NBA
Pacers HC Rick Carlisle tests positive for covid-19
While the NBA has been diligent in it's fight against the virus, it continues to be an ever evasive foe as more an more are place in the leagues health and safety protocols.
One by one the the teams of the NBA are succumbing to the covid-19 threat
Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle tests positive
According to an announcement on Friday by the Indiana Pacers, head coach Rick Carlisle will miss multiple games after returning a positive PCR test for covid-19. Due to his positive test, Carlisle will have to miss his first match up against the Dallas Mavericks - the team he coached for 13 seasons before leaving the post during the last off season.
It is understood that Assistant coach Lloyd Pierce will act as head coach in Carlisle's absence on Friday. Fortunately there will be a little time after Friday's game for recovery, as the Pacers aren't due to play again until Monday when they play against the Golden State Warriors.
What happened with Rick Carlisle?
According to reports, Carlisle entered the NBA's health and safety protocols on Thursday after returning a positive result on a rapid test. Following the result the Pacers took the step of canceling practice on Thursday out of "an abundance of caution." It was also reported that Carlisle, who is 62 years of age and has received both the vaccine and the booster was experiencing "mild symptoms."
This is in fact Carlisle's second tenure with the Pacers. Most notably he was at the helm from 2003 to '07, making three playoff appearances in four seasons.