Wolf Pack apologize for lapse in wearing masks

Following Saturday’s victory over San Diego State, a video showed several Nevada players and coaches celebrating without face coverings in the jubilant postgame locker room.

That scene, as well as coaches spotted not always wearing masks on the sidelines of the nationally televised game, prompted school officials to publicly apologize during Monday’s news conference. Athletic director Doug Knuth and head coach Jay Norvell added the Wolf Pack will do a better job of adhering to health protocols ahead of Saturday’s road game against Hawaii at Aloha Stadium.

“We need to set the best example at all times as we fight this pandemic,” Nevada president Brian Sandoval said. “This is absolutely a teachable moment for the university. … On behalf of the entire university, I wish to apologize for the lapses that occurred during Saturday’s game.”

The Wolf Pack, similar to other Mountain West Conference members, undergo thrice-weekly testing for the coronavirus. Norvell said he has long been aware of preventative measures, such as wearing a mask and frequent hand washing. He said his wife suffers from cystic fibrosis, a hereditary disease that affects the lungs and digestive system.

Norvell apologized for his own lapse in following protocol during the game. “This is a stark reminder that vigorous testing protocols are not vaccines,” Norvell said.

Norvell acknowledged fans look to the team to set guidelines.

“Going forward, we want our players to set the best example as possible,” Norvell said.

Sandoval said the team will meet with front-line workers to learn “about their heroic work.”

Norvell said his team is changing its usual preparation for playing in Hawaii. Nevada, which departs on Thursday, will not practice in the evening in Hawaii to acclimate to the 6 p.m. kickoff. “Everything we do is different,” Norvell said.

Unlike previous trips, Nevada also will not make any sightseeing stops.

“There’s some extra restrictions on this trip because it’s going on during COVID,” Norvell said. “There won’t be much freedom for our kids to leave their rooms or the hotel at all, which is unfortunate. We have in the past, at times, taken a few minutes to go see a local site. Obviously, there’s a lot to see in Hawaii. We won’t be doing that this trip.”