Charlotte cancels football game at UNC after players test positive for COVID-19
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WTVD) -- The UNC/UNC Charlotte football game has been canceled after several Charlotte players are in quarantine and some have tested positive for COVID-19.
The game was canceled after several UNC Charlotte offensive linemen were placed into quarantine following the University's COVID-19 contact tracing protocols.
"This is difficult to walk away from a game like this," UNC Charlotte Athletic Director Mike Hill said. "The kind of opportunity for our athletes to get to play in a game against a Top 20 team, first time ever against North Carolina. It's hard to walk away from that opportunity, but we did because we are going to follow the protocols that are in place and ensure the safety of our student athletes in more than one way. It's a sickening feeling to have to make the call but they understood and we're grateful for the support that they provided us and the understanding they provided under the circumstances."
UNC Charlotte said there have been three positive cases of coronavirus found in football players through testing required by Conference USA. The loss of eligible players to positive tests and quarantining protocols prohibits the team from safely playing the game.
"We're disappointed that we won't have a chance to play this weekend, but completely understand and appreciate Charlotte's transparency," UNC coach Mack Brown said.
"This certainly is disappointing," UNC Director of Athletics Bubba Cunningham said. "We knew when we decided to play football in this environment that cancellations would be a possibility because the health and safety of our teams and community is our priority."
Cunningham said UNC is looking for an opponent for Sept. 26, which is currently an open date.
The Tar Heels, who won their opening game last Saturday against Syracuse and are ranked 12th nationally in the Associated Press Top 25, will play at ACC foe Boston College on Oct. 3.
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