UNM football practices paused after 9 positive COVID-19 cases

Posted: Oct 15, 2020 / 07:12 PM MDT / Updated: Oct 16, 2020 / 05:20 AM MDT

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Lobo football has had to pause practices Thursday after eight players and one staff member tested positive for COVID-19.

UNM Athletic Director Eddie Nunez informed the media Thursday that football practices are now on pause after eight players and one coach have tested positive. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham addressed the University of New Mexico Athletics in her Thursday press conference and credited them for implementing COVID-safe practices but at the moment, she is unsure there will be a football season.

“We are working with her office, with the governor’s office, and communicating when things like this occur so that there is [sic] dialogue and understanding. Our hope is to be able to play, but right now we are taking it day by day. As coach has said he is going to do it with practice and everything else and the same with us, we are going to continue to what we can and hope for the best,” Nunez said.

As of now, UNM football is hoping to return to practice on Saturday. This marks the first positive COVID-19 test since Aug. 28, and in total, out of 2,078 tests, UNM now has 27 positive tests. UNM would not release the identity of Thursday’s positive tests.

UNM is slated to open its season on Oct. 24 with Colorado State.