CLEVELAND — Most people involved in the world of college athletics sensed it was coming. Now, it’s a reality.
According to multiple reports, the NCAA has decided not to grant athletes from winter sports an extra year of eligibility despite the coronavirus pandemic. This is a ruling that includes men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, as well as men’s and women’s ice hockey.
Meanwhile, it was also reported that the NCAA has granted spring sport athletes an extra year of eligibility due to the coronavirus crisis. Spring sports in the NCAA include baseball, men’s and women’s lacrosse and softball.
College athletics across the country were put on hold in recent weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak, with the NCAA ultimately deciding to cancel post-season tournaments including the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament and the NCAA Wrestling Championships.
When spring sports seasons were put on hold by the NCAA, talks began almost immediately that athletes from those sports may gain an extra year of eligibility according to reports.
Due to the popularity of March Madness (men’s NCAA basketball tournament), there was an early time in the process that people thought the NCAA may grant athletes from winter sports an extra year of athletic eligibility however on Monday it was learned that that was not the case.
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