LSU Football: Ed Orgeron’s stance on athletes receiving another year of eligibility

LSU football head coach Ed Orgeron commented on whether or not he believes student athletes should receive another year of eligibility due to the coronavirus outbreak.

LSU football head coach Ed Orgeron added his thoughts this week to a major issue currently facing the NCAA.

The NCAA announced last week that spring athletes will receive another year of eligibility, due to seasons being canceled because of the coronavirus outbreak that’s pressed the pause button on sports.

For now, it’s unclear if the NCAA will grant another year of eligibility to winter athletes.

Coach O, however, is hoping they do.

Appearing on WAFB this week, Orgeron said “Hopefully they give them a year back…hopefully everyone gets a year back”.

I’m not exactly sure how all of this will play out. But I’d be surprised if the NCAA granted winter athletes another year of eligibility.

It’s not that I think they shouldn’t. I hate that players were robbed of a chance to compete in conference tournaments, the NCAA Tournament and even the NIT.

But the regular season was played. Postseason basketball isn’t a guarantee for any student athlete.

Had the regular season been affected, then I could see the NCAA giving another year of eligibility to student athletes.

Of course, these are unprecedented times. The NCAA doesn’t have the best reputation among fans. Perhaps they’ll use this situation to do something positive for student athletes. Giving athletes another year of eligibility would certainly help the perception of the NCAA among fans.

It’s a fluid situation that will hopefully be resolved sooner than later.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.