Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Football head coach Billy Napier has tested positive for COVID-19. The third-year head coach of the Ragin’ Cajuns began to exhibit symptoms during the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 17, and began self-isolation. An antigen test on Tuesday and a routine molecular test on Wednesday, Nov. 18, both resulted in negative readings. Coach Napier’s symptoms persisted, and he received a positive test result on Saturday from a PCR test on Friday, Nov. 20. Coach Napier will continue his isolation as he quarantines separately away from his family.
The football program will resume practice Saturday after halting team operations from Tuesday-Friday.
“I would first and foremost like to thank everyone involved for their support of our entire organization this past week.” Napier said in a statement released by the university, “I recently tested positive for COVID-19 and will be isolating from my family, who have all remained healthy. I will be following all guidelines and recommendations set forth by our team medical staff and local public health officials. I am proud of how our student-athletes and staff have responded to this adversity. I challenge everyone, myself included, to adhere to all safety recommendations as we navigate this unprecedented time.”
Pending a successful recovery, Coach Napier will travel separately from the team to Monroe, Louisiana, for the Saturday, Nov. 28, game vs. ULM.