University of Michigan President Says the School Will Not Have a Football Season Until All Students Can Be Back on Campus

Last week the NCAA permitted schools to allow student-athletes to return for voluntary workouts starting June 1st

University of Michigan President, Dr. Mark Schlissel, an immunologist, says that U of M will not have a football season until on-campus instruction is permitted. Last week, the NCAA said it would permit student athletes to return to campus to begin voluntary workouts beginning June 1st. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has extended the state's stay-at-home order through June 12th.

Video Transcript:

The University of Michigan won’t have a football season this fall unless all students are able to be back on campus for classes.

University President Dr. Mark Schlissel is an immunologist by training, and told the Wall Street Journal that he has "some degree of doubt as to whether there will be college athletics (anywhere), at least in the fall."

Schlissel made the point that "If there is no on-campus instruction then there won't be intercollegiate athletics, at least for Michigan."

This comes shortly after decisions made last week that alluded to a return to college football this fall. The SEC said football players can return for voluntary workouts on June 8, while Ohio State football also made a similar announcement last week. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer however has extended the state's stay-at-home order through June 12.

Dr. Schlissel also added that the decision the university makes as to how Michigan proceeds with classes in the fall, whether online or in person, will be in place for the entire school year.