Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said the football team will restore practice on Saturday following a “miscommunication” over test frequency that left several players out of Thursday’s practice session.
Wildhack said Syracuse plans to test players weekly at training camp and will increase to three times a week as the season begins, the week of September 7th.
Syracuse coach Dino Babers had previously said the school would test just about every other week, adding that he believed the school’s success rate with negative test scores was among the best in the nation. Syracuse had not released aggregate test data, but Wildhack said Friday that the school has administered more than 1,200 tests, with five positives.
NCAA regulations require schools to test at least once a week during “preseason / season / postseason” activities.
Players sat out a scheduled exercise on Thursday, the third time Orange players had exercises in eight days due to concerns about coronavirus. Rumors circulated Friday, a planned off-day for the team, that several players could choose. Wildhack said in a release from the school that the team planned to resume practice on Saturday when all test results were completed by Thursday.
“Our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, fans and campus community members,” Wildhack said in the release. “We continue to do everything possible to ensure that our student-athletes are safe and comfortable, supported by and comfortable with the procedures and protocols we have put in place to maintain a healthy environment for them to train and compete. “
Syracuse’s decision to skip Thursday’s practice came on the same day that fellow ACC member Pitt canceled his practice after several players complained about symptoms associated with COVID-19. The Panthers returned to the field on Friday, with those players all testing negative.
At Florida State, a trio of wide receivers also criticized the school’s test protocols on social media on Thursday. Coach Mike Norvell suggested the school would test weekly in camp for press season and was in line with ACC standards Several other high-profile Florida State players quickly chimed in on social media, saying they felt safe. On Friday, Norvell said the team “was all on the same page.”
Wildhack said Syracuse continues to engage in ongoing communication with players to ensure they are comfortable with all testing and security protocols.
“This is a rapidly evolving and fluid situation,” Wildhack said. “We will continue to listen to and participate in our student-athletes and make adjustments to our safety strategy as appropriate.”
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