Attorney General Jeff Landry sends a letter to Louisiana High School Athletic Association director Eddie Bonine to say it is time to turn on the Friday night lights and play high school football. Landry says people need high school football to take their minds off of current events.
“We need some enjoyment and kids need something to do. Sports is a language that speaks to the young in ways that we can’t,” said Landry.
The current plan calls for high school football to kick off in October, but only if the state is in Phase Three of economic reopening.
Landry says any concerns about legal liability can be worked around in a creative manner to protect the schools and the students that are playing ball.
“We just kept hearing that, supposedly, there was a legal liability impediment. Really and truly, I don’t buy it. I believe it’s all hogwash. I don’t believe there is anything that we can’t work our way out of,” said Landry.
The latest extension of Phase Two restrictions has kept state high school football players from suiting up for full padded practices to prep for the upcoming season.
Landry says participation in high school football is voluntary, with players and spectators aware of the virus risk, adding his office is ready to meet with LHSAA officials to hammer out any legal concerns.
“We’re just waiting on the phone to ring, for them to call us and say, ‘Look, we’d like to figure out a way to make this work,’ Look, the ball is in their court,” said Landry.
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