Florida A&M University has announced that it will not participate in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's spring football season due to COVID-19 concerns. FAMU will join Bethune-Cookman University as the second school in the MEAC to do so. In addition, the university has also cancelled indoor track and field and volleyball. In contrast, FAMU will still have men and women's basketball seasons this year.
“It came as a surprise and it was very disappointing, but at the end of the day the safety of the players, coaches, staff and fans will always be a top priority,” Florida A&M University offensive lineman Jalen Brayboy said.
“My teammates and I can only control what we can control. So with the cancellation of the spring season, we will do our part first academically, by finishing the semester strong.”
Initially, the MEAC postponed its football season due to the ongoing pandemic. With the departure of Bethune-Cookman and FAMU, the conference is left with seven schools for its spring football season.
While FAMU will remain on the sideline this year, it plans to come back stronger than ever next year. As a result, students who remain at the school will receive an additional year of eligibility.
“All of our student-athletes that have been affected by COVID-19 because of opt-outs and cancellations will receive an automatic additional year of availability to their clock,” FAMU Athletic Director Kortne Gosha.
“The university supports the decision made by our athletics department as this is to protect our student-athletes, Rattler fans and supporters during this unprecedented time,” FAMU President Larry Robinson said.
The Rattlers will return to Bragg Memorial Stadium next fall for a full season.
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