Tennessee pauses basketball activities after multiple positive COVID-19 tests

Tennessee’s season opener is now in serious doubt. The Volunteers are pausing all basketball activities after multiple members of the staff tested positive for COVID-19.

Per release, Rick Barnes was one of the positives.

“The Tennessee men’s basketball program has paused all team activities following multiple positive COVID-19 test results among its Tier 1 personnel, which consists of coaches, student-athletes, team managers and support staff,” Tennessee announced on Monday.

Tennessee is scheduled to open in Knoxville against Charlotte on Wednesday night. The event was going to be a part of a multi-team event, hosted by the University. The Volunteers were also set to play VCU on Friday night.

“The basketball program is following SEC, local and university public health guidelines to prioritize the health and safety of all student-athletes and staff as well as the campus and local community,” the statement said. “An update on the status of this week’s Volunteer Classic games will be provided by Tuesday.”

Tennessee’s next game would be a December 2nd matchup against Gonzaga in Indianapolis, but again, no cancellations have been announced to this point.