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Oklahoma says nine football players test positive for virus

Olahoma helmet Sugar Bowl Football
Posted at 6:03 PM, Aug 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-15 18:03:16-04

Nine Oklahoma football players tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from a break in preseason camp.

Coach Lincoln Riley made the announcement during a Zoom call Saturday.

Riley announced on Aug. 8 that the Sooners were temporarily pausing preseason practices because of schedule changes. He gave players the option of returning home, though most stayed on campus.

After the initial testing in preparation for the July 1 start of workouts, the program had just one positive result until this week. There were two rounds of tests last week, with one positive in 205 tests.

Riley said he didn’t regret giving the players a break, but said he hopes the team learns from the situation.

“I think what we’re up against is something that’s doable, but the key is going to be for our players, our staff ... how well can this virus be mitigated or stopped or contained when players or staff members are not in our facilities?” he said.