Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo tested positive for COVID-19, the school announced Monday.
Izzo, according to the school, had a presumptive positive test during Monday’s round of daily antigen testing in accordance with Big Ten Conference protocols. The positive was later confirmed by a PCR test.
The earliest Izz🍃o could return to the team in person, according to Big Ten guidelines, is Tuesday, Nov. 17, the school said. Iꦜzzo experienced the onset of symptoms on Saturday.
In the interim, associate head coach Dwayne Stephens will conduct the Spartans’ practices. According to Michigan State, no other members of the basketball program have tested positive since the Big Ten daily antigen testing began on Oct. 26.
“Although I have some minor symptoms, I remain in good health,” Izzo said in a statement released by the school. “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.
He continued: “What I have determined is that this shows the power of the virus.
“You’d be hard pressed to find a coach who’s take more precautions than I have … yet I still contracted the virus,” he continued. “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.”
Izzo, 65, has been the head coach at Michigan State since 1995 and is regarded as one of the best in the business. He’s guided the Spartans to 10 regular-season Big Ten championships, eight Final Four appearances and the 2000 NCAA Championship.
With a career record of 628-241, Izzo is about to begin his 26th ⛄season at Michigan Stꦫate.
The Spartans were ranked No.♐ 13 in the 2𝄹020-21 Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll, released Monday.
–Field Level Media