SEC adds another COVID-19 testing mandate

The SEC has updated their testing practices.

The league will now require three tests per week instead of the updated two, with a third rapid diagnostic test coming nearer the game.

“We remain vigilant in monitoring the trends and effects of COVID-19 as we learn more about the virus, and this cardiac evaluation enhances the effectiveness of the protocols already in place,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. He added: “We are confident in our institutions’ ability to provide a healthy environment supported by rigorous testing and surveillance. Our student-athletes have indicated their desire to compete and it is our responsibility to make every effort to deliver a healthy and medically sound environment for providing that opportunity.”

In our view, the SEC is doing this for two reasons:

•  Things are getting markedly worse at campuses. If you haven’t been ‘tuned in’ to social media (and if you are one of those people, then congratulations!), campuses across the country are suddenly moving their classes online in an effort to stop massive spreads on campus. It would be a shock if ANY SEC school is open for in-person classes in the next two weeks – especially as a lot of SEC schools’ social lives revolve around the Greek systems. Fraternities and sororities seem to be major focuses of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is hardly surprising bearing in mind how close together everyone else is (as well as how ****ing arrogant they all tend to be).
• It’s going to keep the media, the athletic departments, and, oh, the players happy. If I’m a player, I would find it difficult NOT to be disconcerted by the news that Vanderbilt and other schools around the country have had to cancel their practices because of outbreaks. But you can be sure that the athletic departments sure as hell are. Football’s a big business, and the SEC is trying everything to protect its investments.