UH's Sedrick Williams opts out of 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns
University of Houston junior defensive lineman Sedrick Williams plans to opt-out of the college football season due to novel coronavirus concerns.
Williams, a mid-year enrollee who spent two seasons at Kilgore College, tested positive for COVID-19 in early July and spent 14 days in quarantine.
In a Facebook post, Williams said he’s had complications with his heart.
“As a result of the virus, I’ve had complications with my heart and I really don’t know the outcome or what’s in store for me in the future,” Williams wrote in a message posted on Facebook. “I just know that my life is more precious to me than football could ever be. I’ve decided to opt out of the 2020 football season due to these complications. I won’t take this year for granted. I’m coming back bigger, faster and stronger than ever.”
Mother of Indiana Freshman Brady Feeney Says Her Son Seriously 'Struggling with Virus''
Debbie Rucker, the mother of incoming Indiana freshman offensive lineman Brady Feeney, went to Facebook on Monday asking for prayers for her son, who is struggling mightily with the COVID-19 virus.
Indiana athletic department officials have been releasing positive test results every week or so, but they have not ever mentioned which players or coaches or staff members have tested positive. In their most recent announcement last Friday, the school reported that there had been 33 positive tests out of 480.
Feeney is a 6-foot-4, 325-pound lineman from St. Louis, Mo. Here is his mother's complete Facebook post:
" I am not one to post about personal family issues because I am not one to ask for help very often! However, in this crazy, chaotic world where a global crisis is not being taken seriously I have decided to post my personal family crisis with the permission of my son, Brady who is struggling with this virus! I am asking each of my friends as a request from my HEART, PLEASE take this serious and wear a mask, exercise social distancing and realize by wearing a mask you could be helping protect those that you love! PLEASE
"My son was negative when he got tested at the beginning of volunteer workouts. Within three weeks he and multiple others tested positive. His university has done everything right by shutting down workouts and retesting the whole team.
"Unfortunately this virus hit my son very hard compared to most of his teammates. Here was a kid in perfect health, great physical condition and due to the virus ended up going to the ER because of breathing issues. After 14 days of hell battling the horrible virus, his school did additional testing on all those that were positive. My son even recieved extra tests because he was one of the worst cases.
"Now we are dealing with possible heart issues! He is still experiencing additional symptoms and his blood work is indicating additional problems. Bottom line, even if your son’s schools do everything right to protect them, they CAN’T PROTECT THEM!!
Vanderbilt women's basketball player Demi Washington out for season with myocarditis
Vanderbilt women's basketball player Demi Washington tweeted that she will miss the rest of the season after being diagnosed with myocarditis following a COVID-19 positive case.
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle usually caused by a viral infection, including COVID-19. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath and arrhythmias.
Washington, a sophomore guard, did not play in Vanderbilt's season-opening 82-74 loss at Little Rock on Saturday. The Commodores' first three games were canceled because of COVID-19 either within their program or the opponent's.
On Monday night, Washington tweeted that she will not play the 2020-21 season.
"Following a case of COVID-19, I have recently been diagnosed with myocarditis and will not be able to play this season," Washington tweeted. "While I am disappointed, I look forward to supporting my teammates and returning to the court soon. #AnchorDown"
College football COVID update: Miami's Al Blades Jr. out for season with myocarditis
Miami Hurricanes cornerback Al Blades Jr. has been diagnosed with myocarditis and will miss the remainder of the season.
Blades said on his Twitter account late Tuesday the condition was discovered after concerns about his bloodwork. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle that has been associated as a possible complication from COVID-19.
“As of last week, I was going through COVID protocols when doctors had some concerns about my bloodwork,” Blades wrote. “After undergoing an MRI on my heart, I have been diagnosed with myocarditis. This will cause me to be out for a minimum of three months. It hurts to not to be out there with my brothers, but I will always be a Hurricane. I’m looking forward to returning to the field in 2021.”
Blades was one of 15 players listed as unavailable before Miami’s 48-0 victory at Duke Saturday.