EASTON, Pa. -- Lafayette has delayed the start of its 2020 athletic seasons until Sept. 18, canceling football games slated for Sept. 5 at Sacred Heart and Sept. 12 at Navy. 

"As we move closer to our return to campus, our primary focus continues to be the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and supporting staff," said Lafayette Director of Athletics Sherryta Freeman. 

"The Patriot League Council of Presidents' guidance has determined that our student-athletes will return to our College Hill campus at the same time as all students. That, along with our adherence to the NCAA's Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport, requires us to delay the start of our fall sports seasons," Freeman added.

Lafayette athletic teams will begin a six-week, return-to-play timeline when students begin arriving on campus on Aug. 8.