Alabama State head coach Mo Williams will not be available to coach against Jackson State after he tested positive for COVID-19, school officials reported Monday.
In a news release, Alabama State indicated that Williams tested positive for the virus after returning from the winter holiday break.
He is the first known HBCU basketball coach to contract COVID-19.
“Upon returning from the holiday break and in accordance with standard University and Athletic Department Covid-19 testing protocols, coach Williams received a positive result, the statement,” said. “Since the test date, Williams has followed the University’s isolation protocols.”
ASU said the first-year head coach had not been in contact with players or staff since Dec. 16.
Trey Johnson, the team’s associate head coach, will fill in for Williams against Jackson State.
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The news comes hours after the SWAC announced tonight’s Prairie View-Alcorn State game had been postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test within the Alcorn State program.
So far this season, Prairie View has had seven games affected by the virus while the Braves have lost nine games because of COVID-related issues.
Panthers head coach Byron Smith recently told HBCU Sports that he would suggest Prairie View and the SWAC league office consider halting play if the program continues to be impacted by the coronavirus.
