But that third way is never discussed by the people who argue it's safer for them to play. They don't argue it's safer for them to be on campus receiving support. They argue it's safer for them to play.
Because the 3rd isn't a viable option.
OSU is now having voluntary workouts, that NCAA says they can't have supervision; so no medical staff to take daily wellness checks. That's a statement of fact.
If they are not playing, they don't get routine covid tested. That's a statement of fact.
If they are not playing, they are only allowed to have 12 hours of supervised practice, anything more than that is an NCAA violation. That is a statement of fact.
They are no longer semi-quarantined and in a structured, monitored environment; they don't get access to on site medical staff. Whether at home or on campus, they have to go through the same channels the rest of the populace does. This is a statement of fact.
Because the vast majority of us do not utilize free time nearly as efficient as we do structured time. Being left to decide how we spend our day is more likely to lead to exposure than staying in a structure environment. This is a statement of opinion, but one shared by many others.
How does the broke athletic department justify paying for the services that they can't justify providing to the rest of the student population? I'd love to have that 3rd option, and I'd for that 3rd option to be available to my loved ones, and even you guys on the forum. But's it's Neverland. If they are not playing they no longer get (as) special treatment.