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Big Ten head coach to miss Saturday’s game because of positive test for virus
By SDS Staff
Published:
Illinois coach Bret Bielema has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Saturday’s game against Iowa.
Bielema said he was fully vaccinated and received a booster shot during last week’s bye week, Illini Insider reported.
Illinois (4-6, 3-4 Big Ten) needs to win its last 2 games to become bowl eligible and is coming off of a bye week. Bielema said on Monday that his team was 100 percent vaccinated earlier this season and had shut down in-person interviews for the rest of the season. He was out on the road recruiting during the bye week and said he returned to campus Saturday, when he was tested for COVID-19.
Bielema released a statement about the news.
“After developing mild symptoms (Monday), I was tested and unfortunately late Monday night tested positive for a breakthrough case of COVID-19,” he said. “I’m disappointed that I will not be with our team this week when we travel to Iowa, but I’m grateful that I’m vaccinated and received the booster shot last week. Going back to last spring and this fall, I have a set protocol for anyone on our staff who may be removed due to COVID, including myself as a head coach.”
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
