Michigan State sports teams will return to competition this weekend following a pause in play after three students were killed, and five others critically wounded, in Monday night’s on-campus shooting, the school announced Thursday. Wednesday’s men’s basketball game against Minnesota was among the athletic events postponed in the wake of the shooting.
Spartans athletic director Alan Haller said in the school’s announcement that athletes were given “an active voice” in the choice to resume athletics, that individuals were given the “autonomy” to make their own choices about participating and that mental health professionals were consulted on the decision.
“The safety and physical and mental well-being of our students and staff is the primary focus of Michigan State athletics,” Haller said. “In consultation with mental health professionals and in conversations with our student-athletes it became apparent that a return to practice and competition is a crucial part of their recovery.”
The return to competition will begin with the women’s basketball team hosting Maryland on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET, while the men’s basketball team will play against Michigan in Ann Arbor at 8 p.m. ET. Per a statement from the Spartans, the decision to play the Wolverines was a…
