State Sen. Tom Whatley: ‘Everything we’ve seen points to’ Auburn football being back in the fall

AUBURN — State Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) offers reason for optimism for Auburn University football season to take place this fall.

During a sitdown interview that aired on Auburn radio’s Talk 93.9 WQSI, Whatley said the decision would not be made by Auburn University, which is in his Senate district, nor will it be the University of Alabama’s decision for their program across the state.

However, he said he there are efforts underway to get students back on campus, which is one of the required objectives to getting campus athletic activities underway.

“Everything we’ve seen points to that being back,” Whatley said. “That is a decision that neither Auburn or Alabama get to make. That is above their heads. But every indication is that is going to happen. And I hope it happens just like it happens last year with everybody back in the stands if they want to be there. I’m focused on getting Auburn back to school here in the second mini-mester, which will start the last week of June. And that would get kids back on campus back at the end of June. Then you would have a way to plan for the fall. I know Auburn has got a plan for the fall. I know it has got a plan for the second mini-mester if they come back for that. So I am pleased with what they are doing, and they are committed to getting students back on the Auburn campus.”

Whatley also expressed his confidence that Auburn University will implement safety protocols and procedures.

“I go for walks on campus, 5:30 or 6,” he said. “The other day, one of my friends who works in the athletic department. I called him and said, ‘I want to stop by and say hello if you’re back on campus.’ He said, ‘Well, we are, but you can’t get in here. You’ve got to have a temperature [taken] when you go in, and only essential personnel can be in here.’ So, they’re really limiting who can be in the athletic complex. You’re going to have some controls there. They’re going to have controls in place to make sure the place is safe for themselves and for the athlete. And they’re going to be hypersensitive to that, at least this year. That’s just my feeling.”

@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly and host of Huntsville’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 2-5 p.m. on WVNN.