Panda cams, national memorials and now football? The government shutdown last night has had wide range of effects. The latest victim could be the Navy vs. Air Force football game this weekend.
The Navy announced today that it was suspending all intercollegiate athletics due to the government shutdown. An official decision hasn’t been made about this weekend’s game in Annapolis but things do not look good at the moment.
Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk told the Washington Post that a decision would be made on Thursday morning.
Gladchuck said: “At this stage we’re taking it basically a half a day at a time, holding our breath that they can bring it to resolution… The game on Saturday, I mean it’s a huge issue. The stage is set for one of the most significant event statements we’ve had in a long time, so the timing couldn’t be worse… There’s just too many strings attached to this ballgame to assume that we’re not going to play it. We’re hopeful again that the government can bring resolution to their issues, and we can move forward.”
The Navy Vs. Air Force game is a major event every year. This year’s game, which is scheduled for Saturday morning, has already sold out.
The Navy said in a statement : “As a result of the government shutdown, the Department of Defense has suspended all intercollegiate athletic competitions at the Service Academies. The Naval Academy will cancel contests as appropriate and notification on Saturday’s football game against Air Force will be made public prior to 12 noon on Thursday.”
Army may also be forced to cancel their game against Boston College. If the government shutdown continues until Saturday officials will have no chance but to cancel or postpone the game. At the moment, Boston College Athletic Director Brad Bates is hoping that congress resolves the issue before this weekend.
We have been in close communication with Army athletics officials regarding the potential impact of the govt shutdown on Saturday’s game.
— Brad Bates (@BCBradBates) October 1, 2013
Obviously our intention is to exhaust all possibilities to play & will communicate the information promptly as soon as we have resolution.
— Brad Bates (@BCBradBates) October 1, 2013
[Image Via Commons ]
