SEC announces cancellation of spring sports for the rest of 2019-2020

The Southeastern Conference announced on Tuesday the cancellation of all spring sports for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year because of the continued threat of the coronavirus.

The SEC previously had postponed all competition until April 15.

“This is a difficult day for all of us, and I am especially disappointed for our student-athletes,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement released by the conference. “The health and well-being of our entire conference community is an ongoing priority for the SEC as we continue to monitor developments and information about the COVID-19 virus.”

The release affirmed that SEC universities would continue to provide academic services, medical care, mental health and wellness, nutrition and housing to scholarship athletes.

The release also stated the SEC and its member institutions will continue to communicate with public health officials and medical experts to determine the best path forward related to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Obviously, we are saddened for our student-athletes, our coaches and all staff who work hard to prepare our teams to compete at the highest level at Texas A&M,” A&M athletic director Ross Bjork said. “There is a mission that overshadows our desire to compete and that relates to the safety of those we are entrusted to serve.  Unprecedented times call for these measures, and we are navigating through unfamiliar territory.

“A lot of thought and discussion went into making difficult decisions that impact all our sports in some way, but as the SEC, we stand together as one.  We will continue to monitor this fluid situation and look forward to the day we can announce a return to preparation for competition.”

Further, it was announced full refunds for tickets purchased to the SEC baseball and softball tournaments will be made by March 31.