NEW: Multiple COVID cases confirmed within Tennessee’s men’s basketball program including Barnes

UPDATE, 3:30 p.m.

The University of Tennessee Athletic Department announced Monday afternoon that the Volunteer Classic in Knoxville, with UT scheduled to play Charlotte and Virginia Commonwealth on Wednesday and Friday, has been canceled after consultation with the Knox County Health Department.

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The University of Tennessee men’s basketball program has suspended practices and activities due to multiple positive COVID-19 cases including head coach Rick Barnes.

A decision regarding this week's Volunteer Classic games has not yet been made. pic.twitter.com/6iXMprWI11

— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) November 23, 2020

The development places the Volunteers’ season and home opener against Charlotte in doubt. Tennessee also joins fellow SEC schools Ole Miss and Florida who have shut down basketball in as many days due to coronavirus outbreaks.

Barnes becomes the third high-profile Tennessee executive to go into quarantine in the last week. Athletic Director Phil Fulmer tested positive Friday and Chancellor Donde Plowman was in close contact with a COVID patient.

(IMAGE: Tennessee Basketball – Twitter / UT Knoxville Athletics)