| Lafayette Journal & Courier
Has COVID-19 impacted college football finances? Our 5 biggest findings from our coaches compensation database
SportsPulse: COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on much of the U.S. economy. How has it impacted college football coaches? According to our annual coaches compensation database, head coaches at Power Five conferences haven’t taken a big hit.
Purdue receiver Rondale Moore opted back in to play during the 2020 season. However, Moore’s season debut won’t happen Saturday when the Boilermakers host Iowa at Ross-Ade Stadium.
Purdue announced Friday that Moore would not be available for the season opener. No additional information was available at the time of the press release.
Coach Jeff Brohm was asked about Moore’s availability during Thursday’s interview session with local media.
“Just like with everybody, we don’t want to give any information out specifically until game day, and then we’ll go from there,” said Brohm, who confirmed on Monday that he had tested positive for COVID-19. Brohm’s brother, Brian, will be acting head coach on Saturday against the Hawkeyes.
The talented Moore, who as a freshman ignited the fan base with his electric plays, initially decided to bypass the season to prepare for next spring’s NFL draft. But when the Big Ten announced it would play this season – and provide daily antigen testing – Moore returned to the program,
“For me, I think the whole decision behind me opting out was the uncertainty and to secure my safety and my mother’s safety,” Moore said on ESPN in September. “It was important to me to dig deeper and find out some more information and hopefully, the Big Ten would come to terms and find a way to get things done and we would have a season.
“The Big Ten found a way to consistently test and have safety protocols that made me feel safe. I’ve decided to opt back in and play for the Boilers this season.”
Moore played in only four games last season due to a hamstring injury against Minnesota. It’s unclear if the latest development is injury-related or for another reason.
Earlier this week, Purdue athletic director Mike Bobinski and Brohm both said no players had tested positive for COVID-19 since daily testing began on Sept. 30.
