Kentucky coach John Calipari reveals he had breakthrough case of COVID-19 this summer

Kentucky coach John Calipari revealed Monday he had a breakthrough case of COVID-19 this summer time. Calipari was totally vaccinated on the time of an infection and mentioned he waited to disclose the data as a result of he didn’t need individuals to assume the vaccines weren’t efficient.

“I had the vaccines, matter reality I busted the road,” Calipari said. “I wished to get vaccinated as a result of I used to be round younger individuals. I had a breakthrough [case] this summer time. So I acquired the virus this summer time. I didn’t need to discourage anybody to say, ‘Nicely now he acquired it so why would I take it, it would not matter?’ My signs have been so gentle that I used to be good.”

Calipari mentioned that Kentucky went by means of all of final yr — not like most packages throughout the nation — with out a optimistic take a look at amongst gamers or employees members. 

The timing of the an infection was unlucky for Calipari as a result of he needed to miss the 2021 NBA Draft the place two of his gamers, Isaiah Jackson and Brandon Boston Jr., have been chosen. The late Terrence Clarke was also recognized in an emotional tribute. 

“I had some aches and pains and stuff, by no means acquired a fever, by no means acquired a headache, nothing, however I used to be [COVID] optimistic,” mentioned Calipari. “I am not telling anybody what to do with their physique. … I do not need to hear anyone died as a result of they did not [get vaccinated]. It doesn’t suggest you will by no means get it. [It just means] the possibilities of one thing extreme taking place are actually, actually low.”

Calipari and Kentucky are ranked 14th in the CBS Sports Top 25 (And One) this preseason. The Wildcats went 9-16 final yr however have two five-star recruits enrolling in addition to 4 immediately-eligible transfers who may reload the crew after the worst marketing campaign Calipari has ever had at Kentucky.