VCU Pauses Men’s Basketball Activities Over COVID-19 Protocols

Fans of VCU basketball will have to wait a while longer for the Rams’ conference home opener.

VCU Athletics announced early Saturday morning that the VCU men’s basketball program will pause team activities “due to COVID-19 protocols within the program.” VCU’s home game against Davidson, scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, was postponed.

The Rams are the second Atlantic 10 team currently on pause due to COVID-19 protocols. Saint Louis announced that it will go on pause on Dec. 30. According to SBUnfurled’s College Basketball Quarantine List, Saint Louis is targeting a Jan. 9 return, pending clearing all necessary protocols.

VCU Athletics stated that no decisions have been made regarding games after Jan. 2. Currently, the Rams are scheduled to play George Mason on the road on Wednesday and Rhode Island at home on Jan. 9.

The statement did not mention who, if anybody, has tested positive for COVID-19 within the VCU program. Per NCAA guidance, a pause in team activities is typically caused by a “Tier 1” individual testing positive for COVID-19 or being exposed to the novel coronavirus. “Tier 1” individuals include players, coaches, training staff and others with direct contact with players and coaches.

While it is unclear how long the VCU program might be paused, NCAA guidance suggests a stoppage of 14 days after a positive test amongst Tier 1 personnel. A pause of this length would put VCU’s return date at Jan. 16. As of Saturday, the Rams are scheduled to play four times in that span, including a road game at Richmond on Jan. 16.

VCU Athletics stated that team activities will resume “once all personnel clear COVID-19 protocols.”

A10Talk sends well wishes to the VCU basketball team for a full recovery.