© 2024 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Pritzker Stands Firm on No IHSA Football Because of COVID-19.

A virus protein.
SIU
/
SIU

Governor Pritzker on Wednesday responded to criticism he's received for banning contact sports, like football, at Illinois High Schools, by saying personal choice has a limit.

"While parents might choose to send their children out onto the playing field.  I can tell you that, someone else who becomes ill because of that decision, wouldn't call that personal choice."

Dr. Michael Lin, an infectious disease specialist at Rush University Medical Center, says contact sports, spread the virus.

"There's no practical way to prevent outbreaks from happening in sports, such as football.  This is not just theoretical.  We've seen COVID-19 outbreaks in college and professional sports teams, that have much more prevention resources at their disposal."

The Governor stressed that, while he also wants to see kids on the field, he is following the science.  A group of high school athletes, fans and parents, known as Let Us Play IHSA Sports and Activities, will be holding rallies this Saturday to urge the Governor to reconsider.  The rallies will be held in Chicago and Springfield.

As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.