Sean Payton Thanks NFL Fans for Support on Twitter After Announcing He Has Coronavirus
By Scott Rogust
Many major professional sports leagues have received their first confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Rudy Gobert's positive test effectively suspended the NBA season last week, while a New York Yankees minor leaguer preceded MLB delaying the start of their campaign.
On Thursday, the NFL got its first confirmed case in the form of New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton. With an outpouring of support heading his way, Payton took some time out of his self-quarantine to personally thank everyone for their well wishes, while stressing that he doesn't have respiratory symptoms or a fever.
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
At least Payton is in good spirits.
Payton reportedly received his positive test days ago, where he came down with cold-like symptoms. This was after Payton attended a horse race at Oaklawn Park this past Saturday. and decided to come forward now so he can convince all people to heed the warnings from government and health officials to avoid large gatherings.
Sean Payton, who attended a race at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, felt like he was coming down with a cold and wasn’t feeling right. Got tested, and was found to have the coronavirus. It sounds like he’s feeling better now.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 19, 2020
However, Payton did handle free agency duties from over the phone, which is what the NFL mandated all 32 teams to do during this coronavirus pandemic.
Payton knew he could use his platform to warn those poor decision makers who opt to hang out in large crowds, especially with it being spring break. That isn't the right thing to do during this global pandemic. Take a page out of Payton's playbook: listen to informed officials, stay at home, and behave responsibly.