletes coming back.”

Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman says the timeline for understanding fall semester / schools opening / sports returning could be late June / early July.

Val Ackerman notes that the Big East did have insurance for the conference tournament cancellation at Madison Square Garden. The pandemic is considered under the insurance umbrella.

Val Ackerman has described the future of college athletics as a “make it up as you go” playbook and “patchwork.” This sums up the level of unknown that is still out there with the pandemic, and the status of college sports returning this fall. There’s a high level of unknown.

Val Ackerman has announced that there will be alternative programming for the annual Big East Mental Health Forum for conference student-athletes this summer.

Think about the school locations of the 11 Big East schools. St. John’s and Seton Hall are in a totally different predicament than Creighton and Xavier. Staggered scheduling is a likely possibility, and it creates a complicated scenario. A lot of work to be done.

Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman says the formal vote for Name/Image/Likeness for college athletes is planned for January 2021 to be put into effect for 21-22 academic year.

Val Ackerman says the Big East is just looking at alternative schedules for the FALL right now. Basketball hasn’t been looked at in terms of alternative scheduling models.

“The NCAA is also looking hard at possible disruption (with national fall championships).” - Val Ackerman


This is pretty consistent with what all 32 conference commissioners are saying. If we get to the end of June, and there is still uncertainty as to if/when this will clear up, then I think that you're going to start to see conferences canceling or postponing fall sports, and the NCAA canceling fall championships. And, this would include football.

Maybe it won't happen. I REALLY hope that it doesn't because if it does, then I don't really know what the long term effects of that are going to be. But, when all 32 commissioners, including the P5 commissioners, are saying things like this, then it indicates it's very possible that we won't have fall sports and won't have football this year.

[xavierj]

This is pretty consistent with what all 32 conference commissioners are saying. If we get to the end of June, and there is still uncertainty as to if/when this will clear up, then I think that you're going to start to see conferences canceling or postponing fall sports, and the NCAA canceling fall championships. And, this would include football.

Maybe it won't happen. I REALLY hope that it doesn't because if it does, then I don't really know what the long term effects of that are going to be. But, when all 32 commissioners, including the P5 commissioners, are saying things like this, then it indicates it's very possible that we won't have fall sports and won't have football this year.

I know some programs are planning to have kids start coming back in June. A lot of college have already announced plans to have students on campus and in class in the fall. In June Plans are to start with small group workouts throughout the week to make sure guys are in shape and then if everything goes as planned, In late July, they will allow a 6 week practice time (usually 4 weeks) to get everyone ready to play. My belief is that as states open back up there will be a lot of pressure on the governors to get this thing moving and as long as the states allow it, then the conferences will make sure games are played. I mean there really is no risk for 18 to 23 year old kids to be out there playing as far as their health is concerned. Now I am sure there will be some attendance restrictions, but its going to happen. If football does not happen, then neither will any other sports next year, but it will happen in my opinion. The panic will end when as we open back up, people will see that it is not that bad.

[xubrew]

I know some programs are planning to have kids start coming back in June. A lot of college have already announced plans to have students on campus and in class in the fall. In June Plans are to start with small group workouts throughout the week to make sure guys are in shape and then if everything goes as planned, In late July, they will allow a 6 week practice time (usually 4 weeks) to get everyone ready to play. My belief is that as states open back up there will be a lot of pressure on the governors to get this thing moving and as long as the states allow it, then the conferences will make sure games are played. I mean there really is no risk for 18 to 23 year old kids to be out there playing as far as their health is concerned. Now I am sure there will be some attendance restrictions, but its going to happen. If football does not happen, then neither will any other sports next year, but it will happen in my opinion. The panic will end when as we open back up, people will see that it is not that bad.

Well, like I've said before, I hope you're right. I mean....I REAAAAALLLLY hope you're right!

[Nigel Tufnel]

This is going to be a clusterf*&k. My sister in law is a professor at DePaul. She’s already been told DePaul will be on line for the fall semester. So if students aren’t back at DePaul until January, what the hell happens? St. John’s, Seton Hall and UConn could do the same based on their geography and how their governor’s are handling the pandemic.

I don’t think winter sports is going to be “business as usual,” at this point. Sucks.

[paulxu]

I wonder if they might wait till second semester, and just play the conference schedule of basketball.

[xubrew]

I wonder if they might wait till second semester, and just play the conference schedule of basketball.

That’s possible. Or they might just start in December after the semesters end and cram all the OOC games down into about 3-4 weeks. With conferences like the MAC going to 20 games for just this year, you’re looking at 9-11 games in 3-4 weeks, which is a lot, but it’s doable.

I’m really hoping that winter sports are able to happen.

[xavierj]

That’s possible. Or they might just start in December after the semesters end and cram all the OOC games down into about 3-4 weeks. With conferences like the MAC going to 20 games for just this year, you’re looking at 9-11 games in 3-4 weeks, which is a lot, but it’s doable.

I’m really hoping that winter sports are able to happen.

Yeah if fall sports are cancelled I can’t see winter sports being a go. I mean if they cancel fall sports and classes, what makes anyone believe their thought process will change to have on campus classes and play winter sports? It’s not like a vaccine will be available and even if one is, it won’t be full proof like most other so called vaccines. This thing, like most viruses, is here to stay, Best to accept it and move on.

It’s all dumb to cancel anything at this point. How about you open back up the states and see how things go before making rash decisions? I mean what happens if you cancel now and this thing kind of disappears in mid summer or continues to not be a real threat to the large majority of the population? Hell you keep going at this rate, a lot of colleges will have to fold up shop with the revenue beating that many are already feeling.

[JTG]

I've been ill before and I've been unemployed before. Being unemployed was way more scary and way more miserable. Someone needs to stop these people, mostly politicians, from preemptively cancelling recovery efforts until 2021.

[WCWIII]

Back to the press conference ... I find that the Big East had an insurance policy interesting. It was a bit surreal at the time sitting in MSG and hearing various conference tourneys were being cancelled and yet we played on. I did not attend the next day's first half game between Creighton and St. John's when the plug on the tourney was finally pulled. I'm not mad at all, I'm a grown-up and I decided it was safe enough for me at the time to attend ... but it does make me wonder if the delay in cancelling the tournament had anything to do with the terms of the insurance policy.

[xubrew]

Yeah if fall sports are cancelled I can’t see winter sports being a go. I mean if they cancel fall sports and classes, what makes anyone believe their thought process will change to have on campus classes and play winter sports? It’s not like a vaccine will be available and even if one is, it won’t be full proof like most other so called vaccines. This thing, like most viruses, is here to stay, Best to accept it and move on.

It’s all dumb to cancel anything at this point. How about you open back up the states and see how things go before making rash decisions? I mean what happens if you cancel now and this thing kind of disappears in mid summer or continues to not be a real threat to the large majority of the population? Hell you keep going at this rate, a lot of colleges will have to fold up shop with the revenue beating that many are already feeling.

It would have to get to a point before the start of the spring semester where colleges and universities were sure that students could return and large gatherings could take place without any risk. Whether or not there is a vaccine, or testing, or whatever, they need to be convinced that there is not a risk. That probably will not happen before the start of the fall, but it may happen during the fall and before the spring.

As far as it being "dumb to cancel anything at this point," maybe so. But, the issue that universities are facing is whether or not it's smart to buy a non-refundable ticket (so to speak) when you're already strapped for cash. They need to plan out their budgets for the entire campus for the fall semester. They don't want to allot money to athletics if they aren't sure athletics will even be allowed to happen. Because, what if it doesn't happen? They're already out the money from TV and the gate. If they don't suspend/cancel athletics, then they could be out even more than that if they pay their coaches and administrators, but then have to cancel the games anyway. So, they don't really have the "Let's wait and see" option that a lot of pro leagues have.

I really don't think football happens this Fall. Some schools from the lower divisions have already looked at cancelling fall sports. The Cal State schools have said they won't be on campus, and that includes three FBS programs (San Diego State, San Jose State, and Fresno State). The UC schools, which include Cal and UCLA, probably aren't that far behind, and it looks like USC is in the process of at least altering their schedule, and perhaps cancelling it altogether. Those may be the first dominoes to fall. Some schools are starting to look at putting together regional schedules, and that may work and allow some schools to at least play a schedule, but it won't be your typical season if there is a season at all. If there is no championship, and you don't have anyone else to play, then is it worth the investment of money and resources? Most university presidents, even P5 presidents, would say no.

We might not have college sports at all this year. We could. I hope we do. But, we may not. It's not an impossibility. It's actually far more possible than what most people seem to realize. I'm not saying that I like it, or that I think it's a good idea, or that it's at all necessary to cancel college sports. I'm merely saying that it could happen. Those that are saying that there's no way it happens need to realize that...well...YES IT COULD!!

[xubrew]

I've been ill before and I've been unemployed before. Being unemployed was way more scary and way more miserable. Someone needs to stop these people, mostly politicians, from preemptively cancelling recovery efforts until 2021.

I agree.

If given the choice between catching the virus and having everything going back to normal for me if/when I got over it, or not catching it and losing my job and the normalcy of my life, I'd choose Option A all day long.

It is very possible that I will lose my job. I may be furloughed or laid off entirely. I haven't yet, but I know that it could happen. I'm trying to remain positive. I could easily go for a year without working, and I've always thought about how nice it would be to take a year off and go live in Europe for a while. An unpaid sabbatical, so to speak. Well, that could happen due to being somewhat forced into it. I've actually started to look into it and am thinking that it may actually end up being the most practical option. It's kind of sad considering the reality that's surrounding it. I'm normally a happy person, but this does have me rather distressed. I know I'm not alone in that. If we get through this, and if I'm able to go back to the normalcy that up until now was my life, then I'll be happy even if I have to take some time away from it. But, like everyone else, I don't know what's going to happen and don't know if the life I've come to love living will still be the same after this.

Sorry for ranting. Rant over.

[paulxu]

Brew, I'm sure hoping that you do not lose your job.

Europe might be off limits to Americans for a while, so make sure you check before making any decisions.

[xudash]

I agree.

If given the choice between catching the virus and having everything going back to normal for me if/when I got over it, or not catching it and losing my job and the normalcy of my life, I'd choose Option A all day long.

It is very possible that I will lose my job. I may be furloughed or laid off entirely. I haven't yet, but I know that it could happen. I'm trying to remain positive. I could easily go for a year without working, and I've always thought about how nice it would be to take a year off and go live in Europe for a while. An unpaid sabbatical, so to speak. Well, that could happen due to being somewhat forced into it. I've actually started to look into it and am thinking that it may actually end up being the most practical option. It's kind of sad considering the reality that's surrounding it. I'm normally a happy person, but this does have me rather distressed. I know I'm not alone in that. If we get through this, and if I'm able to go back to the normalcy that up until now was my life, then I'll be happy even if I have to take some time away from it. But, like everyone else, I don't know what's going to happen and don't know if the life I've come to love living will still be the same after this.

Sorry for ranting. Rant over.

I'm not an HR person, but, to the extent "you receive the dreaded call or email", then I assume that the furloughed scenario would involve compensation cut to zero (I don't hope for that; I simply presume that is the result of this option), but that all existing benefits would be maintained, meaning primarily that you keep your medical coverage in place, assuming that is an attractive plan for you.

If you are at a place in your life where you are able to fulfill a dream like that - living in Europe for a year - then do it. You'll come back and be valuable to some organization, or you'll get over there, have some form of revelation or experience, and come back a raging entrepreneur! Either way, your life will be enriched.

[xubrew]

Brew, I'm sure hoping that you do not lose your job.

Europe might be off limits to Americans for a while, so make sure you check before making any decisions.

Thanks. I'm not the only one who is faced with this. Not that I want it to happen, but if it does then I'm convinced I'll be fine in the long run.

As far as Europe goes, as it stands now you can get there, but you can't get back. I'm guessing (and I could be wrong) that at some point this summer we are essentially going to be 75-80 percent operational again. Hopefully that includes international travel, but maybe not If not, then obviously making plans to go abroad may not be an option after all.

Hopefully it doesn't come to that. I mean, it's still possible that we are completely open by the end of the summer, travel restrictions are lifted, large gatherings are allowed, and most who are out of work now will be able to return to work. I mean, that could all happen too.