In recent weeks, sports fans have been treated to a slow return to action, including golf, NASCAR, the MLB, NHL and NBA.

With those various leagues able to return to play, all eyes have been patiently waiting to see how a possible return to college football could happen.

On Tuesday, the football world was dealt a massive blow with the announcement of the Pac-12 and Big Ten conferences canceling their fall football seasons.

Tuesday’s announcement was arguably the worst news sports fans have received since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With two Power 5 conferences bowing out of the 2020 season, all eyes have now shifted to the SEC, ACC and Big-12.

Tuesday evening, the Big-12 presidents met via teleconference and voted unanimously to proceed with the fall season.

At the time of this publication, the ACC and SEC are expected to follow suit and also continue with plans to play the fall season.

The impact of two major conferences sitting out the 2020 season could have massive blow back that could change the landscape of college athletics for the foreseeable future.

Not only will schools lose scholarships, but football being a breadwinner sport for schools across the nation, entire programs will disappear.

And by and large, players want to play.

Sunday night, a movement began trending online with high profile athletes, like Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, pushing to allow their seasons to play.

If the SEC, ACC and Big-12 are able to play, the impact on recruiting will shift the landscape of football for years.

But it goes even beyond that.

Consider the bubble players who may or may not be drafted — those players now don’t get a season to showcase themselves.

The Big Ten is attempting to put together a spring season, but what will that even look like?

With the NFL draft set to take place in the spring, high profile players will sit out and not risk injury for a season that largely means nothing.

The Pac-12 has suspended all sports through the remainder of 2020 — including basketball.

It’s imperative that football find a way to continue to operate in a safe manner.

Alabama coach Nick Saban commented on the matter on Tuesday, stating he feels players are safer on campus than at home in an uncontrolled environment.

He’s absolutely right.

While fans are clamoring for their beloved sport, football programs must be allowed to continue.

If these conferences are able to do move forward, this could be a major indicator of how society is ready to move towards a return to normal life.

•Chris Siers is sports editor of the Times-Gazette. Email him at sports@t-g.com.