Dez Bryant had to be excited about facing the Dallas Cowboys, his former team, with the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday.
And it all fell apart prior to the game when the veteran wide receiver was found to have tested positive for COVID-19.
According to the NFL, Bryant’s PCR test Tuesday morning was inconclusive, as was the re-run of the test. The lab is in Maryland, so that’s why the results came back on Tuesday evening.
The subsequent point-of-contact PCR test at the stadium was positive and Bryant was removed, as per NFL protocol.
(NSFW language in tweet)
Tell me why they pull me from warming up so I can go get tested… my shit come back positive… I tested positive for Covid WTF
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) December 9, 2020
Bryant took to Twitter and said he is done for 2020.
Stay strong bro. You’ve been through so much already. You’ve inspired many with your determination and growth as a man. Praying for a speedy recovery. Be encouraged, your story ain’t finished yet.
— Aaron Maybin (@AaronMMaybin) December 9, 2020
I’m about to drink some wine and cope….
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) December 9, 2020
Bryant asked another question, which many have to be wondering:
Since I tested positive for Covid before the game do the game stop or go on? @NFL
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) December 9, 2020
The rationale for playing, which the NFL seems to always manage to find:
The NFL had said it would pull a player off the field if a positive COVID-19 test comes back during the game. That still hasn’t happened. But tonight, Dez Bryant is pulled during warmups and won’t play against the #Cowboys. Officially, the #Ravens say he’s scratched for illness.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 9, 2020
All other #Ravens players tested negative for COVID-19 and no high-risk close contacts were identified, source said. So, no Dez Bryant, but game on as scheduled and no other players impacted.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 9, 2020