BREAKING: New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton has tested positive for coronavirus, according to a report by ESPN NFL “insider” Adam Schefter.
The 56-year old Payton is the first person in the NFL who is known to have tested positive for the virus, and Schefter says in his report that Payton initially said that he was first feeling the symptoms this past Sunday.
Payton then took a test for the virus on Monday, and he got the notification of the positive results earlier this (Thursday) afternoon.
Schefter adds that Payton — who is in his 14th year as head coach — is now currently resting at home; and although he is still feeling rather fatigued, the team’s well-respected and beloved leader says that he expects to be eventually fine health-wise, in due time.
Additionally, Schefter reports that Payton is one of the 20 percent of the cases throughout the entire nation up to this point, that have shown little or no symptoms (no fever or cough).
Nevertheless, the most successful Saints head coach in the franchise’s entire 53-year history will remain quarantined at his home throughout this weekend, and he told Schefter that he is upbeat and optimistic about a full recovery.
Saints’ HC Sean Payton tested positive for the coronavirus, he told ESPN on Thursday. Payton is the first person in the NFL world known to test positive for the virus.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020
Sean Payton said he came forward with his coronavirus diagnosis because he wants all people to heed the warnings of government officials, stay inside, and behave responsibly. More ahead on ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020
Sean Payton to @espn: "If people understand the curve & understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it. Take a minute to understand what the experts are saying. Just that type of small investment by every one of us will have a dramatic impact."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2020
Payton told Schefter that he decided to come forward with the diagnosis because he wants everyone to listen to the warnings of government officials and health-care professionals.
“This is not just about social distancing,” Payton said in the exclusive interview. “It’s shutting down here for a week to two weeks. If people understand the curve, and understand the bump, we can easily work together as a country to reduce it. Take a minute to understand what the experts are saying. It’s not complicated to do what they’re asking of us. Just that type of small investment by every one of us will have a dramatic impact.”
“I was fortunate to be in the minority, without the serious side effects that some have. I’m lucky. Younger people feel like they can handle this, but they can be a carrier to someone who can’t handle it. So we all need to do our part. It’s important for every one of us to do our part.”
On Tuesday, there had been just over 5,700 people nation-wide, who were confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States. That number jumped all the way up to 11,500 on Thursday, and health officials noted that the number will continue to rise sharply as more test results become readily known to the general public.
The state of Louisiana has been one of the most-infected states (585 cases) with the coronavirus health crisis, and currently has a total of 16 deaths out of the 276 of them from coast-to-coast.
#Saints coach Sean Payton has had coronavirus for about 8 days and has 5 more days of confinement. He’s in good spirits, despite the diagnosis. https://t.co/KCn76KHksj
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2020
Appreciate the well wishes. I'm feeling better and fortunate to not have any of the respiratory symptoms. 4 more days at home.#BEATCovid pic.twitter.com/vvjbnqoeZx
— Sean Payton (@SeanPayton) March 19, 2020
Commissioner Goodell statement concerning Sean Payton. pic.twitter.com/OAkWdElhpI
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) March 20, 2020
“The concern with Louisiana is the amount of people that come in and out of this area after Mardi Gras season. This is an area that doctors are concerned about. So our parents, and those that are more susceptible to this virus, deserve everyone doing their best to combat it”, Payton said.
“There are hundreds of people right now in tough predicaments, fighting for their lives. Let’s be part of the solution, not the problem. We can easily help reduce the numbers of those impacted. We have to do our best to beat this and I know we can.”
Big Easy Magazine will continue to update this story, as further warranted……
Barry Hirstius is a semi-retired journalist, who has worked as a sports editor and columnist. Barry is a New Orleans native who grew up as a fan of the Saints while attending games as a young boy during the early 1970’s, at the old Tulane Stadium. He is also the proud Grandfather of two beautiful young girls, Jasmine and Serenity. Follow him on Twitter: @BarryHirstius
