Alabama Football: What Tide football operations are suspended and for how long

Review what continues and what is halted in the suspension of Alabama football operations and how long will be the delay.

For at least the near future, Alabama football has suspended its normal spring operations. Initially, the Southeastern Conference took the lead in delaying all spring sports competition until Mar. 30. That date was extended to Apr. 16 and broadened as explained by the league.

"The suspension of competition has been extended through April 15 and now includes all organized team activities.SEC athletics programs will cease practices, individual and team workouts effective the end of the day Friday, March 13. Team meetings shall conclude no later than 5 pm local time on Monday, March 16.SEC member institutions will continue to provide their student-athletes with care and support to meet needs in areas including academics, medical care, mental health and wellness, nutrition and housing as needed."

The NCAA had already canceled all remaining competition for winter sports and spring sports. As NCAA President, Marl Emmert said,

"This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic."

On Friday, the NCAA stated its intention to write a new rule allowing “eligibility relief” for athletes in the spring sports. Spring sports at the University of Alabama include baseball, softball, golf, rowing, tennis and outdoor track and field. The NCAA indicated a willingness to also consider the winter sports, including basketball and gymnastics.

Recruiting is also affected by the NCAA stopping all on-campus and off-campus recruiting activity to at least Apr. 15. Other, not face-to-face, recruiting activity is allowed to continue.

Players must be frustrated by the suspension of activity which includes any and all organized team activity. Some Alabama football fans are almost as dismayed. The short fix of spring football has always been highly valued by Crimson Tide fans. Spring football could still happen, even with a much later, A-Day game, depending on what happens with the coronavirus.

The national response to the pandemic changes almost hourly. The number of confirmed infected persons had grown to almost 2,000 in the U.S. by early evening on Friday. The state of Alabama now has five confirmed cases and health experts predict many more will follow.

More information on the virus and how to respond to it is provided here by the Alabama Department of Public Health.

In other related news from Friday, it was learned Alabama football tight end, Giles Amos has entered the transfer portal. Alabama basketball freshman, Raymond Hawkins has done so, as well.