US Olympic basketball star enters Covid protocols
Thursday July 15 2021
Bradley Beal #4 of the United States dunks against the Australia Boomers during an exhibition game at Michelob Ultra Arena ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games on July 12, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Australia defeated the United States 91-83. ETHAN MILLER | AFP
Los Angeles, United States
A member of the US Olympic men's basketball team has been placed in Covid-19 health and safety protocols, USA Basketball confirmed on Wednesday.
Officials did not release the name of the player, but The Athletic reported it was Washington Wizards All-Star guard Bradley Beal.
It was not clear whether the player had tested positive for coronavirus or was placed in the protocols because of potential exposure.
The news comes 11 days before the Americans are scheduled to play their first game at the Tokyo Olympics on July 25.
The team is training in Las Vegas and played a friendly against Argentina on Tuesday. Beal scored 17 points, matching Kevin Durant as the top scorers in the contest, a 108-80 victory for the United States.
Beal has started all three of the United States' pre-Games friendlies in Las Vegas. The reigning Olympic champions had been jolted by losses to Nigeria and Australia before beating Argentina.