Saints coach Sean Payton tests positive for coronavirus, has message for fans
A week after the sports world was stunned by the news of Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert’s positive test for the coronavirus, the disease has been reported in nearly every professional league in the United States.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted that Saints coach Sean Payton had tested positive for COVID-19. He is the first person in the NFL confirmed to have the disease.
Schefter reported Payton didn’t feel well on Sunday and had the test done Monday. He got the positive result Thursday and relayed a message for everyone, not just Saints fans.
“This is not just about social distancing,” Payton told ESPN. “It’s shutting down here for a week to two weeks. If people understand the curve, and understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it. Take a minute to understand what the experts are saying. It’s not complicated to do what they’re asking of us. Just that type of small investment by every one of us will have a dramatic impact.
“I was fortunate to be in the minority, without the serious side effects that some have. I’m lucky. Younger people feel like they can handle this, but they can be a carrier to someone who can’t handle it. So we all need to do our part. It’s important for every one of us to do our part.”
According to the ESPN story, Payton had no fever and no cough.
Multiple NBA players have not tested positive for coronavirus, including Kevin Durant. Two minor-league players for the Yankees also have the disease, along with an Ottawa Senators hockey player.
