Fans might not be able to shake hands with Bruce Pearl and their favorite Auburn players after Saturday’s game against Florida at Auburn Arena.
The tenth-seeded Tigers (12-1) will play three of their next four away games, starting with Tuesday’s game in South Carolina. However, Saturday’s game might not have the usual post-game handshake line with players and coaches. Pearl’s team usually walks around the pitch to greet fans hanging out after the final buzzer.
Both players and fans appreciate the time spent together, especially after a big win. The tradition could be threatened as COVID-19 cases continue to soar and a new indoor mask term at the university. Players will not mask themselves while playing, but the arena will follow masking protocols for the rest of the school.
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“I don’t think there was any – the word didn’t necessarily get out, but as far as the game goes, everything is normal. We’re going to play the game. We’re going to play the game. Obviously, COVID is spreading so quickly right now with this new variant, ”Pearl said via Zoom. “I think we have to look at what we do when we come out of the locker room, back into the locker room and at the end of the game.
Pearl wanted fans to know that he still cares about him, but safety comes first.
“In other words: we love our fans, we love the jungle, we love to take photos and sign autographs after the game with our fans and our families,” said Pearl. “I know we’re having a dialogue right now with what’s best, what’s the smartest thing to do now after the game. So we’ll see if our pre-game and post-game accessibility for players and coaches is adjusted right now when the virus is so rampant. “
Devan Cambridge missed LSU’s victory with what the university called “medical reasons” after the competition. Pearl has neither confirmed nor denied whether Cambridge has coronavirus. He said Cambridge should play against the Gamecocks in Colombia.
“I can just tell you we’re back – we’re on a little more COVID protocols. We try to hide a little more. We’ve had COVID, and we’ve had other flu-like things. It is the winter season. But we should be prepared to go to South Carolina, ”Pearl said. “Right now we’re at full power, so we’ll see what each day brings. But I imagine there might be some tweaking on game day.
Pearl said the team won’t go into details if a player has COVID-19, but fans will know who is playing in the game. Some supporters might have more investment in this sort of thing than others. He also stated a reality that everyone in the sport faces: As long as the virus exists, fans may not know who can and cannot play until the start.
“I think it will be a daily affair. We’re going to try not to comment specifically, but I think in general terms you and the audience have a right to know what we look like when you walk in, ”Pearl said. “And I can just tell you today that everyone should be there. I cannot tell you what tomorrow will be like as you know because the virus is a moving target.
But we are doing our best. We have the best team doctor, Dr. Michael Goodlett. There is no better in the country. They do a great job helping us with all the things we need to do to protect ourselves. “
Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group.