Eight Nebraska football players sue Big Ten over decision to postpone season

The athletes, according to the suit, have "the right to expect the Big Ten will follow its own governing documents and all of its other rules, regulations and guidelines; will not make arbitrary and capricious decisions; and when a vote on a decision as momentous as canceling all fall sports is announced, will conduct an actual vote." The lawsuit cites public statements from Minnesota president Joan Gabel and Michigan State president Samuel Stanley, and questions whether a formal vote to postpone took place among the Big Ten's council of presidents and chancellors.League commissioner Kevin Warren told ESPN and other outlets on Aug. 18 that a vote did, in fact, take place. The Big Ten, which postponed its fall season on Aug. 11, is accused of basing the decision on "flawed data," including "a study of the health effects of COVID-19 that involved COVID-impacted patients" who are older and in worse physical condition than the Nebraska players."This lawsuit isn't about money or damages, it's about real-life relief," Mike Flood, the players' attorney, said in a prepared statement. On Aug. 11, six days after announcing the fall football schedule, a decision was made to cancel everything with vague reasoning and no explanation."Flood on Aug. 18 sent a letter to the Big Ten on behalf of 20 Nebraska parents, seeking documents, data and other information surrounding the league's decision to postpone the fall season. "Our clients must take their claims to the courthouse to find the justice and fairness they have been denied."Amy Pola-Gates, the mother of Nebraska safety Noa Pola-Gates, one of the athletes whose name is on the lawsuit, said she has accepted the Big Ten's decision to postpone the season.