Raptors President Masai Ujiri Tests Positive For COVID-19

December 9, 2021

Raptors vice chairman/president Masai Ujiri has tested positive for COVID-19, he announced in a statement released by the team.

Ujiri became the second known non-player to test positive for the virus in less than 24 hours, joining Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. Ujiri said in the statement he has been vaccinated and received a booster shot.

“The news comes hours after the Raptors abruptly cancelled a practice scheduled for their OVO Training Centre as they took an ‘abundance of caution’ with the league’s healthy and safety protocols in mind,” the Toronto Star wrote.

The Pacers cancelled practice on Thursday for the same reason.

Ujiri was the president when the franchise won its lone title in 2019. He received a new contract ad had his title changed to vice chairman/president over the offseason, promising then that brighter days were ahead for the Raptors.

“On the court, our goal is clear: Win. Its simple: Win. Bring another championship to Toronto,” Ujiri said in a video at the time. “We are united in that mission and nothing else will do. We will bring young talent to this city and continue to build with our unbelievable players. I’ve said it before, and I am saying it again: We will win in Toronto.”

Toronto (11-14) has lost four of six and is schedule to host the Knicks on Friday.