Michigan university president apologizes for playing cornhole as COVID-19 cases spike

A Michigan university president apologized Monday for playing cornhole with students as COVID-19 cases spiked at the school.

Central Michigan University President Bob Davies issued the apology as the school reported 54 new coronavirus cases as students returned to campus in Mount Pleasant. Three pockets of cases at two Greek houses and another large house off campus are “particularly concerning,” officials said.

Davies was seen on social media videos playing the popular game at parties. He was riding with police to off-campus parties and apartments, encouraging students to wear masks and practice social distancing, student newspaper Central Michigan Life reported.

“Along our route, I was invited to throw a few bags of cornhole, and I spent a few minutes engaging with those students and reminding them to be safe,” Davies said in a statement. “In retrospect, I see that my participation in the game — regardless of my intent — sent mixed messages about the importance of avoiding large gatherings, and I apologize for the confusion and concerns my actions caused.”

The university’s campus is remaining open and offering a hybrid of online and in-person classes as other major schools, including University of Michigan and University North Carolina, shift to remote learning.

The school had 54 confirmed COVID-19 cases when the fall semester started last week after reporting seven or fewer new cases every week since mid-June.

This story was originally published August 24, 2020 at 8:11 PM with the headline "Michigan university president apologizes for playing cornhole as COVID-19 cases spike."