CLEVELAND, Ohio –The Cleveland State University Department of Athletics announced Wednesday that the university’s men’s basketball program has temporarily paused all team activity in keeping with NCAA COVID-19 safety protocols after positive cases within the program.
The pause will cancel the Vikings’ next two scheduled games – at Duke University on Dec. 18 and at Kent State University on Dec. 21.
“Throughout the pandemic we have prioritized the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff while training and competing. Coach Gates and the team have been extremely diligent in adhering to our protocols as well as deploying other proactive risk mitigation strategies,” said CSU Athletics Director Scott Garrett. “After consultation with our training staff and the Cleveland Clinic Sports Health Center, we are pausing team activity and will reassess in 10 days. While we are disappointed, it is clear that this is the responsible course of action.”
Cleveland State Athletics will continue to work with campus leadership, the Cleveland Clinic Sports Health Center and local public health officials to ensure the safety and well-being of all CSU student-athletes and staff members.
The Vikings are currently scheduled for their first conference road trip of the 2021-22 season, with contests at IUPUI on Dec. 30 and UIC on Jan. 1.