The Tennessee men's basketball team is not tipping off this week.
Tennessee paused all team activities Monday following multiple positive COVID-19 test results among its Tier 1 personnel, which consists of coaches, players, team managers and support staff. Volunteers head coach Rick Barnes was among those who had a positive test, according to a university release, and he has entered isolation protocol.
After consultation with the Knox County Health Department, Tennessee canceled Wednesday night's game against Charlotte and Friday night's contest against VCU due to contact tracing. Both games involving the 12th-ranked Vols had been set for Thompson-Boling Arena.
Tennessee announced that positive test results were detected during routine COVID-19 surveillance testing, which is conducted three times a week in accordance with NCAA and Southeastern Conference guidelines. The tests that returned as positive were conducted Sunday afternoon.
Florida and Ole Miss already have paused activities and canceled games among SEC men's programs, and the Tennessee Lady Vols announced Monday that Friday afternoon's opener has been canceled after Florida A&M elected to opt out of the 2020-21 season.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.