Vandy cancels practice over COVID-19 results; SEC still plans season

Vanderbilt canceled Friday’s practice after some positive COVID-19 test results. The private SEC university is not sharing the number of positive results. But Vanderbilt issued a statement noting the university’s ongoing testing procedures have “positive COVID-19 test results.”

Vanderbilt says it is working closely with its Public Health Command Center and other health officials assessing potential close contacts and advising on additional steps. But Vanderbilt cites federal student privacy law in not disclosing information that could identify any student who has tested positive.

SEC schools started practice Monday with the league set to start a 10-game, league-only season Sept. 26.

EAST CAROLINA: Football activities have been paused indefinitely after a coronavirus cluster was reported within the team as well as within a campus residence hall. The school said there had been 10 positives associated with the football team and seven associated with Clement Hall.

SOUTH CAROLINA: The state approved a plan to permit 20,000 fans at games this fall, about a quarter of capacity at Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks open the season at home against Tennessee on Sept. 26.

NORTHWESTERN: Offensive tackle Rashawn Slater plans to enter the NFL draft and skip his senior season. The 6-foot-4 Slater made 37 starts in three seasons and helped Northwestern win the Big Ten West two years ago.

LOUISIANA-MONROE: Football practices were paused because of nine new positive COVID-19 tests this week, Athletic Director Scott McDonald said.