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Report: Miami facing COVID-19 outbreak ahead of Sun Bowl

SimonGibbs_UserImageby:Simon Gibbs•12/21/21•

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The Miami Hurricanes are facing a potentially serious COVID-19 outbreak ahead of the Sun Bowl, according to multiple reports, prompting Sun Bowl officials to discuss protocols with the Hurricanes athletic department.

Miami announced its entire football team is in COVID-19 protocols ahead of the Sun Bowl matchup with Washington State, but the Hurricanes still reportedly intend to play in the Sun Bowl on Dec. 31. The number of positive tests remains unclear, but according to the Miami Herald, “several” Miami players have tested positive for COVID-19; as a result, Sun Bowl and Miami officials will meet to discuss the situation on Wednesday.

“There is talk going around (of positive COVID-19 tests),’’ Sun Bowl executive director Bernie Olivas told the Miami Herald on Tuesday. “But we haven’t settled on anything yet. We’ll talk tomorrow.’’

After Miami announced that its football program is in COVID-19 protocols, the Hurricanes said that they are adhering to the outlined guidelines within the ACC Medical Advisory Group report.

“The University remains committed to its goal of participating in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas on Friday, December 31 against Washington State while ensuring the continued health and safety of its student-athletes, coaches and staff,” Miami said in a statement.

The Miami Herald added that the Hurricanes planned to hold a full-contact practice on Tuesday in preparation for the bowl game. However, the program had to change it to a walk-through after multiple student-athletes returned positive COVID-19 test results. While it’s unclear who or how many players tested positive, the Herald says a source described the situation as “more than a few but not anything close to half of the team.”

Former head coach Manny Diaz, who was dismissed from the program after the university hired Mario Cristobal, said in mid August that the Miami football program had crossed the 85 percent vaccination threshold, adding that the Hurricanes are closer to 87 percent vaccinated. According to the New York Times, El Paso, Texas — where the Sun Bowl is being held — currently has a 16 percent COVID-19 test positivity rate over the last 14 days. It has reported an increase in COVID-19 related hospitalizations of 24 percent in the last 14 days as well.