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We have our first cancellation of the 2020-21 Kentucky Wildcats season.
Earlier tonight, KSR’s Matt Jones reported that a team set to take part in the Bluegrass Showcase was in danger of missing the event due to COVID-19.
Now, Stadium reporter Jon Rothstein says it’s Detroit Mercy who will miss the event, which means we’ll be robbed of a John Calipari - Brad Calipari showdown in Rupp.
However, Kentucky and Detroit are hoping to play later this season, so we may still get Papa Cal vs. Brad.
Sources: Detroit and Kentucky are looking to still play this season. John Calipari's son Brad, plays for the Titans. https://t.co/6s3D33Wj4Z
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 24, 2020
Detroit Mercy has since confirmed it’s dropping out of the event due to COVID-19.
Here’s what their press release said:
The positive test came about from a member of the support staff and that individual is not experiencing any symptoms and is now in quarantine. No other players or coaches have tested positive, although a few members of the team are in isolation due to contact tracing.
Due to HIPAA, Detroit Mercy will not release the name of the support staff member and will continue to follow all regulations and protocols in place by the Horizon League and NCAA.
“We believe the decision to cancel our games and not travel is best for everyone’s health and safety,” said Director of Athletics Robert C. Vowels, Jr. ”We have had no positive tests with both our men’s and women’s basketball programs since we started our testing requirements in early October. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff have done a great job abiding by all the guidelines put forth, but with the rise in positive cases across the country, it unfortunately was able to get inside our program. At this point, we are hopeful that it is isolated to one individual and we will take the time this week to make sure everyone stays healthy and tests negative and hope to start our season next week.”
Detroit Mercy is looking to make up the scheduled games at a later date.
This means Kentucky will only host Morehead State on Wednesday, then Richmond on Sunday unless there’s a replacement team added to the event.