The Ivy League status still remains uncertain, even as some non-Ivy teams have already played multiple games in 2021. Another potential domino could be about to fall, however.

In a letter sent to Cornell supporters by Big Red head coach Connor Buczek, it was revealed that a "group of players" will take a leave absence from the school for the spring to preserve an extra semester of eligibility to play next season. Buczek stressed, though, that there is still no definitive answer regarding the status of the season.

Buczek confirmed news of the letter to US Lacrosse Magazine. No specific players were said to have taken the leave, though All-American attackman Jeff Teat is no longer listed on the Cornell roster.

Just last week, multiple reports stated that Yale would not compete this spring after the unenrollment of a majority of its roster. There still has not been any official word from the University, though it seems as if Yale will forego the season.

Check back to uslaxmagazine.com for more on this developing story. Head below for the letter sent by Buczek, first published by Inside Lacrosse.

Supporters of Cornell Lacrosse,

I know many of you are anxiously awaiting a decision from the Ivy League regarding spring sport competition. Unfortunately as we begin classes today for the spring semester, there is still no definitive answer. With that in mind, we had to have discussions with our team to set expectations for the spring and help them understand all possible options.

Due to the uncertain nature of this semester and what our team will be able to do in terms of practice, development and competition, there will be a group of players that will take a leave of absence from school for the spring. Ultimately, the odds did not indicate that competition was going to be likely, so we allowed each individual family to make the best decision for them regarding enrollment this spring. The leave of absence guarantees these young men the ability to play another season at Cornell, a place and program that means so much to all of us.

As difficult as this situation has been on all members of our Cornell lacrosse family, I am incredibly proud of the bondedness and selflessness of our players. Collectively, they have handled the impacts of the pandemic with incredible grace and togetherness. Through countless conversations with our team, their families, and alums, it has been a pleasant reminder that it’s the people in our program that makes Cornell lacrosse so special. We look forward to the next time we get to make you all proud by our efforts on the field, but until that time comes, you can rest assured that our group is upholding the standards of Cornell lacrosse in every way they can.

Best wishes to you and your families. Better days to come.

Best,

Connor