The MAC just eliminated conference tourneys for 8 sports, including baseball, for at least the next 4 years. I can't help but think the likely loss of football revenue is a huge reason.
As far as the NCAA, whose role is to "govern competition in a fair, safe, equitable manner as the administrative authority for men's and women's intercollegiate athletics....."
They basically said they don't have a clue of what to do, and they are going to leave start dates up to state officials and university presidents. Wait.....who is in charge???