{"id":130613,"date":"2020-03-19T15:59:04","date_gmt":"2020-03-19T22:59:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/news\/?p=130613"},"modified":"2020-03-28T11:43:23","modified_gmt":"2020-03-28T18:43:23","slug":"sean-payton-tests-for-covid-19-attended-oaklawn-races-on-march-14","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/news\/sean-payton-tests-for-covid-19-attended-oaklawn-races-on-march-14\/","title":{"rendered":"New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton Positive for COVID-19, Attended Oaklawn Park Before Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton told ESPN<\/em> Thursday that he was diagnosed with the COVID-19 coronavirus. He becomes the first case identified within the NFL, but the impact may reach far beyond football in the sports world.<\/p>\n

\"\"
New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton revealed he tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday. Last weekend, he awarded a trophy for a stakes race at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming. (Image: Sean Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Last Saturday, Payton was on hand at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming<\/a> to award the trophy in the Grade II Azeri Stakes, a high-profile race for older fillies and mares. Payton told ESPN\u2019s Adam Schefter that he didn\u2019t feel well Sunday. He took the test the next day and learned he tested positive on Thursday afternoon. While he said he was tired, he said he had no fever or cough.<\/p>\n

On Thursday afternoon, Payton tweeted an update with a selfie from his house.<\/p>\n

Appreciate the well wishes,\u201d he said. \u201cI’m feeling better and fortunate to not have any of the respiratory symptoms. 4 more days at home. #BEATCovid\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

While Payton was at Oaklawn, the Arkansas track closed its racing grandstand to fans as part of its effort to contain the spread of the virus. However, the trackside casino remained open through the weekend.<\/p>\n

On Sunday, Oaklawn announced that after two residents in Garland County, Ark., tested positive, it would shut down the casino, sportsbook, and other amenities for two weeks starting on Monday.<\/p>\n

A message to Oaklawn\u2019s spokesperson was not immediately returned on Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n

Award Ceremony<\/h2>\n

Video posted on social media after Payton\u2019s news broke shows the coach in the winner\u2019s circle with the connections of Serengeti Empress, the winner of the Azeri.<\/p>\n

In the video, Payton stands shoulder to shoulder with others taking photographs. He\u2019s also seen shaking hands with individuals, including jockey Joe Talamo, ranked second among all jockeys at Oaklawn during its meet. He\u2019s won 29 times in 143 starts and finished in the money 63 times. He\u2019s won nearly $2.1 million in purse money during the meet.<\/p>\n

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Nooo dont shake his hand #SeanPayton<\/a> @OaklawnRacing<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/bXQxp01IRd<\/a><\/p>\n

— Poorly Aged Racing (@BadRacingTakes) March 19, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n