Ohio State spring practices were already likely not going to continue, but the Big Ten made that official, announcing in a statement that the conference would extend the suspension of all organized team activities until at least May 4.
The previous suspension was set until at least April 11.
“This is an additional measure to the previously announced cancellation of all conference and non-conference competitions through the end of the academic year, including spring sports that compete beyond the academic year,” the statement said. “The Conference also has previously announced a moratorium on all on- and off-campus recruiting activities for the foreseeable future.”
The Buckeyes held three spring practices prior to the university’s spring break, during which Ohio State moved its classes online and the football program took early steps to shut down recruiting visits.
Like the April 11 suspension, this suspension of team activities may be extended further in order to continually prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), which Gov. Mike DeWine said Friday may now peak in Ohio cases toward the end of May.
“The Big Ten Conference will continue to use this time to work with the appropriate medical experts and institutional leadership to determine next steps relative to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement said. “The main priority of the Big Ten Conference is to ensure the health, safety and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty, fans and media as we continue to monitor all developing and relevant information on the COVID-19 virus.”
The Big Ten already suspended all spring sports and remaining winter tournaments, which included the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournaments.
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