HIGH SCHOOL: Gov. Beshear ‘surprised’ by KHSAA decision to begin fall sports

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he was surprised the Kentucky High School Athletic Association voted to go ahead with high school sports starting this coming week.

Beshear said during his COVID-19 update Thursday he would take his time to “think it through” before issuing advice, recommendation or “something stronger.”

He told reporters athletes are a student first and athletes second.

Beshear said he had not received a written proposal from the KHSAA and did not want to rush into deciding before talking with KHSAA Commissioner Julian Tackett.

Most Board of Control members voted 16-2 in favor of beginning fall sports Monday across Kentucky, after talking with coaches and school officials across the state who expressed the desire to begin.

He reported 726 new cases and said 101 of those were ages 18 and under.

Under the KHSAA’s approved proposal volleyball and soccer across the state would begin on Sept. 7, with football set to kickoff Sept. 11.

Beshear does not have a press conference scheduled for Friday.