Rinaldi Says He Was With Saban When Coach Told Of Diagnosis
TUSCALOOSA, AL. — ESPN National Reporter Tom Rinaldi says he was with Alabama head football coach Nick Saban on Wednesday when athletic department staff notified the Crimson Tide coach that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
Rinaldi recounted the experience on Sportscenter, saying he was in a staff room adjacent to Saban’s office as he worked on different pieces for ESPN’s College GameDay, which is in Tuscaloosa for the Tide’s Tuesday matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs.
He went on to say Jeff Allen, associate athletics director for sports medicine, opened the door to Saban’s office and asked the coach to leave the room.
“A few moments later, Saban opened the door, he apologized and said he had to leave,” Rinaldi said. “He left the building almost immediately with [Allen] guiding him out.”
Rinaldi confirmed during the show that Saban had been tested again Thursday morning, with the results expected back
