SAN FRANCISCO - The Pac-12 CEO Group voted unanimously to postpone all sport competitions through the end of the 2020 calendar year.

The decision was made after consultation with athletics directors and with the Pac-12 COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee who expressed concern with moving forward with contact practice.  The report and updated guidelines of the Committee can be found here: Pac-12 COVID-19 Return to Play Considerations – Aug. 10, 2020 and a full list of Committee members can be found here: Pac-12 Medical Advisory Committee. The Conference also announced that when conditions improve, it would consider a return to competition for impacted sports after January 1, 2021.

Student-athletes impacted by the postponement will continue to have their scholarships guaranteed.  Additionally, the Pac-12 Conference strongly encourages that the NCAA grant students who opt out of competition this academic year an additional year of eligibility.  As part of their guaranteed scholarships, they will continue to have university support, including academic advising and tutoring, among other support services.

"All of the Pac-12 presidents and chancellors understand the importance of this decision, and the disappointment it will create for our student-athletes, the coaches, support staff and all of our fans," said Michael H. Schill, president of the University of Oregon. "Ultimately, our decision was guided by science and a deep commitment to the health and welfare of student-athletes. We certainly hope that the Pac-12 will be able to return to competition in the New Year."

"The health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes and all those connected to Pac-12 sports has been our number one priority since the start of this current crisis," said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott.  "Our student-athletes, fans, staff and all those who love college sports would like to have seen the season played this calendar year as originally planned, and we know how disappointing this is."

Scott noted that while the Conference's detailed plan to keep student-athletes safe was working in accordance with the Pac-12 COVID-19 Medical Advisory Committee guidelines and state and local government orders, the situation was becoming more challenging: "Unlike professional sports, college sports cannot operate in a bubble," he said. "Our athletic programs are a part of broader campuses in communities where in many cases the prevalence of COVID-19 is significant.  We will continue to monitor the situation and when conditions change we will be ready to explore all options to play the impacted sports in the new calendar year."

"We know that this is a difficult day for our student-athletes, and our hearts go out to them and their families," added Scott.  "We have made clear that all of their scholarships will be guaranteed, and that as a Conference we are strongly encouraging the NCAA to grant them an additional year of eligibility."

Joint Statement from Chancellor Carol Christ and Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton:
"We are aligned in our support for the Pac-12's decision to postpone fall sports. While the decision was difficult, it is consistent with our shared commitment to the health and well-being of Cal's student-athletes, coaches and staff. Our hearts go out to the student-athletes who will not have the opportunity to compete this fall. We are incredibly proud of how they have been navigating the disappointments and uncertainties surrounding their athletic pursuits, and we will do all that we can to support them during these difficult times. We look forward to the day when they will be able to, once again, train for and compete in the sports they love. We look forward to the day when we can, together with members of Cal's extended family, once again cheer them on as they pursue excellence on the field of play."

Statement from Head Football Coach Justin Wilcox:
"The COVID-19 pandemic has obviously put all of us in an incredibly difficult and complex situation. I am disappointed for our student-athletes that there will not be a Pac-12 football season this fall. They have had a great attitude through all of this uncertainty. But our ultimate responsibility is to keep everyone involved in our program as healthy and safe as possible. We have listened to and been guided by the advice of our health experts throughout this process, and our presidents and chancellors have had to make difficult decisions. Even though there will not be Pac-12 football games this fall, we must continue to help our student-athletes remain healthy and safe, and we look forward to playing football when we are given the green light to do so."

Statement from Senior Cornerback Camryn Bynum:
"To say the least, I am extremely saddened by the news of our college football season being postponed. I love the game more than anything and would love to play ball as soon as possible, but with everything going on, it is out of my control. As we are all hit hard by the news, we will stay positive and be grateful that we are in good health and want to keep it that way as we are temporarily away from the game that we love. In the meantime, we will continue to put in work to be the best versions of ourselves we can be for whatever comes next. Thank you and God bless. Cambeezy."

Statement from Junior Quarterback Chase Garbers:
"My teammates and I are obviously devastated that we will not play football for the remainder of 2020. Ultimately the Pac-12 officials agreed that student-athlete health was at risk to play this year, and although we want to play we also want to know that we can do so safely. This year has been a roller coaster, but one thing we do know is that us Bears will stick together and come out stronger in the end. We will be prepared for anything thrown our way and in the light of adversity we will prevail and succeed. The group of people at our university and within our program have our best interest in mind when it comes to the well-being and safety of the student-athlete. Whenever it is decided we can play football again, the Bears will be back better than ever and will be hungrier than ever to accomplish the goals we set as a team. Looking forward to showing everyone this Cal team in 2021. Go Bears!"