Ron Rivera, the new coach for the Washington Football Team, has been diagnosed with lymph node cancer, he revealed Thursday to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Washington Head Coach Ron Rivera tells me he has been diagnosed with lymph node cancer after a self check. Rivera shared the news with his team tonight but says the cancer is in the early stages and is considered “very treatable and curable”.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020
Rivera, 58, took over the job in the offseason. He had previously been head coach of the Carolina Panthers before being fired toward the end of a dismal 2019 season.
The cancer was been caught early, according to the coach, who said it’s “very treatable and curable”
Rivera wants to pass along his gratitude to team doctors, trainers and health-care specialists for helping him through treatments. He also wants to thank the Snyders, the entire Washington organization, his assistant coaches, players, fans, friends and family for love and support https://t.co/EhzhtG3lIv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020
Rivera informed the team Thursday night.
Ron Rivera told his team tonight that he had cancer. "Some were stunned. A bunch came up and wished me well. I said, 'I’m going to be a little more cranky, so don’t piss me off.' "
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020
This is another jolt in a turbulent offseason for the Washington Football Team. After owner Dan Snyder said he would never change the team’s nickname, he reversed course due to mountain pressure from business partners and sponsors.
The team then was subject of a Washington Post investigation that revealed the alleged sexual harassment of 15 women who worked in the organization.
Then, former second-round pick Derrius Guice was released after being arrested on domestic violence charges.