BIRMINGHAM — The 2019-20 season for the University of Georgia, which had the No. 2-ranked baseball team in Division I, and a top-10 men's golf team, featuring former Gainesville High standout Spencer Ralston, officially came to an end Tuesday.
The Southeastern Conference released a statement on its website and Twitter Tuesday, that all regular-season conference and non-conference competitions are canceled for the remainder of the 2019-20 athletic year, including all remaining SEC championship events, due to continuing developments related to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
In addition, the Bulldogs' annual G-Day spring football game, which was scheduled for April 18, is also among the cancellations.
Also, there will be no pro days conducted by SEC institutions.
"This is a difficult day for all of us, and I am especially disappointed for our student-athletes," SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said. "The health and well-being of our entire conference community is an ongoing priority for the SEC as we continue to monitor developments and information about the COVID-19 virus."
Now the focus shifts to concerns about the upcoming football season.
President Donald Trump said the virus could extend through July and August at Monday's press conference. If that happens, and sports remain shutdown, it could have a major effect on Georgia's summer and fall practice days.
The Bulldogs will be a top-5 ranked team and have the fanbase excited with the No. 1 recruiting class and dual-threat quarterback and Heisman Trophy contender Jamie Newman coming in this season. Georgia is slated to open its season against Virginia in the Chic-Fil-A Kickoff game at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sept. 7.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart released a Twitter message to the fanbase on Monday.
#DawgNation - we love you.
— Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) March 16, 2020
We’re here for you. #GoDawgs https://t.co/O6gD1mnPDo
Other athletics activities, including team and individual practices, meetings and other organized gatherings, whether required or voluntary, remain suspended through at least April 15.
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 SEC and its member institutions will continue to communicate with public health officials and medical experts to determine the best path forward related to coronavirus pandemic.
The SEC said it will issue automatic refunds to those that purchase tickets from the SEC Office or SEC university to the softball and baseball conference tournaments by March 31.
