NCAA suggests Election Day should be 'a day off from athletics activity'

The NCAA is encouraging all schools to assist their students in voter registration and to designate Nov. 3 as "a day off from athletics activity" so that student-athletes can take part in the United States' presidential election.

"The recent demonstrations following the tragic killing of George Floyd showed the world the power of protest and student-athletes across the country were at the center of that movement," the NCAA's board of governors said in a statement Friday. "We commend NCAA student-athletes who recognized the need for change and took action though safe and peaceful protest.

"We encourage students to continue to make their voices heard on these important issues, engage in community activism, and exercise their constitutional rights."

Georgia Tech assistant coach Eric Reveno brainstormed the idea on social media, citing the need to "empower, educate, and guide" student-athletes to spark change.

The movement quickly gained steam across the collegiate sporting world. Gonzaga bench boss Mark Few was one of the first prominent figures to cancel all team activities on Nov. 3.

While Reveno appreciated the NCAA's recommendation to halt operations on Election Day, he challenged the governing body to be more decisive.