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After taking a night to sit on my thoughts and digest @GovPritzker @JBPritzker’s announcement last night I’m still at a loss for words. At first I was angry. Does he not see what this is doing to kids? Their mental health is suffering. Kids have reached out to me and told me 1/
How difficult of a time they are having. They tell me they haven’t thought of harming themselves but they know people who have (they are seeking help). I’ve had kids tell me how angry and upset they are because this was their last opportunity to play with their friends because 2/
They aren’t playing college. They are confused because they were told by @GovPritzker @JBPritzker that there would be a spring season, and are now being told “nope. It’s not safe”, while 48 other states are either playing sports or will start this spring. I have students that 3/
Are despondent because football was their release. It was their way to escape the stresses of life and just be a kid. Football was more to them than just a game. They were prepared to leave football after high school, but not before. The seniors that wanted one more shot to 4/
Have 9 weeks to play the game they love had it ripped away by science that seems to differ from every other state, besides New York (apparently @NYGovCuomo uses the same science as Pritzker). And then there are the athletes that rely on this game to pay for their schooling. 5/
I have had numerous kids that I coach tell me “Coach, my recruitment would look so different with Junior film. I have (insert school name) that want to offer me a scholarship, but they won’t without at least one game.” You see, @GovPritzker @JBPritzker sports may be just that 6/
To you... sports. But to hundreds of thousands of people in this state they’re more than a game. They’re a way out, a way to further education, an escape from stresses that would otherwise take their toll (and clearly are with 18 student-athletes taking their life since March) 7/
But to you, these kids are expendable. I believe the terms used by you snd many of your colleagues were “one life is too many”. Well... we’ve got 39 students, 18 student-athletes that have become statistics because the proverbial goalposts get moved. Make the right choice. 8/
And use the science that 48 other states are using to determine that kids CAN play safely. This is squarely in your hands and the hands of the @IDPH. The mental health of students is on a MASSIVE decline. Do the right thing. Allow the kids to play. #HearOurVoiceIllinois 9/
