Florida State Football reveal flawed COVID approaches under Norvell era

Florida State Football players reveal gaps related to COVID-19 protocols.

The college football world is embroiled in major news almost every day because of COVID-19. Several conferences, including the Big 10 and Pac-12, are cancelling or delaying their seasons to protect their athletes, coaching staffs, and fans. Others, including the Big 12, SEC and ACC are doing the exact opposite, maintaining confidence in their procedures to combat the pandemic to continue a Fall football season. That’s where controversy is growing with the Florida State Football program.

Recently, Seminole wide receiver Warren Thompson tweeted that he and other teammates have been “lied to multiple times about the conditions of other players” and that he has been “ridiculed about speaking up regarding this issue”. The full statement can be read below:

https://twitter.com/Warrenj11__/status/1293910729335029763?s=20

Considering the widespread discussion of whether to play or not, along with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s insistence on playing, this is a concerning reality of keeping college football going. While the conferences likely don’t wish to address the demands recently made by some of their players, stopping the season is also a precaution that takes responsibility, and potential lying, out of schools’ hands. It also doesn’t help that COVID-19’s spread in Florida has sporadically gone up since March.

To be frank, schools aren’t the best at self-reporting any inefficiencies or inadequacies in their own programs. From Penn State years ago, to Baylor, to even recent allegations toward how Iowa’s football program is being ran, it took people speaking up to stop what is potential abuses and mishandling of issues from schools.

He’s not the only Florida State Football player

Thompson wasn’t the only Seminole to speak out either. DJ Matthews, another player, seemingly confirmed the lying via Twitter. Star receiver and potential NFL Draft pick Tamorrion Terry also tweeted out as well expressing disappointment. And apparently Tamorrion informed his mother about what’s going on behind the scenes as well.

What happens next remains to be seen, but it is not a good look at all for head coach Mike Norvell, who took over this year. His tenure already began on rocky ground when he  lied about speaking to players regarding social justice issues, including the horrendous murder of George Floyd. This was an issue addressed directly by star defender and potential first rounder Marvin Wilson.

How the university responds, including coach Norvell, and how the ACC handles this situation will be an eye-opening revelation on how college football will remain amidst COVID-19’s continued spread. But more relevant to our coverage, it’ll be interesting if future NFL Draft prospects decide to move on from the program or if current NFL Draft players commit to declaring for this year’s draft.

Stay tuned.