COLUMBUS – According to multiple media reports, Ohio State was one of three Big Ten schools that voted against postponing the conference football season last month.
A new court filing shows that Big Ten presidents voted 11-3 to postpone the football season until spring.
The filing did not identify how each school specifically voted, but a person familiar with the outcome told The Associated Press that Ohio State, Iowa and Nebraska voted against postponement.
The court filing is the Big Ten’s response to a lawsuit brought by a group of Nebraska football players who want the fall season reinstated.
A group of Ohio State players’ families rallied at Ohio Stadium Saturday demanding more information about how the decision was made.
“The Big Ten Conference continues to share the disappointment that student-athletes and families are feeling,” the conference said in a statement. “The Big Ten Return to Competition Task Force will continue to be transparent as it actively considers options to get back to competition when it is safe to play.”
The lawsuit in Lancaster County District Court contends, among other things, the players are losing a chance for development, exposure for a possible pro career and won’t be able to market themselves to eventually capitalize on name, image and likeness revenue opportunities.
The decision not to play fall football has created a firestorm in Big Ten country, fanned by the fact the ACC, Big Ten and SEC are pushing ahead with plans to start their seasons in September.
Commissioner Kevin Warren has faced sharp criticism for not clearly laying out how the decision was reached. He has sidestepped questions about the vote breakdown, and his explanations of the medical reasons were panned for not being detailed enough.