Boeheim says he’s tested positive for COVID-19; men’s basketball activities paused

Syracuse University men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim says he is “heartbroken” after he struck and killed Jorge Jimenez, 51, of Syracuse, on Interstate 690 East near Thompson Road late Wednesday night. In a statement released on Thursday morning, Boeheim said he and wife, Juli Boeheim, extend “deepest sympathies to the Jimenez family.” (Eric Reinhardt / BJNN file photo)

“As part of our routine COVID-19 health and safety protocols, I, along with my team and staff, are tested for COVID-19 multiple times each week. Following our most recent testing, I was informed that I had tested positive for COVID-19. I immediately began my isolation period at home. I am not experiencing any symptoms at this time, and will continue to monitor my health closely as advised by the medical staff. Thank you for the well wishes. I look forward to getting back on the court with my team,” per the statement that Boeheim tweeted. 

Wildhack’s statement is as follows.

“Our top priority is the health and well-being of our student-athletes, Coach Boeheim and all members of the basketball program. Per our COVID safety protocols, following Coach’s positive test we conducted an additional round of testing for all members of the basketball program. From that testing we learned that one other member of the program has tested positive. As such, we made the decision to pause all basketball-related activities. We are following all CDC guidelines and ACC protocols, and working closely with the Onondaga County Department of Health, to mitigate further transmission of the virus. All members of the basketball program will be tested again, multiple times, over the next week,” Wildhack said in a statement posted at cuse.com, the website of Syracuse University Athletics.

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Syracuse is scheduled to begin the 2020-21 season on Nov. 27 against Bryant University.

Eric Reinhardt: