South Carolina coach Frank Martin tests positive for COVID-19 for second time

On Thursday, the South Carolina Gamecocks confirmed that men's basketball head coach Frank Martin and two of his staff members wouldn't be traveling for Saturday's game at the LSU Tigers due to health and safety protocols related to COVID-19. 

On Friday, Martin confirmed that he tested positive for the coronavirus for the second time. 

"This thing kicked my tail this time around," Martin explained, per Marc Whiteman of television station WYFF. 

The 54-year-old announced in June that he tested positive for COVID-19 the previous month. Martin was sure to note on Friday that things were different and more challenging this time around.

"I think it’s so important for so many out there to understand that this is the second time I go through this," Martin said. "The first time it didn’t kick my tail the way this one kicked my tail."

Saturday's game between South Carolina and LSU remains on, as scheduled. Gamecocks assistant Bruce Shingler will serve as acting head coach during Martin's absence. Martin's status for Tuesday's game at the Missouri Tigers is unknown as of the posting of this piece. 

Earlier this week, ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Zach Lowe reported that multiple NBA players have tested positive for COVID-19 twice since the pandemic hit the United States. The CDC has expected reinfections throughout the health crisis.