Kedon Slovis, USC players ask Gov. Newsom to play in 2020

The USC Trojans football team is without a fall 2020 season — but that certainly isn’t the desire of some of their star players.

According to a message shared on social media on Tuesday, the USC players — led by QB Kedon Slovis — are asking California Governor Gavin Newsom to allow them to return to the practice fields and eventually return to competition.

It’s noteworthy that the Pac-12 issued a statement following the news of the Big Ten releasing their fall season is resuming in October, saying that due to local and state health restrictions in place in both California and Oregon, the Pac-12 cannot resume contact practices or come close to any competition until those are lifted.

Slovis’ original message stated:

“(at) Governor Gavin Newsom we have sat by for two weeks watching teams across the country play the game we love safely. Most schools have a fraction of the resources that our school and conference have provided to play safely. You are the only thing holding us back. Please #LetUsPlay .”

It wasn’t long before the image Slovis shared with it was picked up by multiple players and even Slovis’ offensive coordinator Graham Harrell.

Harrell added a personal touch as well, saying:

“The last month I’ve watched our team train under tents, outside, in a makeshift weight room. Even with the postponement of our season they have shown up every day. They have done EVERYTHING asked of them and simply want an opportunity. I support our players, let’s play ball!”

Wide Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown also chipped in on the movement, stating:

“Dear Gavin Newsom, Please let us play. We want a chance. Thank you #LetUsPlay”

The image circulated also asked formally for an appeal to the state guidelines that are prohibiting the University of Southern California (and other California institutions) from conducting such activities such as practice.

No word from Gavin Newsom in response, yet. We will continue to monitor both the Pac-12’s (unlikely) return to the field this fall and USC’s as well.

[UPDATE 4:30 PM ET] Governor Newsom responds to the Pac-12 and Larry Scott, saying there is nothing in state rules preventing teams from playing. However, with the following comments, it leaves many questions:

The whole video, for contet.