LET THEM PLAY

And Let Them Play Michigan just got the answer it was looking for. That was the objective of Let Them Play, a group that formed in August 2020 during the initial shutdown of high school football. “Let Them Play Michigan appreciates Director Hertel’s efforts to move this important issue forward in a timely manner,” Ruddell said. We saw composure the last two weeks on social meeting with the Let Them Play (movement). Their one request has been fulfilled and all high school sports are about to swing back into action in Michigan.

The battle over whether high school winter sports should resume amid the coronavirus pandemic continues in Michigan. AdRead more: Lawsuit suggests stoppage in Michigan high school sports may have led to teen’s deathTheir lawsuit is asking a judge to grant an injunction, sending high school athletes back into action, not just practice. The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) went against the state, even going as far as stating they believe COVID spread is not happening or is very low in high school sports right now. Let Them Play, Inc. had been threatening their lawsuit unless winter high school sports were resumed by Monday, Feb. 1, the same say the MHSAA says winter contact sports started in 38 other states. Whitmer encourages Michigan public schools to reopen for in-person learning by March 1Jan. 9: Michigan high school football playoffs resume after 2 month COVID break

This week, the Let Them Play group filed a lawsuit in Lansing aimed at permitting the start of high school winter contact sports immediately. After his Bedford High School team leaves the ice after workouts at the Ice House in Toledo, the Ohio-based teams come in and play games. This week, the Let Them Play group filed a lawsuit in a Lansing court room that is aimed at changing the state order and permitting the start of winter contact sports immediately. Brasel, a retired emergency room registered nurse, became involved with Let Them Play after joining the organizations' Facebook group, started by Milan's Jayme McElvany. Thousands of Michigan kids are visiting the states for weekend tournaments, according to the group.

A lawsuit against the state of Michigan’s health director claims the state’s stoppage of high school sports amid the pandemic may have directly led to the tragic death of a teen hockey player. The suit filed in the Michigan Court of Claims is on behalf of a list of Michigan high school athletes and their families -- collectively “Let Them Play Michigan, Inc.” -- and the Michigan Amateur Youth Hockey League (MAYHL). They want high school sports including basketball, wrestling, hockey and competitive cheer to resume immediately. Specifically, MDHSS offers no data – nor can it – to support the lines it’s drawn prohibiting high school athletics but permitting collegiate and professional athletics.”Right now, only certain sports, including football, are allowed to compete at Michigan high schools. Let Them Play, Inc. had been threatening the lawsuit unless winter high school sports were resumed by Monday, Feb. 1, the same say the MHSAA says winter contact sports started in 38 other states.

McElvany wrote on the group’s Facebook page that Facebook had locked her personal account for “going against Facebook community standards” and that the group page was being censored. Her account re-opened Monday after about 24 hours, but posts and comments on the Let Them Play page were continually removed by Facebook. But members of Let Them Play don’t understand why the group’s comments – or McElvany’s posts on the group page – fall under those headings. “We’re talking about a bunch of high school athletes who just want to play sports. The group has grown to nearly 38,000 members on its Facebook page.

Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter12 Let Them Play rally in Lansing – January 30, 2021LANSING – The message rang across the steps of the State Capitol building in Lansing on Saturday afternoon like a buzzer in a silent gymnasium. “The crowd was incredible and the kids who got up and spoke really showcased the emotions that everyone is going through right now. “I feel like a mom to 60,000 kids right now and I couldn’t be prouder of all of them for continuing to battle for their right to play organized youth sports. “If you can ignore 2,000 kids screaming and begging for you to let them play sports again, that’s unexplainable,” said McElvany. Ryan McNeil, a wrestler at Montrose High School, admitted to the crowd during his speech that he, too, struggled to find a reason to carry on at times.

Michigan High School Athletic Association executive director Mark Uyl met with media on Thursday morning in a virtual press conference to answer questions and give information surrounding the current shutdown of contact winter sports. 10:05 - What is the MHSAA’s reaction to the hearings with public and thoughts on the Let Them Play movement? 23:43 - Is the delay in the winter season tied to anything to do with the pilot program rapid testing? 26:38 - Has there been any discussion of the rapid testing being extended to the winter season? 30:25 - Is there any potential starting the contact winter sports season on Feb. 21.

Frankenmuth athletes stand with basketball coach Andy Donovan as he addresses the Let Them Play rally in Lansing. Protesters leave the "Let them play" rally at the Michigan capitol building in Lansing, on Friday, August 28, 2020. Athletes from across the state, representing many different sports, attended the Let Them Play rally in Lansing on Friday. They will also be a focal point at the third Let Them Play rally, set for noon Saturday on the steps of the Capitol. “He’s fighting as much as we are for these kids.”McElvany said the MHSAA has not contributed money or resources to the Let Them Play group or the potential lawsuit.

But a group that advocates for the return of all high school sports in Michigan is now calling for one more rally. “We want to hear hundreds of basketballs bouncing and hundreds of hockey players pounding their sticks,” said Let Them Play organizer Jayme McElvany. I’ve never seen my daughter that low,” said Bethany Bartlett, whose daughter plays basketball at Standish-Sterling High School. That fact will likely lead Let Them Play to file a lawsuit and asking the courts to settle the matter, McElvany said. All of Michigan’s bordering states have already resumed contact sports at the high school level.

The Let Them Play group thought its battle was done. But another extension of the state’s emergency order brought another round to fight for the proponents of high school sports in Michigan. “What makes this a strong case is our data,” said McElvany, a Monroe business owner and mother of a Milan High School athlete. Most notably, she said, is the growing number of high school administrators who are joining the cause. Whitmer addresses contact sports in press conferenceMichigan health department explains why some sports can’t playMHSAA director frustrated by latest rulingSome high school sports delayed until late February

“The speakers were incredible,” said Jayme McElvany, head of the Let Them Play group that is asking Gov. “Unfortunately, I don’t think she cares enough to listen.”More than a dozen Freeland student-athletes attended the Let Them Play rally in Lansing on Friday. (Courtesy)The Let Them Play group hosted a similar rally in August after it was announced that the football season would be canceled in the fall and moved to spring. The Let Them Play group, which has nearly 19,000 members on Facebook, organized a second rally and sounded off on Friday in Lansing. Athletes from across the state, representing many different sports, attended the Let Them Play rally in Lansing on Friday.

LANSING, Mich. – Dozens of parents and coaches protested on Friday afternoon at the Michigan State Capitol pushing for Gov. Organizers of the rally said the restrictions are taking a toll on the mental health of students. Athletes and parents across Michigan, including the U.P., made the trip to Lansing. READ: Michigan coronavirus cases up to 426,294; Death toll now at 10,456The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Michigan has risen to 426,294 as of Friday, including 10,456 deaths, state officials report. The state crossed the 10,000 mark in total deaths earlier this week.

McElvany and her group are planning a rally at the Capitol in Lansing from 3-5 p.m. Friday, making a plea to Gov. Here we go again.’”On the group’s Facebook page – Let Michigan High School Football (all sports/activities) Play!! The Let Them Play group, with a 10-person board and nearly 19,000 members on Facebook, returned to action. Whitmer and the health department.”The Let Them Play group is asking supporters to show up in Lansing from 3-5 p.m. Friday, dressed in school colors and wearing masks. She said she’s expecting a similar turnout to last time, with teams coming from as far as the Upper Peninsula to show their support for the continuation of high school sports.

The rally was organized by the group Let Michigan Football Play. READ: Michigan High School Athletic Association cancels fall football season due to coronavirusTwo 16-year-old students named Aiden Dale and Max Jones came from Macomb Township to plead for their football season to be given the green light. I wrestle too and I dont know what I would do if I couldnt play sports. Both he and Jones play for Dakota High School as a middle linebacker and a free safety, respectively. Whitmer to reinstate high school footballAll of these sports are in jeopardy and were not whiny and its not about me watching sports. READ: More high school sports coverage