The Eastern Kentucky University Athletics Department is responding to concerns expressed by a former football player about COVID-19 prevention. The school’s athletics director says the health, safety, and overall well-being of student athletes will always be a primary priority.
Multiple media outlets have reported place kicker Landon White has quit the EKU football team. The Richmond player alleged in an extensive social media post mishandling of COVID-19 protocols. Among his contentions, that there have been meetings with a 100+ players and staff tightly positioned in a room with no social distancing rules, and that players routinely don’t wear masks around campus.
In his response EKU Athletics Director Matt Roan said he was aware of the online statements by White. Roan said he and Head Football Coach Walt Wells have met continuously to ensure that football operations adhere to local, state, and health organization guidelines. The AD goes on to say, quote, “We completely agree that egregiously or willfully ignoring safety guidelines, or our established protocol by any of our athletic programs, staff or students is a serious issue and will not be tolerated.”
EKU athletics reported six people involved in athletics in early July and ten later in the month tested positive for coronavirus. Roan says testing continues and that athletes are reminded to practice social distancing, virtual meetings, and wear masks.
The Richmond Register is reporting a second player Graham Ashkettle has left the team over similar concerns.?
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