Alabama football head coach Nick Saban and athletic directory Greg Byrne have tested positive for COVID-19, according to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach.
Saban, 68, tested positive on Wednesday, and is self-isolating at home with continuing to oversee his team’s practices via Zoom. Byrne also tested positive on Wednesday.
“I found out earlier this afternoon that I had tested positive for COVID-19,” Saban said in an official statement. “I immediately left work and isolated at home. At this time, I do not have any symptoms relative to COVID, and I have taken another PCR test to confirm my diagnosis.”
“I feel fine, so I’m not really concerned that much about my health, but you never know,” Saban said. “Look, I basically feel like when we’re in our own personal bubble here, everybody is in a much safer place. I think as soon as you travel, you get exposed to a lot more things and a lot more people.”
Saban said he informed his players of his positive test in a Zoom call on Wednesday, adding that he was able to monitor practice Wednesday via Zoom and could talk on the phone with a staff member, if needed.
“I had the manager have a phone,” Saban said. “If I wanted a play repeated, I said, ‘Repeat that play. So-and-so messed up.’ I didn’t leave the country or anything. I’m just right down the street. And we have this technology, so it’s really unique.”
“Today, I received notice that my COVID-19 test from this morning came back positive,” Byrne said in a statement. “Upon hearing the news, I immediately entered self-isolation and will remain at home and follow all guidelines. We’ve been diligent about mask-wearing and social distancing from the start and want to continue to encourage you all to take the necessary precautions to help stop the spread of this virus for yourself and those around you.”
