Jeff Capel said earlier this month that he was feeling uncomfortable playing games as COVID-19 cases across the country rise. (AP / Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh coach Jeff Capel tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the team’s game against Louisville # 23 on Tuesday, the school said on Saturday afternoon.
According to the school, Capel is the only person who tested positive for the corona virus during this test wave. It is not known whether the 45-year-old will experience symptoms.
Pittsburgh’s matchup against Louisville on Tuesday is the last before a seven-day hiatus, which means Capel may be able to get back on the team before heading to Duke # 21 on December 29th.
Capel is the youngest celebrity college coach to contract the coronavirus this season. He joins Tom Izzo from Michigan, Jim Boeheim from Syracuse and Scott Drew from Baylor, among others.
Capel is restless playing during COVID-19
Capel said earlier this month that he has felt uncomfortable playing basketball throughout this season as the coronavirus rages across the country like never before.
According to the New York Times, there were more than 251,000 new cases on Friday alone, an all-time high. The country has an average of more than 2,500 deaths per day.
Both numbers are miles higher than when the NCAA decided to cancel the NCAA tournament in March due to the pandemic.
“These children are gone [from their families] and they’re out and putting it on the line to entertain people. Something just doesn’t feel right, ”said Capel. “The numbers were as they were in March. I look at it every day man. It seems like it’s getting worse every day. I don’t know why you’re canceling [the NCAA tournament] in March, but you say it’s ok to do it now. But what do i know? “
Capel is not alone either. Duke trainer Mike Krzyzewski also made similar statements a few days later, announcing that the Blue Devils would cancel the rest of their non-conference games.
“For the sake of the game and the safety and mental and physical health of the players and staff, we have to deal with this constantly,” said Krzyzewski. “… I don’t think it feels right for anyone.”
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