Syracuse football players sit out of practice due to coronavirus concerns

The Orange did not begin training camp as originally scheduled on Thursday as players expressed concerns regarding health procedures of opponents.

Its first practice of training camp.

Apparently - that didn'thappen.t today from syracuse dot com - players decided not to practice in the afternoon over concerns regarding play amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The report said that players elected to sit out of the 4:15 p- m practice and instead hold a series of team meetings - including some with head coach dino babers and athletic director john wildhack.

The concerns were reportedly not over syracuse's procedures - but rather concerns over the procedures of a-c-c opponents and its lone non- conference opponent - liberty university - putting them at increased risk.

Syracuse director of athletics john wildhack seemingly confirmed the reports and said today: "syracuse athletics is committed to doing everything we can to support and protect the health, safety and well- being of our student- athletes, our staff and the campus and syracuse communities.

That is why, in consultation with the onondaga county health department, medical professionals and public health experts, we developed a comprehensive strategy that allows our student- athletes to safely train to compete in the upcoming season."

Wildhack's statement went on to say that at the request of orange football student- athletes - the school will increase its covid testing frequency to twice per week.

He also said that the university supports any student-athletes who decide not to participate in this upcoming season.

Defensive lineman cooper dawson has already announced his decision to opt out.