Bethune-Cookman University opts out of all athletics after spike in COVID-19 cases on campus

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Bethune-Cookman University has canceled the rest of its 2020-2021 athletics season because of a spike in coronavirus cases on campus.

“In the face of a surging COVID-19 spike across much of the country and the state of Florida, we have concluded that the risks are too great for our student-athletes and staff to travel and compete at this time,” B-CU President E. LaBrent Chrite said in a statement.

READ: Florida reports 56 coronavirus-related deaths, nearly 4,300 new cases

The move makes B-CU one of the first NCAA Division I schools to opt out of all sports for the rest of the year.

B-CU Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Lynn Thompson says they’ve administered thousands of COVID-19 tests since the school year started, with desirable results, but that all changed a little more than a week ago.

“Over the past eight days...we’ve noticed a sudden spike in cases on campus, hence this decision,” Thompson said.

“It’s time to close ranks and protect our community,” said Thompson, who has already lost a brother to COVID-19.

READ: Coronavirus driving historic early voting turnout

The 2020-21 season would have been B-CU’s 40th and final season as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

They’ll become members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference in 2021.

See President E. LaBrent Chrite’s full statement to the Bethune-Cookman University community below:

Cox Media Group