Mike Gundy has apologized for his tone-deaf comments about the coronavirus pandemic this past week.
Gundy said Saturday he was aware that his comments had “offended some,” and that his first priority was the health of student-athletes.
Statement from Mike Gundy: pic.twitter.com/o4Bz4wyOWd
— The Athletic CFB (@TheAthleticCFB) April 11, 2020
Gundy’s apology comes days after he said he wants to be back in the football building on May 1. He compared the virus to the seasonal flu, and added that players would theoretically be less likely to suffer severe symptoms.
It’s easy to see why Gundy’s comments sparked outrage. COVID-19 is not like the flu, and there is no immunity among those who have not had it before. While it’s true that young athletes are less likely to suffer severe complications, the virus has claimed lives of all ages, including some individuals without underlying conditions. Even if an athlete did recover from the virus, it would be possible for them to spread it to someone who might not be as fortunate. That’s a lot of risk for unpaid student-athletes to assume.
Nobody is happy with the current situation and everyone would love for the world to get back to normal. That timeline likely depends on some form of widespread rapid testing, and should ultimately be determined by experts. Gundy is clearly not one of them on this topic.
