Alabama coach Nick Saban examined optimistic for COVID-19 on Wednesday and is self-isolating at house, the college introduced.
Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne additionally examined optimistic on Wednesday, based on the college.
“I discovered earlier this afternoon that I had examined optimistic for COVID-19,” Saban mentioned in an announcement. “I instantly left work and remoted at house. Right now, I don’t have any signs relative to COVID, and I’ve taken one other PCR take a look at to verify my prognosis.”
Saban, 68, mentioned he knowledgeable his gamers of his optimistic take a look at in a Zoom name at 2 p.m. on Wednesday.
Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will oversee preparations for Saturday evening’s house sport in opposition to No. 3 Georgia “whereas I earn a living from home,” Saban mentioned. Sarkisian was the top coach at Washington from 2009 to 2013 and USC in 2014-15.
Alabama plans to check all people throughout the soccer program on Thursday. Alabama went to day by day testing for its gamers again in September.
“Right this moment, I obtained discover that my COVID-19 take a look at from this morning got here again optimistic,” Byrne mentioned. “Upon listening to the information, I instantly entered self-isolation and can stay at house and comply with all tips. We have been diligent about masks sporting and social distancing from the beginning and need to proceed to encourage you all to take the mandatory precautions to assist cease the unfold of this virus for your self and people round you.”
Alabama workforce physicians Jimmy Robinson and Jeff Allen mentioned Saban and Byrne had been the one two people who examined optimistic “at this time limit,” and that the college would comply with the SEC’s Return to Exercise and Medical Steering Job Drive Protocol for testing asymptomatic positives.
CDC tips say these with optimistic checks should isolate for 10 days, whereas contact tracing requires a 14-day quarantine.
Saban is considered one of a handful of FBS head coaches to check optimistic for the coronavirus. Arizona’s Kevin Sumlin, FSU’s Mike Norvell, Kansas’ Les Miles, Toledo’s Jason Candle and Arkansas State’s Blake Anderson beforehand introduced optimistic checks.
ESPN’s Chris Low contributed to this report.
