Saturday’s game between the state of Arizona and Cal Cal has been canceled because the Sun Devils do not have the minimum number of scholarships available, due to the coronavirus, Pack-12 announced Friday.
Among those who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the ASU program is head coach Harm Edwards, the school announced.
“Over the past few days, our test results have included many positive cases involving many student-athletes and coaching staff members, one of which is head coach Harm Edwards,” ASU Athletic Director Ray Anderson said in a statement. “The minimum threshold of Pack-12 under this league’s game cancellation policy is below the 53 available scholarship-student-athletes.
“After consulting with our medical advisors and coach Edwards, we immediately began a conversation with Jim Nolton, director of the Pack-12 office and director of California Athletics, to make them aware of the situation.”
In a statement issued by the school, Edwards encouraged fans to take the virus seriously.
“As I have said many times, the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes is paramount and we will not put them at risk,” Edwards said. Edwards said. “Our team has worked hard to get to this stage, and even played a game last week. We will take care of our student-athletes and follow all protocols very well when preparing for the next game. Our team and coaching staff. Disappointed, but we can understand who we are dealing with. “
The game was jeopardized throughout the week as Kell lacked his full defensive line due to contact tracing in a positive case early last week. It is unclear whether Kal, who canceled his season opener last week, will be able to play.
Multiple sources told ESPN that optimism is growing within the Cal Cal program on Thursday that the team can play, with the prospect of a game on Sunday.
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