Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo tests positive for COVID-19
Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo has tested positive for COVID-19.
Izzo, a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, said he is experiencing minor symptoms and is unsure how he contracted the virus.
"This morning I tested positive for COVID-19. Although I have some minor symptoms, I remain in good health,” Izzo said in a statement. “I've been extremely diligent for many months now, wearing my mask in public and around the office, while adhering to social distancing guidelines. I've been racking my brain, trying to figure out if there was a time where I let my guard down for just an instance. And while I haven't identified any area of exposure, what I have determined is that this shows the power of the virus. You'd be hard pressed to find a coach who's taken more precautions than I have, following all the protocols put in place by our medical team, and yet I still contracted the virus.”
Michigan State said that Izzo, 65, tested positive during the school’s daily antigen testing on Monday morning. A follow-up PCR test was conducted, and the positive result was confirmed.
Izzo must now isolate for 10 days before he can return to team activities in person. Izzo began experiencing symptoms on Saturday, Nov. 7, so the 10-day window from the onset of symptoms began that day. The earliest Izzo can return is Nov. 17.
Dwayne Stephens, a longtime MSU assistant, will run practices in Izzo’s absence. No other members of the MSU basketball program have tested positive since Big Ten daily testing began on Oct. 26.
"Technology will allow me to stay connected with my staff and our players, and I'll have plenty of time to watch film. I'll listen to our outstanding medical staff, and follow their directions and take all the steps necessary to return as soon as possible,” Izzo said.
"I appreciate the support from my family, my team and the Michigan State fan base, but if I could ask for one favor, I'd urge everyone to continue to listen to the medical experts and follow their advice. I'm proof that no one is immune, but I still believe that there are steps everyone can take to reduce their chances of contracting the virus."
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