//College football’s coronavirus crisis, explained

College football’s coronavirus crisis, explained

Michigan Wolverines defensive back Josh Metellus (14) celebrates a defensive play during a regular season Big 10 Conference game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Michigan Wolverines (14) on November 16, 2019 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. | Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire

The pandemic has threatened a multibillion-dollar business. But the cracks in the sport’s foundation have been visible for decades.

On Sunday night, something historic happened in college football. No, it wasn’t the season getting canceled — yet.

Instead, players from college football’s five major conferences — including Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, one of the sport’s biggest names — put out a joint statement. They emphasized their desire to play this season, but with conditions that would make playing safer. They were bridging a critical divide between players who wanted to see their needs met before they took