By Jarra Gojolo — Senior Content Editor
Santa Clara County reported a 13-case COVID-19 outbreak within San Jose State’s football program, according to a report from the San Jose Mercury News.
SJSU said positive COVID tests both occurred in San Jose before the team left for the Arizona Bowl, and in Tucson during the trip. But according to the story it’s unclear if the 13 confirmed cases include any of the traveling party.
SJSU spokesman Kenneth Mashinchi told the Mercury News people who tested positive in San Jose didn’t travel, along with close contacts.
He said the members of the team who returned to San Jose after the game all tested negative.
According to the California Department of Public Health an outbreak is defined in a non-residential setting as at least three COVID-19 cases within a 14-day period, among people within a shared space from different households.
The Spear reached out to SJSU public relations to ask if any members are still under quarantine, but did not receive a response.
After defeating Boise State in the Mountain West Championship Game the Spartans flew back home to spend Christmas with family before leaving for the Arizona Bowl.
SJSU’s week-long return fell a few days short of the 10 day long quarantine period mandated by Santa Clara County. The county criticized the Spartans’ return, with executive Dr. Jeff Smith calling it “not leadership” and presenting possible consequences for the Spartans doing so.
Offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven, defensive coordinator Derrick Odum, first team all-Mountain West wide receiver Bailey Gaither, center Kyle Hoppe, guard Tyler Stevens, defensive lineman Cade Hall, second team all-Mountain West safety Tre Jenkins and returner Shamar Garrett were all announced as inactive just before the Arizona Bowl’s kickoff.
SJSU said the eight players and coaches that were listed unavailable for the Spartans in their loss weren’t all inactive for COVID-19 reasons.
After the loss head coach Brent Brennan stood by the decision to return to San Jose. The Mountain West Coach of the Year said it was the “best thing to do” for his team, which practiced for and played the last four games of the season outside of Santa Clara County.
The bowl game loss and late-season COVID issues cap off an eventful season for the Spartans, whose 7-1 season was their best in over half a century. SJSU won its first conference title in nearly 30 years and were a game away from its first perfect season since 1939.
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