Gopher Football Cancels All In-Person Activities for Tuesday

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The Minnesota Gophers football team has canceled all in-person football activities for Tuesday, after receiving a number of preliminary positive COVID-19 tests.

On Wednesday, the team hopes to return to a normal schedule and continue preparation for their game vs the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday. Here is the statement from the University of Minnesota Athletic Department.


Upon the advice of medical experts, the University of Minnesota football team will not practice on Tuesday and will conduct all meetings virtually as a result of presumptive COVID-19 positive tests Monday. The team’s goal is to return to a regular practice schedule on Wednesday in preparation for Saturdayโ€™s game at Wisconsin. An update will be provided when additional test results are returned and more information is available.

Statement from U of M Athletic Department

We talked a lot about COVID-19 in today’s scheduled media appearance with PJ Fleck. He mentioned that players were getting tested, as we spoke to him. It seemed to be standardized testing though, and nothing out of the ordinary. Then, we got hit with this announcement in the evening…

We don’t know how many positive results were returned from today’s tests, but if they are cancelling in-person football activities for tomorrow then it’s significant. If the preliminary positive tests are confirmed by 24-hour lab tests… then who knows what happens next?

I don’t want to speculate on something that hasn’t happened. As soon as we in the media are updated on what happens next, I’ll update you too.

No More Fans at TCF Bank Stadium, Period.

This wasn’t the only COVID-19 related announcement made by the University of Minnesota today. They also announced that their COVID protocols were tightening under Governor Walz’ new restrictions.

Coaches and players are no longer allowed to have family or friends attend games. Apparently, 250 people can’t properly social distance in a stadium meant for 50,000. What a world.



Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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