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Coronavirus: Michigan St. basketball coach Tom Izzo tests positive

By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

LANSING, Mich. — Hall of Fame basketball coach Tom Izzo tested positive for the coronavirus, Michigan State University’s athletic department announced Monday.

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“This morning I tested positive for COVID-19,” Izzo, 65, said in a statement. “Although I have some minor symptoms, I remain in good health.”

Izzo said he had been “extremely diligent" for the past few months, wearing a mask in public and in his office while adhering to social distancing guidelines. His symptoms began Saturday, the school said.

“I’ve been racking my brain, trying to figure out if there was a time where I let my guard down for just an instance,” Izzo said in his statement, adding that “You’d be hard-pressed to find a coach” who had taken more precautions.

Izzo can return to the team after a 10-day isolation period, WLNS reported. The earliest he can return is Nov. 17, the television station reported.

Izzo has been an outspoken proponent for wearing a mask, the Detroit Free Press reported. He has helped Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer spread the message since April, the newspaper reported.

No other members of the school’s basketball program have tested positive since Oct. 26, the Free Press reported. Izzo had tested negative every time until Monday morning, school officials said.

Associate head coach Dwayne Stephens will run practices in Izzo’s absence, the newspaper reported. Stephens' father, Dwayne Stephens Sr., died April 1 after contracting COVID-19.

In 25 seasons as the Spartans' coach, Izzo has led the team to eight Final Fours, two NCAA Championship title games and the 2000 NCAA championship. Izzo also guided Michigan State to 10 Big Ten championships and six Big Ten Tournament championships.

Izzo owns a 628-241 coaching record at Michigan State. He was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

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