The coronavirus outbreak has led the suspensions and cancellations of sporting events across the world. The NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS have each suspended their seasons and several major sporting events, including the Masters, have been postponed or canceled.
In the midst of the sports world going dark, some athletes have tested positive for COVID-19. Here is a list of players and sports figures who have tested positive for the coronavirus:
Two players on the Lakers tested positive for the coronavirus on March 18 before being cleared on March 31. The two players were among 14 Lakers who were tested for the coronavirus virus at the team’s practice facility in El Segundo.
The Sparks announced March 27 that guard Sydney Wiese had tested positive for the coronavirus following her return from playing in Spain. Wiese later announced she tested negative for the virus after being in been in self-isolation.
Smart posted a tweet Thursday confirming that he had tested positive. “I was tested 5 days ago and the results came back tonight, which were positive. I’ve been self quarantined since the test, thank goodness.” Smart was later cleared of the virus.
Kevin Durant is one of four Brooklyn Nets players who have tested positive for the coronavirus. The three others weren’t named by the team. The Nets’ last game before the suspension of the NBA season was in Los Angeles when they beat the Lakers at Staples Center. Of the four players, the team said, one is exhibiting symptoms. All four were placed in isolation and were later cleared of the virus.
Gobert was the first NBA player to test positive for the coronavirus. His positive test March 11 is what led the NBA to suspend its season. A few days before, he had made fun of the virus, touching every microphone at a news conference. On March 12, he issued a statement saying: “The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse.” Gobert was later cleared of COVID-19.
He was the second NBA player confirmed to have contracted the virus. Mitchell spoke about his positive test in an Instagram post. “We are all learning more about the seriousness of this situation and hopefully people can continue to educate themselves and realize that they need to behave responsibly both for their own health and for the well being of those around them.” Mitchell was later cleared of the virus.
On March 28, the Knicks announced that their team owner had tested positive for the coronavirus. The Knicks said he was experiencing little to no symptoms, had been in self-isolation and was continuing to oversee business operations. He is the first owner in the NBA known to have tested positive for the virus.
Real Madrid basketball player Trey Thompkins tested positive for the coronavirus in March, according to the team. The positive result prompted Real Madrid’s basketball and soccer teams to enter quarantine because they share some facilities at the club’s training center. Thompkins wrote on Twitter he was “feeling great and just waiting for the virus to pass.” He later tested negative for COVID-19.
He was the third NBA player to test positive of the virus. The Pistons played the Utah Jazz on March 7, which has two players who have tested positive. Wood announced on April 2 he was cleared of the virus.
The 76ers announced that three members of the organization have tested positive of the virus. In a statement, the team said NBA and medical experts recommended that players, coaches, and basketball operations support staff be tested for the coronavirus. The positive individuals are in self-isolation. The statement did not specify whether those with the virus are players.
The Nuggets tweeted March 19 that the person is under the care of the team’s medical staff and in isolation after being tested three days earlier.
Dolson revealed she tested positive for the novel coronavirus during ESPN’s broadcast of the WNBA draft April 17. In a video aired on ESPN, Dolson, 28, said: “This virus has hit pretty close to home. About a month ago, my whole family and I, we all tested positive for the virus and it hit us pretty hard. My mom, she ended up being admitted into the hospital for about four days. She had severe symptoms, pneumonia. But because of the team of healthcare workers that was there, she’s home safe now and healthy.” Dolson, a two-time WNBA All-Star, didn’t share details about her own condition.
Georgetown coach Patrick Ewing tested positive for COVID-19 and was being treated at a Washington, D.C., hospital May 22.
“This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly,” the Hall of Famer as a player for the Hoyas in college and the New York Knicks in the NBA said in a statement issued by the university. “I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Now more than ever, I want to thank the healthcare workers and everyone on the front lines. I’ll be fine and we will all get through this.”
The school said the 57-year-old Ewing was the only member of its men’s program who had contracted the coronavirus.
Edwards has died after battling the coronavirus, Texas A&M confirmed to the Dallas Morning News on March 23. Edwards played as a freshman at Georgetown in 1989-90 before transferring to Texas A&M, where he averaged 13.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 7.1 assists over three seasons. His 265 assists his senior year remain a Texas A&M single-season record.
A game official who worked the Colonial Athletic Assn.’s men’s basketball championship game on Tuesday tested positive for the coronavirus. The official worked during Tuesday’s game between Hofstra and Northeastern, which Hofstra won, 70-61. The official, according to the CAA, did not exhibit symptoms until 72 hours after the game he worked.
Turkish Boxing Federation says national team member Güler and trainer Dumlupinar tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from an Olympic qualifying competition in London, the federation announced on its website. According to the statement, the team trained in Sheffield, England, from March 3-11, then traveled to London for the competition scheduled for March 14-24. The event took place three days before being halted by the International Olympic Committee because of coronavirus concerns. Upon returning home, the team self-quarantined. Guler, Dumlupinar and two other boxers had high fevers and were tested for the coronavirus. Guler and Dumlupinar are being treated in a hospital. The other two boxers are awaiting their test results.
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza tested positive for COVID-19 on May 8, and his scheduled fight against Uriah Hall at UFC 249 on May 9 was called off. Souza showed up in Jacksonville, Fla., and found out a relative had tested positive. Souza was quarantined, tested and removed from the card. The remainder of the show was set to go on.
One member of the Chargers organization tested positive for COVID-19 last month, and two others have shown symptoms, the team confirmed April 15. Spokesman Josh Rupprecht reported that all involved were doing well and recovering.
Rams offensive lineman Brian Allen tested positive for COVID-19 but is recovering with slight symptoms, a Rams spokesperson said on April 15. He had been going through rehabilitation treatment at the Rams facility, but the team closed the facility after learning of Allen’s test result, the Rams spokesman said.
The rookie receiver out of Liberty said May 20 that he tested positive during NFL draft training on March 24, had mild symptoms and was cleared on April 7. He was drafted by the Redskins in the fourth round of the draft.
“I self-quarantined for two weeks and followed all guidelines from health experts,” he said. “I feel 100% now and can’t wait to get on the field with the Redskins.”
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller has been diagnosed with COVID-19, his agent told NFL Media on April 16. He is the second NFL player to be publicly be named with COVID-19. “Von is doing well and recovering at home in self-isolation,” the Broncos said in a statement. “He remains under the care of team doctors, who are following all coronavirus treatment procedures to ensure a safe environment for Von and our community. Von is the first member of the Broncos’ organization known to have tested positive for COVID-19.” On April 30, Miller tweeted he tested negative for the virus.
New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton said Thursday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus. His is the first known positive test from the NFL. Payton told ESPN that he has no fever or cough but didn’t feel well Sunday, so he was tested the following day. He said he’s feeling fatigued but also upbeat. He later was cleared of the virus.
The first player drafted by the Jaguars before their inaugural season in 1995, Boselli made five Pro Bowls in seven NFL seasons and has been finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame four times. Boselli, 47, told the Florida Times-Union on April 2 he’s back home after spending five days, including time in the intensive care unit, at the hospital being treated for COVID-19.
Dempsey’s daughter told nola.com that her 73-year-old father, who was battling Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, contracted the coronavirus during an outbreak at Lambeth House senior living center in New Orleans. He later died due to complications from the virus, the New Orleans Saints announced. Dempsey played for five teams during his 11-year NFL career, including the Rams in 1975 and 1976. Born without toes on his right (kicking) foot, Dempsey kicked a 63-yard field goal for the Saints in 1970 that stood as an NFL record until 2013.
The former Washington Redskins star is hospitalized and receiving oxygen to treat breathing issues related to the novel coronavirus, two of his children told The Washington Post.
Manley, 61, was hospitalized May 15. Daughter Dalis Manley said the former defensive end tested positive for the novel coronavirus May 2 and has steadily run a temperature between 101 and 104 degrees. She said doctors told the family that he has pneumonia.
The College Football Hall of Fame coach’s son confirmed earlier reports that his 80-year-old father had tested positive for COVID-19.
“His positive test occurred a number of days ago during a routine precautionary test pursuant to his hospitalization for kidney-related issues,” Pat Dye Jr. told ESPN in a statement Thursday.
“He has essentially been asymptomatic for the virus and is resting comfortably. We fully anticipate his release from the hospital in the next few days once his kidney function is stable.”
The football league said the player reported his symptoms to team medical staff Tuesday and has been in quarantine ever since. He was tested for COVID-19 and received the result March 13. The league said the player participated in the Dragons’ March 7 game against the Roughnecks in Houston and a Feb. 29 game against the BattleHawks in St. Louis. He was asymptomatic at the time.
Victor Lange of South Africa was diagnosed with COVID-19 upon returning home to Johannesburg on March 9 from playing a PGA Tour Latinoamerica event in Mazatlan, Mexico. He was tested as a precaution while going to a non-virus related doctor’s appointment with a friend. Lange received the diagnosis March 17.
The former Angels and St. Louis Cardinals outfielder reported April 1 that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. In an video shared on his Instagram profile, Edmonds said he was “doing really well” and no longer exhibited symptoms of the COVID-19 disease. He surmised he must have been infected for several weeks before the diagnosis.
“Thank God I quarantined myself and listened to what everyone said and kept our curve at our home flattened,” he said.
Two minor league players on the New York Yankees tested positive for the coronavirus — the first known cases in baseball. The first player, whose name has not been released, was tested after notifying the club of a fever on March 13, according to two people with knowledge of the situation. The Yankees said the player had been reporting to the team’s minor league complex and was not in contact with anyone in its major league facility, which is about a mile away in Tampa, Fla. On March 17, ESPN reported a second player tested positive.
A Boston Red Sox minor league player tested positive for coronavirus on March 23, according to multiple reports. The team has shut down all activity at its player development complex in Fort Myers, Fla., and the facility will undergo a deep cleaning. The player also will self-quarantine for two weeks.
The 25-year-old Hashin Tigers pitcher was tested after losing his sense of smell but displaying no other symptoms. His positive result and those of teammates Hayata Ito and Kenya Nagasaka were announced March 27 by team president Kenji Ageshio. The Tigers had canceled a practice game scheduled for the previous day and had their facilities disinfected. NPB play was originally scheduled to start March 20 but had been previously postponed until April 24.
The Hanshin Tigers outfielder is one of three team members to have tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Hanshin Tigers catcher is one of three team members to have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Four players on the Ottawa Senators have tested positive for the coronavirus. On March 17, the team announced a player experiencing mild symptoms had tested positive before announcing March 21 that another player tested positive. Both players were not identified. On March 27, it was reported that Senators radio analyst Gord Wilson tested positive for COVID-19. On April 1, the team announced that four more players have tested positive, making a total of seven of the 52-person traveling party for the team’s road trip to San Jose, Anaheim and Los Angeles to have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Three unnamed Colorado Avalanche players have tested positive with the virus. According to the team, one of the players had been in isolation since the first symptoms appeared, has recovered and is back to normal. The Avalanche notified anyone who in close contact with the players. According to the NHL, the third player has been in isolation and has not had contact with team personnel.
John Kelly, a television play-by-play announcer for the St. Louis Blues tested positive for COVID-19 and has been in self-quarantine since March 13, the team confirmed.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive March 12, forcing the club to close its training complex and put the entire first team in self-isolation.
The second-division English club said May 28 that the team captain was found to be infected with COVID-19 after testing negative nearly a week earlier.
Bennett, 31, said he doesn’t “feel unwell” and doesn’t have any symptoms. He will have to self-isolate for seven days before returning to training ahead of a potential resumption of the competition.
The 1982 World Cup winner said on Instagram he had COVID-19 beginning in early March. For 20-25 days, Bergomi said, his back was in so much pain that he couldn’t sit down and he felt constantly weak. The 56-year-old Bergomi, who played for Inter Milan and is now an analyst on Italy’s Sky TV, said he has recovered.
MX Liga announced Friday that the Mexican soccer league president tested positive for coronavirus. “As of now, in spite of the tests carried out, I don’t have any serious symptoms and I will remain in quarantine as the authorities in the health ministry indicate,” Bonilla said in a statement.
La Liga officials reported on May 10 that five players from clubs in the country’s first and second divisions have tested positive for COVID-19. They are all without symptoms and will be allowed to start practicing after testing negative in further testing. They will need two negative results to be allowed to come back.
A Brighton player tested positive for the coronavirus as the Premier League pushes ahead with plans to resume during the pandemic. The southern England club announced the positive test on May 10, The team said there is no need for other members of the squad or coaches to self-isolate because players have only trained in isolation when at the training ground.
The second-division German soccer club said on its website that the latest positive result was found in a fifth wave of tests conducted May 20. It adds that another “category one” close contact of its coaching staff has also tested positive for COVID-19.
The player, staff member and staff member’s contact person must now go into quarantine at home for 14 days.
Dresden’s entire team was ordered by local health authorities into 14 days of quarantine on May 9 after two players tested positive.
The club says that all players who tested positive before were cleared in the fourth and fifth wave of tests and that they and the rest of the team will be able to resume training May 23.
Colley is one of five Sampdoria players, along with team doctor Amedo Baldari, who have tested positive for COVID-19. All of them are in good health and are at their homes in Genoa, the club said in a statement March 13.
The forward is one of three Fiorentina players to test positive for the virus. Serie A is suspended until at least April 3 as part of a nationwide lockdown in Italy intended to contain the virus.
The 69-year-old former Celtic, Scotland and Liverpool forward was hospitalized April 8 for treatment on gallstones and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 despite not showing symptoms.
Dalglish won eight league championships and three European Cups across spells as player and manager for Liverpool, while also guiding Blackburn to the Premier League title in 1994-95.
In a statement on Liverpool’s official website, Dalglish said: “Thank you for all of your well wishes over the last few days. I’m delighted to be back home with the family.”
Paulo Dybala is the third Juventus player to test positive for COVID-19. In a statement released Saturday, Juventus said the Argentina soccer playmaker is in “voluntary home isolation (in Italy) and he is asymptomatic and fine.” Dybala tweeted that both he and his girlfriend Oriana Sabatini both tested positive but that “luckily we are in perfect conditions.”
Ekdal, who has also played for the Swedish national team, tweeted March 13: “I am already feeling much better after a days rest. I hope everybody takes this disease seriously. If you feel the slightest symptoms, stay at home.”
Midfielder Fabio Depaoli announced on his Instragram account March 14 he tested positive for COVID-19. Depaoli wrote on Instagram: “Unfortunately I’ve tested positive for COVID-19. But I want to reassure you that I’m OK! This invisible monster is hitting us indiscriminately, but by adopting the correct measures and following medical advice, we can win our biggest match and return stronger than before.”
Gabbiandini was the second Serie A player to be confirmed having tested positive for COVID-19, following Juventus’ Daniele Rugani. On March 13, Sampdoria announced that four other players and the team doctor had also tested positive.
Ezequiel Garay tested positive for the coronavirus, making him the first Spanish league player to confirm he has been infected. “I have tested positive for the coronavirus,” Garay wrote on a social media account on March 15. “I feel well and now the only thing to do is to follow the instructions of health officials to remain confined.” Valencia added in a statement that a total of five members of its staff and team have the new virus, without specifying if Garay is the only player. The team said the individuals are in good health and confined to their homes.
The German defender is one of two players in Bundesliga to test positive for the coronavirus.
The Chelsea winger tested positive on March 12. The entire team has gone into self-isolation as a result.
The South Korean international recently fell ill and has tested positive for the coronavirus.
The German defender reportedly was the first player in Bundesliga to test positive for the coronavirus.
La Gumina is one of five Sampdoria players, along with team doctor Amedo Baldari, who have tested positive for COVID-19. The rest of the team’s staff and players are in voluntary self-isolation at their homes, Samporia said in a statement on March 13.
AC Milan announced Saturday that former soccer standout Paolo Maldini tested positive for COVID-19. The 51-year-old Maldini, who is the Italian club’s technical director, “became aware of contact with a person who subsequently tested positive for coronavirus and began to display symptoms of the virus himself,” AC Milan said in a statement. Paolo Maldini retired from playing in 2009 after helping Milan to five European Cup and Champions League titles and seven Serie A championships.
The captain of the Serie A soccer team tested positive, becoming one of three players from the team to have contracted the virus. He was among a group tested after showing symptoms. A team physiotherapist also test positive.
Rugani plays soccer for Italian Serie A club Juventus and the Italian national team and was the first player in Italy’s top soccer league to test positive for the virus.
Thorsby is one of five Sampdoria players, along with team doctor Amedo Baldari, who have tested positive for COVID-19. He has played for the Norwegian national team.
The 20-year-old striker tested positive for coronavirus, according to the team, who sent him home without any symptoms.
A player for the Philadelphia Union has tested positive for coronavirus on April 1. It is Major League Soccer’s first player case of the virus that has caused the suspension of the season.
The Union did not identify the player. He reported mild symptoms.
The Hungarian Olympic swimmer, who won gold in the 200-meter butterfly at the 2019 world championships and bronze in the 800 freestyle at the 2016 Olympics, announced March 31 she has tested positive for COVID-19.
Kapas, 26, said on Instagram that she had to submit to testing in order to return to training. She is staying in quarantine at home for two weeks.
“I don’t have any symptoms yet and that’s why it’s important for you to know that even if you feel healthy you can spread the virus,” she wrote.
The 20-year-old Brazilian, who just won his first ATP title three weeks ago, posted a video on Twitter that he had contracted coronavirus, and has been in self-isolation for the past week and following doctor’s orders.
The retired tennis player and younger brother of John McEnroe announced on March 31 he tested positive for coronavirus. He said he had been in isolation at his home for about two weeks after first experiencing minor symptoms but added that he is feeling better.
The two-time Olympic finalist in the 800 meters has died after getting infected with the coronavirus, the Italian Olympic Committee said April 8. Sabia finished fifth at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and seventh at the 1988 Seoul Games. He also won the 800 at the 1984 European Indoor Championships.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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