WOAY – The Big 12 Conference decided Thursday to suspend all conference championships until April, including the cancellation of both basketball tournaments, the gymnastics championship, and its equestrian championship.
In a statement, Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby said, “After consultation with our Board of Directors it was decided that cancelling these championships was in the best interest of the health and safety of our student-athletes.”
West Virginia athletic director Shane Lyons said, “The situation is fluid and the safety of all involved has to be the priority. Yesterday, the conference made a decision based on the best information available at that time. Today, the Big 12 acted swiftly and appropriately to further ensure that we do our part in containing COVID-19. While everyone is disappointed, based on the information provided by health care officials, this decision is the right call.”
Both head basketball coaches, Bob Huggins and Mike Carey, also agreed with the decision. The Mountaineer men were scheduled to play Thursday against Oklahoma in the quarterfinals.
WVU has suspended all athletic activites until March 22, with a re-evaluation to come at that time. The Mountaineers’ spring football game is scheduled for April 18.
