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Sankey: SEC won't reschedule games due to COVID-19 in 2021

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The SEC will no longer accommodate programs that experience a COVID-19 outbreak, commissioner Greg Sankey said Monday, according to ESPN's Alex Scarborough.

Games won't be postponed, Sankey added, and he's also going to recommend the removal of the 53-man roster minimum threshold.

"That means your team needs to be healthy to compete, and if not, that game won't be rescheduled," Sankey said during the conference's media day. "And thus, to dispose of the game, the 'forfeit' word comes up at this point."

The SEC boss also revealed that six of the conference's 14 teams have reached an 80% vaccination rate ahead of the training camp.

"That number needs to grow and grow rapidly," he said. "We have learned how to manage through a COVID environment, but we do not yet have control of a COVID environment."

"COVID-19 vaccines are widely available, proven to be highly effective and, when people are fully vaccinated, we all have the ability to avoid serious health risks, reduce the virus’ spread, and maximize our chances to experience college sports - and life - like we are accustomed," he continued.

Similar to the NFL, the SEC has introduced an 85% vaccination threshold. Teams won't be required to test regularly or wear masks inside school facilities after reaching that mark.

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