UNC vs. Charlotte football game canceled over coronavirus cases

The college football game between the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Charlotte will be canceled amid a spike in coronavirus cases in the region. 

The decision came as a result of a depleted roster due to quarantine following Charlotte’s COVID-19 contract tracing protocols, USA Today reported. Charlotte reported three positive cases of coronavirus among football players during the past two weeks, and each player who came in contact with those infected is under a 14-day quarantine. 

“We’re disappointed we won’t have a chance to play this weekend, but completely understand and appreciate Charlotte’s transparency,” UNC-Chapel Hill head coach Mack Brown said. 

“We were looking forward to competing against Coach [Will] Healy’s group. As you know, we’re good friends so I hate this for him and his team. Hopefully, everyone affected is OK and we wish them the best as they move forward through the season,” he added.

A message from @CoachMackBrown on Charlotte having to cancel this weekend’s game. pic.twitter.com/WKMfmjfOKZ

— Carolina Football (@TarHeelFootball) September 17, 2020

From @Coach_heals: pic.twitter.com/mJYxT1i7Sp

— (@CharlotteFTBL) September 17, 2020

Charlotte athletic director Mike Hill echoed Brown’s statement, saying the 49ers are “extremely disappointed to have to cancel our game at North Carolina.”

“While I know our team is heartbroken, due to the number of players in quarantine, we could not safely play,” Hill added. “We very much appreciate the University of North Carolina having scheduled this game with us. Unfortunately, we do not currently share any common open dates to reschedule.”

As of Monday Charlotte has administered 3,150 tests for student-athletes, coaches and staff since June 10 and reported a total of 20 cases.