US Olympic volleyball player tests positive for COVID-19 in Japan

A U.S. Olympic beach volleyball player tested positive for the coronavirus while in Japan, only a few days before the Games are set to begin.

Taylor Crabb was diagnosed with the virus over the weekend and is the first athlete who was set to participate in the Games for the U.S. who will not be able to compete due to the coronavirus, NBC News reported.

Trevor Crabb, Crabb’s brother, who is also a professional beach volleyball player, said it is “terrible” what is happening and believes his brother is “fine and healthy and should be allowed to play, in my personal opinion,” according to NBC Los Angeles.

Taylor Crabb could be heading back to Hawaii soon, as he is no longer allowed to participate in the Olympics. 

He previously almost missed the Games due to a two-year suspension he received from the team in 2017 by USA Volleyball for misconduct and drinking with an underaged girl, The Orange County Register reported.

He received a second suspension in 2019 after violating his first by coaching a volleyball camp for girls.

Tri Bourne is expected to replace Crabb in the Games.

Crabb’s positive test comes as Tokyo is facing its highest COVID-19 infections recorded in six months. 

The organizing committee has not completely ruled out canceling the Games, which are set to start Friday, and will continue to monitor the situation.

Dozens of athletes and staff members have already tested positive for the virus.