Courtesy of Howard University Athletic Media Relations
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 9, 2021 — The Howard University Department of Athletics has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of its 2020-21 men’s basketball season out of an abundance of caution due to the health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We had several team members test positive in January, and were forced to place the program on hold, cancel several games and finally cancel our season. It was and remains the right thing for us to do,” head men’s basketball coach Kenneth Blakeney said. “Ultimately, our number one priority is to ensure the health and safety of our student-athletes, both mentally and physically. Canceling the season is in the best interest of the team at this time.”
Howard played five contests before pausing basketball play. This decision will give the student-athletes an opportunity to concentrate on their academics and get back to full physical and mental health.
“Fortunately, this gives our student-athletes the opportunity to finish their academic year strong while demonstrating their resiliency upon their return. We are Bison Strong; we will get through this together,” Blakeney said.
Howard University Athletics will maintain the current competition schedules for all other varsity sports programs and will continue to adhere to the District of Columbia and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention health and safety protocols.
