The University of Massachusetts canceled its football season due to the coronavirus pandemic, the school announced Tuesday.
UMass is an FBS independent.
“The continuing challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic posed too great of a risk, and we reached the conclusion that attempting to play a season would not have placed the members of our program in the safest situation possible,” Minutemen athletic director Ryan Bamford said in a statement.
UMass players were informed of the decision Tuesday morning.
“I am absolutely heartbroken for our players, our former players, our alumni and our UMass Football community,” UMass coach Walt Bell said in a statement. “Our job as coaches and mentors is to provide opportunities for our players, and do everything in our power to not take them away. Today’s news was devastating, but we will be resilient and prepared to be our best when our best is required.”
UMass joins UConn as the second FBS independent to cancel its season. The Mid-American and Mountain West conferences have canceled their seasons as well. –Field Level Media ()