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Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff Writer 3y

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo tests positive for COVID-19

Men's College Basketball, Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, the school announced.

Izzo, 65, had a presumptive positive test during the Big Ten's daily antigen testing on Monday morning, which was confirmed by a PCR test. Izzo will isolate for 10 days and can return to the team on Nov. 17 at the earliest.

Izzo said he felt a little bit of a cough and some chills on Saturday and Sunday but did not have a fever and tested negative both days. 

"I've been beating my brains out to figure out where and how [I got the virus], but I think I've been as diligent as anybody," Izzo told reporters on a video call Monday. "Which just goes to show ... how serious maybe the virus is. I know for a fact that I wasn't at any big parties ... I've been just kind of sitting in my own house and going to work.

"Where I got it, I have no clue."

Izzo said he will spend isolation working out and watching film. 

"Technology will allow me to stay connected with my staff and our players, and I'll have plenty of time to watch film," Izzo said in a statement. "I'll listen to our outstanding medical staff, and follow their directions and take all the steps necessary to return as soon as possible.

"I appreciate the support from my family, my team and the Michigan State fan base, but if I could ask for one favor, I'd urge everyone to continue to listen to the medical experts and follow their advice. I'm proof that no one is immune, but I still believe that there are steps everyone can take to reduce their chances of contracting the virus."

Associate head coach Dwayne Stephens will run practices until Izzo returns. The school said no other members of the program have tested positive since daily testing began on Oct. 26.

The 2020-21 college basketball season is scheduled to begin on Nov. 25.

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