Follow up to this story from the UCLA Athletic reporter:
UCLA football team had a Zoom call Friday to address issues related to
a story in the Los Angeles Times about demands regarding their health as the Bruins prepare for their return to campus in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes and was very productive,
“The tone (of the Zoom call) was just very understanding that the coaches and staff and the athletic department were just trying to get to the bottom of what the student-athletes were wanting in that letter (mentioned in the Times’ story). After hearing that these concerns were already in the process of being addressed, the players felt more comfortable.”
An email sent from AD Martin Jarmond to the team that was distributed prior to the 3 p.m. PT meeting and explained that on Monday night, the task force received final approval of its plans to invite student athletes back to campus. The first point outlined in the email is “the decision to return to campus next week is entirely up to you. You are welcome to remain at home, and anyone who chooses to do so will not face retaliation or ramifications in any way.”
In addition, Jarmond’s email also outlined an online portal for team members to anonymously report “any COVID-19 related concerns, including violations of protocol by teammates, staff and others, is already active and in use. Any anonymous report submitted through the online portal is immediately sent to our faculty athletic representative, Dr. Michael Teitell, who resides outside of the athletic department and whose primary responsibility is your well-being.
“No student-athlete is in danger of losing his or her scholarship this fall if they do not feel comfortable returning to campus or participating in athletes this fall. Safety will continue to be our paramount objective.”
