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A day after Dabo Swinney suggested that the State of Florida dodged last Saturday’s game using a positive COVID-19 test from a Clemson player as an excuse, Seminoles coach Mike Norvell flatly denied the prosecution, claiming that the decision to postpone was made entirely by medical staff.
When asked if COVID-19 was the reason for the postponement, Norvell said: “Absolutely”, and reiterated that his coaches and players were eager to play on Saturday before school medical staff decided ‘It is dangerous to do so following news that a Clemson player who was showing symptoms earlier in the week had been cleared to travel with the team to Tallahassee, Fla.
“Football coaches are not doctors. Some of us might think we are, but there is a reason why medical advisers make decisions based on the information provided,” Norvell said Monday. “It’s a shame that this opportunity has been delayed, but there is a reason why the people who make these decisions have this responsibility.”
Norvell said he first learned of the Clemson team’s positive test during a standard Friday night call between medical professionals at each school. According to FSU, Clemson informed the school of a symptomatic player who had attended training and traveled with the team. Clemson noted that proper protocols were followed regarding masks and social distancing, and said the player was kept in isolation during the trip.
Norvell said during a call on Saturday morning that did not include coaches, Florida state medical staff determined it was not safe to continue with the game.
Clemson offered to test players and staff again and delay the game for a day or two, but FSU refused.
Swinney blasted Florida State’s decision on Sunday, suggesting the Seminoles just don’t want to play.
Norvell said on Monday he tried to contact Swinney after the decision was made on Saturday morning, but the two did not connect.
“We were delighted to play this game,” said Norvell. “We are a young team who need all the reps we can get. I am not concerned about what other coaches say or think.”
Norvell tested positive for COVID-19 in October, a day before the team’s opening date, and he then missed the Seminoles’ rivalry game against Miami. He said his own experience with the virus had helped shape his cautious approach to mitigate the spread.
Although the state of Florida has not released test figures this year, a source said the football team has not tested positive since Norvell.
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