Alabama football coach Nick Saban enters isolation; taking another PCR test to confirm the results
UPDATE: Saban coaching practice via Zoom call.
The University of Alabama announced that head football Coach Nick Saban tested positive for COVID-19. He left the football complex to self-isolate and does not have any symptoms at this time.
According to a statement released to the press, ““I found out earlier this afternoon that I had tested positive for COVID-19. I immediately left work and isolated at home. At this time, I do not have any symptoms relative to COVID, and I have taken another PCR test to confirm my diagnosis,” Alabama football coach Nick Saban said in a statement released to the press.
Saban told the team and transferred oversight of game preparation to offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian.
“I informed our team of my positive test at 2 p.m. today on a Zoom call and let them know offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will oversee preparations at the complex while I work from home,” Saban said.
And the positive COVID-19 test results did not stop with the Alabama football coach. Athletic Director Greg Byrne tested positive too.
“Early this afternoon, we received notification that Coach Saban and Greg Byrne tested positive for COVID-19,” Alabama said in a statement. “Both immediately left the facility and went to their homes to self-isolate after receiving that information. At this point in time, the positive tests are limited to those two individuals.”
The University of Alabama promised to obey SEC guidelines.
“All individuals who are considered high risk contacts have been notified and will follow quarantine guidelines. We will follow the SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force Protocol for testing asymptomatic positives,” the University said.
Byrne said he too immediately started self-isolation following the test results.
“Upon hearing the news, I immediately entered self-isolation and will remain at home and follow all guidelines. We’ve been diligent about mask wearing and social distancing from the start and want to continue to encourage you all to take the necessary precautions to help stop the spread of this virus for yourself and those around you.”
No doubt that Nick Saban’s legendary preparation was ready for any such positive results. However, fans will be rightly worried about the positive test results.
It might be time to get some of those experimental and new COVID-19 tests that got President Donald Trump back on his feet so fast. After all, Trump is only President. Nick Saban is the Alabama football coach.
UPDATE: