WVU president: Football will happen in fall 'even if I have to suit up'
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West Virginia president Dr. E. Gordon Gee is confident the college football season will proceed despite the coronavirus pandemic, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.
"We are going to play football in the fall, I really do believe that," Gee said Wednesday on WOWK-TV. "Even if I have to suit up."
The 76-year-old added that keeping the public and players safe will be the top priority.
"We're going to do it based upon what is safe, what is healthy for our fans, what is healthy for our student-athletes," Gee said. "But I do believe that we will play football."
While Gee, who's a member of the College Football Playoff board, believes college teams will find a way to play, a potential date for a season kickoff remains up in the air.
NCAA president Mark Emmert said Tuesday that start dates for college sports will be determined by state officials and university presidents. He previously downplayed the likelihood of a uniform start date for all 130 football teams across 41 states.
Emmert has also said college sports won't happen unless campuses are reopened to all students.