Saban tests positive for COVID-19
Keeping an eye on the world of sports during the pandemic:
The Southeastern Conference had to postpone two games in the last three days because of positive COVID-19 tests, and now Alabama coach Nick Saban and his athletic director have tested positive for the virus ahead of the league’s biggest regular-season showdown.
Saban, above, said in a statement Wednesday that he’ll be working from home with offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian overseeing the second-ranked Crimson Tide’s preparations to play No. 3 Georgia on Saturday night.
“At this time, I do not have any symptoms relative to COVID, and I have taken another PCR test to confirm my diagnosis,” said Saban, whose AD Greg Byrne also tested positive.
No. 10 Florida’s game against defending national champion LSU was postponed Wednesday to tentatively Dec. 12 after the SEC postponed MissouriVanderbilt on Monday. More positive tests could derail other games after the league waited until the end of September to kick off the season due to the pandemic.
The Gators started testing daily Sunday and paused activities Tuesday after 19 positives with about a dozen more quarantined through contract tracing. Athletic director Scott Stricklin said they had 18 positives among scholarship players plus three walk-ons for a total of 21.
That left the Gators with less than 50 scholarship players available. Stricklin said it can sneak up on a team in a hurry and the key is hitting the brake.
“The SEC schedule was set up with something with an event like this in mind,” Stricklin said. “As much as we want to give our kids the opportunity to compete, we understand this isn’t a normal year and we’re going to have to have the ability to adapt to unusual circumstances such as this.”
Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin wasn’t specific but said his Rebels are dealing with their first COVID-19 issue of the season..
“Every day it’s been better. I can’t ... say he’s going to start tomorrow. I think if it progresses the way it has, it’s a likely possibility.”
— Manager Dave Roberts on Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, who has been dealing with back spasms
8THE NUMBER
Days until the Big Ten opens its pandemicshortened season when No. 16 Wisconsin plays Illinois in a primetime matchup in Madison, Wisconsin. The Big Ten reversed course last month, deciding to play fall football after postponing the season in August. The teams each will play eight conferenceonly games with the two division champions facing off in the Big Ten title game on December 19 in Indianapolis.