Pac-12 Apologizes for Errors in Stanford Football Player's COVID-19 Test

The Pac-12 apologized Friday for errors that resulted in a false positive test for a Stanford football player prior to last week's game against Oregon.

The conference noted that the student-athlete tested positive before the Oregon game. As a result, he and other players who were deemed close contacts were unable to play.

The player underwent daily PCR diagnostic testing afterward, and those tests determined he did not have COVID-19, so he has been cleared to resume practicing and playing.

Stanford announced prior to the Oregon game that starting quarterback Davis Mills, defensive end Trey LaBounty and wide receiver Connor Wedington would be unavailable because of COVID-19 protocols.

Without those players in the lineup, Stanford fell 35-14 to the No. 12 Ducks on the road. It was the opening weekend for the Pac-12 after the conference's season was delayed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Junior Jack West played in place of Mills and went 13-of-19 for 154 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Freshman Tanner McKee also saw some action under center, going 3-of-7 for 62 yards.

Mills, who is a senior, appeared in eight games last season, completing 65.6 percent of his passes for 1,960 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also had an eight-yard receiving score.

The Cardinal will look to get back on track Saturday against the 1-0 Colorado Buffaloes.

Since Pac-12 teams are only playing a six-game regular-season schedule, Stanford can ill afford to fall to 0-2 if it wants to vie for a Pac-12 title or qualify for a bowl game.