University of Alabama, Auburn both suspend spring football practices

The University of Alabama Athletics Department on Friday announced that the Crimson Tide’s spring football practice has been suspended “until further notice.”

The program’s spring practice was scheduled to begin on Friday. More information was not immediately released from UA.

Additionally, Auburn University on Thursday announced the postponement of its football spring practice, which was originally set to begin on Monday, March 16.

Auburn Football “will continue to assess the situation moving forward,” according to a release.

“The well-being of our student-athletes, staff, fans and the Auburn community will always be our highest priority,” Auburn Director of Athletics Allen Greene stated. “Given the global gravity of COVID-19, we appreciate the complexities of these difficult decisions. Our hearts go out to our student-athletes and coaches who have worked tirelessly to represent Auburn with class and excellence in their quest for championships. We thank the Auburn family for their understanding and patience as we navigate this unprecedented and fluid situation.”

It should further be noted that the SEC has already announced the cancellation of the remainder of the 2020 Men’s Basketball Tournament in Nashville and the suspension of regular season competition for teams in all sports on SEC campuses, as well as SEC championships events, through March 30.

NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors also announced the cancelation of the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships.

The University of Alabama System and Auburn University have begun transitioning to online classes until at least early April, as have most higher education institutions in the state.

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Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn