MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tigers fans awaiting the Tennessee-Memphis rivalry play out made a trip to Nashville, and went home much earlier than they expected.
“I want to start off by saying to all the Tiger fans that drove to Nashville yesterday that we’re definitely appreciative. We did see you guys out,” said head coach Penny Hardaway.
It was a brief sight, however, after an in-arena announcement that the Tennessee-Memphis matchup wouldn’t happen.
Head coach Penny Hardaway was advised by the team doctor that the game must be canceled.
“After breakfast, Tyler and Landers said that they weren’t feeling well to the trainer. I think the protocol is that if a kid says they aren’t feeling well to test them,” said Hardaway.
Harris and Nolley were tested for COVID-19 twice and positive results came back.
To rule out a false positive, both were tested two more times and were positive.
At this point, the team had traveled and attended pregame practice together earlier that morning, meaning the entire team had been in contact with Tyler and Landers.
“The rule states in our league that if anyone gets COVID on the team that‘s not vaccinated, then all the other unvaccinated players are in that pool,” Hardaway explained.
After contact tracing between vaccinated and unvaccinated players, only four players were unable to suit up because of injuries, redshirting, and the rest of the team remaining unvaccinated, according to statement released by UofM on December 21.
Hardaway said before the season that 90% of his team had been vaccinated.
“Initially, when I had talked to the guys earlier, they were all talking about being vaccinated, and then I never visited it again. I probably misspoke, but a lot of the guys were talking about it back then and I never even thought about it again.”
However, never revisiting could've cost Memphis better placement later this season considering the NCAA tournament selection.
After defeating No. 6 Alabama, a win against No. 18 Tennesee would have been a clear turnaround for the 0-4 skid the Tigers just recovered from against unranked teams.
However, Penny says he still wants to make the game happen.
“We really wanted to play that game and really wish that we could reschedule it,” said Hardaway.
Although rescheduling is unlikely, it’s not out of the question yet.
For the next 7-10 days, players will be tested repeatedly before being able to return to practice as a unit, causing their final non-conference game against Alabama State to be canceled.
Editor's note: the original version of this story stated that only 23% of the University of Memphis Men's Basketball Team were vaccinated based on statements from Coach Penny Hardaway that only 4 players were eligible to play against the UT Vols.
UofM has since clarified that some of those players were not eligible because they were injured, tested positive for COVID-19 (which may include a breakthrough case), or redshirted, not because they were unvaccinated. This story has been updated to reflect that information.
The University of Memphis has not revealed the number of players who are fully vaccinated.