Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday that she does not believe Michigan football programs will play in full stadiums this Fall as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
“There is reason to feel some confidence here,” Whitmer said in a radio interview, according to Saturday Tradition. “But we also have to measure (peoples’) expectations and say life’s going to be different. We’re not going to be filling stadiums in the fall.”
If the governor’s prediction is correct, this would mean the Detroit Lions, and college football programs in the state, including Michigan and Michigan State would have to play in stadiums without fans for the 2020 season. (RELATED: Ex-Lions Player Allegedly Beats The Heck Out Of Man Accused Of Peeping On Daughter)
Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes the ball against Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) and defensive tackle Linval Joseph (98) during the first quarter at Ford Field. (Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports – via Reuters)
Having a football season without fans would be very sad, but it increasingly appears that when sports return, fans will be excluded from attending games. While it would be tough for fans to not be able to go cheer on their favorite team in person, I expect most people would accept sports returning in any capacity right now. (RELATED: Report: Alabama May Play TCU Week One Instead Of USC)
Professional sports leagues appear to be closing in on a plan to restart, and that’s great news. After roughly two months without any live action, sports are making a comeback.