Report: Group of Pac-12 players threatening to opt out over COVID-19, racial concerns

The Pac-12 has agreed to a conference-only schedule for the 2020 season, and even released the schedule on Friday.

However, it remains to be seen if every player teams are counting on to show up will show up or not, as many of them are apparently considering opting out.

Per ESPN, a group of players are looking into opting out if the league doesn’t fulfill a list of demands about racial injustice and COVID-19 protocols:

A group of Pac-12 players are threatening to opt out of games until negotiations with the league regarding concerns about racial injustice, safety during the coronavirus pandemic and other demands are completed.

(via @ESPNRittenberg and @Mark_Schlabach) https://t.co/6929tYAnKD

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) August 1, 2020

In the article, ESPN details a text message from the group about its goals:

A text message obtained by ESPN says the group’s goal is to “obtain a written contract with the Pac- 12 that legally ensures we are offered the following protections and benefits.”

The group’s list of demands, according to the text message, includes safe play amid the pandemic, fighting racial injustice, securing economic rights and fair compensation, protecting all sports and obtaining long-term health insurance.

The Pac-12 has said it hasn’t heard from the group.

Adam Spencer

Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.