The global pandemic is far from over. California University of Pennsylvania defensive lineman Jamain Stephens Jr. lost his life after a COVID-19 infection and the death of another Black man reminds people around the nation college sports should rethink resuming activities.
NCAA Football Player Dies
According to the family of Jamain Stephens Jr., he died September 9 from a blood clot in his heart following his COVID-19 infection. His mom, Kelly Allen, recently shared her own concerns about student athletes returning to sports this fall without a vaccine or safe protocols in place.
“I’m very, very nervous for these young men and women … These kids, their lives are priceless. And it’s just not worth it. It’s not worth it,” she said. Stephens’ high school initially announced that he had died of COVID-19 complications but later retracted that statement and said it hadn’t gotten official confirmation of the cause of his death. The senior had three tackles in 11 games at Cal U of PA in 2019 and played in 32 games in his career at the school. The Division II school is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and the conference voted in July to suspend all fall sports in 2020. (Yahoo! Sports)
Stephens Jr. kept fans updated on his life through social media posts. He also made sure to remind his mom just how much he loved her.
NCAA Willing To Take Fatal Risks
Despite the death of Stephens Jr. and the thousands of people across the United States, college sports has moved forward with over 70 college football teams active in games.
So far, 76 Division I college football programs have decided playing the season is worth it. Several have postponed their opening games after coronavirus outbreaks. In seven of the 11 states where Big 10 schools play, the rate of positive COVID-19 cases is above the recommended rate for reopening, as are two of the six states where Pac-12 schools play. “College football is kind of a mess right now,” The Athletic senior writer Nicole Auerbach said. (CBS News)
Wear A Mask
Recently, New York rapper Fabolous hit up Instagram to mix his modeling goals with COVID-19 prevention. Loso shared some pics of himself draped in fire clothing with a matching Summertime Shootout 3 face mask.
“I been had skills, Cristal spills.. Hide bills, in Brazil.. About a mil.. the ice grill.. Make it hard to figure me.. [shot by @hazznyc] SS3 Face Mask Available NOW At @bloodsthicker LINK IN BIO” -Fabolous’ Instagram
Vixens Wear Masks Too
In August 2020, vixen Ammika Harris and Jordyn Woods both made big statements about the coronavirus pandemic. They both went to their Instagram pages with pics of themselves rocking face masks.
“It’s august and I can’t believe we are still fighting about masks…..” -Ammika Harris’ Instagram
“wear a damn mask..?” -Jordyn Woods’ Instagram
Lori Harvey staying masked up ? are y’all still wearing a mask?? ? -SOHH’s Instagram
