An unspecified number of Alabama football players reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 upon their return to campus.
Multiple media outlets reported the development Thursday but did not reveal the names of the players or exactly how many returned a positive test. Alabama Rivals site BamaInsider citing sources saying that as many as five players could have tested positive.
The university issued a statement that read, “The health and safety of our student-athletes is a top priority. Resources and protocols are in place to ensure they receive the best medical care when returning to campus. Due to privacy laws we cannot share information specific to the health of our student-athletes.”
AL.com reported that at least one player who tested positive but was asymptomatic was present at team workouts Tuesday and Wednesday. Coaches reportedly were not involved in the player-led training sessions.
The NCAA announced that members of football and basketball teams — both men’s and women’s — could return for voluntary, on-campus workouts this week.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Alabama has spiked.
The state’s Department of Public Health reported Thursday morning that there were 18,776 coronavirus cases in Alabama — 302 more than Wednesday.
