Saturday's football game between Vanderbilt and Missouri has been postponed due to a lack of available scholarship student-athletes brought on by the quarantining of individuals with positive COVID-19 tests and others deemed close contacts, as well as injuries and opt-outs.
Vanderbilt University confirmed the postponement on its official athletics website Monday, noting the decision was "consistent with Southeastern Conference COVID-19 management requirements developed by the SEC's Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force," according to a news release.
The SEC requires a minimum of 53 active scholarship student-athletes to participate.
Candice Lee, Vanderbilt University's athletics director/vice chancellor of athletics and university affairs, issued the following statement via VUCommodores.com:
“The league and universities have been prepared for the likelihood of disruptions within the season while we all navigate the various challenges and complexities of competing during a global pandemic. As always, we are committed to taking whatever steps necessary for the health and safety of our students and community,” said Candice Lee, Vanderbilt’s vice chancellor for athletics and university affairs and athletic director.
“While we share in the disappointment that this Saturday’s game will be postponed, our program is deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts put forth by student-athletes, university officials, conference administrators and medical experts who have risen to the challenge of helping us navigate these unprecedented circumstances,” said head coach Derek Mason. “The safety and well-being of our student-athletes will remain a top priority as we continue the season, and we look forward to returning to competition.”
Vanderbilt and Missouri's athletics programs will work with the SEC in order to determine a new date for the game initially scheduled for Saturday, October 17.
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