Tokyo Olympics 2021: Boomers on high alert after Team USA is star struck down with Covid scare

Just two days after playing against the Boomers, a US Olympic basketball team star has become entangled in a Covid drama which could have serious ramifications for the Aussies.

USA star Bradley Beal (C) has been placed under COVID-19 health and safety protocols – just two days after playing against the Australian Boomers.

The Boomers are on high alert after US basketball star Bradley Beal was placed into Covid-19 health and safety protocols.

USA Basketball confirmed on Wednesday that a member of their Olympic men’s basketball team was placed in the protocols, with multiple outlets later reporting it was the Washington Wizards All-Star guard.

It is not clear whether the player had tested positive for coronavirus or was placed in the protocols because of potential exposure.

But Beal played 32 minutes against Australia in a Las Vegas friendly on Tuesday — sparking fears Boomers players could be at risk.

Former Australian basketball star Chris Anstey tweeted ‘please no’.

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So, if Beal is positive, and just played against the Boomers... please no..! https://t.co/5z1Bb8BvjU

— Chris Anstey (@ChrisAnstey13) July 15, 2021

US players and their families have been tested daily in the Las Vegas camp.

The news comes 11 days before the Americans are scheduled to play their first game at the Tokyo Olympics on July 25.

USA star Bradley Beal (centre) has been placed under Covid-19 health and safety protocols — just two days after playing against the Australian Boomers.

The team is training in Las Vegas and played a friendly against Argentina on Tuesday.

Beal scored 17 points, matching Kevin Durant as the top scorers in the contest, a 108-80 victory for the United States.

Beal has started all three of the United States’ pre-Games friendlies in Las Vegas. The reigning Olympic champions had been jolted by losses to Nigeria and Australia before beating Argentina.

Originally published as Tokyo Olympics 2021: Boomers on high alert after Team USA is star struck down with Covid scare