Even though it is early in the Division I college basketball season, several HBCU programs have already felt the impact of COVID-19.
Late Friday, Alabama A&M announced that its Saturday game versus Ohio State has been canceled because of positive tests within the Bulldogs program.
“The decision was made out of an abundance of caution and with the welfare of the student-athletes, coaches and event staff in mind after Alabama A&M shared results of its most recent testing,” Ohio State said in a statement.
— 𝐀𝐓𝐇. 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐓. 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 —
In alignment with COVID-19 testing and protocols for non-conference opponents, the @OhioStateHoops vs Alabama A&M game schedule for 7 p.m. Saturday @TheSchott has been canceled … 1/2 pic.twitter.com/9lZndT6phh— Ohio State Buckeyes 🌰 (@OhioStAthletics) December 4, 2020
The news comes hours after Florida A&M had multiple games canceled after an unidentified member of the program tested positive for the virus. The Rattlers had been scheduled to play South Florida and Nebraska over the weekend.
“We were informed of a positive test this morning by our medical staff and immediately initiated COVID-19 protocol for retesting and quarantining. We continue to take every precaution to ensure the safety of our student-athletes and staff,” athletics director Kortne Gosha said in a statement. “Our men’s basketball program will continue to prepare to compete in a safe manner and follow all CDC guidelines for practice and competition.”
Florida A&M most recently shut down its women’s basketball operations due to COVID-19 concerns.
On Wednesday, Alcorn State announced that all activities associated with its men’s basketball program would pause temporarily “while student-athletes and staff take appropriate safety measures.” Alcorn State head men’s basketball coach said that a “few” of his players tested positive before the team’s scheduled game against Kent State.
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