Kevin Durant pictured with USC football player before coronavirus test

USC football players reacted on Twitter to a photo defensive lineman Trevor Trout took with Kevin Durant before he tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The sports world was shocked on Tuesday afternoon to learn that NBA superstar Kevin Durant had tested positive for the coronavirus.

The news of Durant’s positive test for COVID-19 came down from Shams Charania of The Athletic, along with word that four Brooklyn Nets players were infected.

Immediately there was talk of the possibility of testing Lakers players and other professional athletes who had interacted with Durant in Los Angeles.

While you might not expect the diagnosis of Durant to possibly impact USC football, it turns out, there is a Trojan connection to the player.

Technically it all started six days ago when redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Trevor Trout tweeted a picture apparently taken during Durant’s recent visit to Los Angeles on March 11. The picture, tagged “#elite” shows Durant, another man, and Trout posing together on a sidewalk.

When Durant was confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday afternoon, the picture took on a different meaning.

Erik Krommenhoek, one of Trout’s teammates, was the first to call attention to the Durant connection to the coronavirus and his proximity to Trout.

He tweeted the picture of Trout and Durant together, linking a story about Durant’s positive COVID-19 test and saying, “6 days ago… USC Football preparing for outbreak” and tagged Trout as well as the Twitter account @OldTakesExposed.

While the coronavirus is a serious concern, USC’s players kept their tone lighthearted as they approached the situation on social media.

Trout himself responded to that tweet saying, “Victory lap.”

From there, a couple of other Trojans jumped on Twitter to react.

Jalen McKenzie, a redshirt junior offensive lineman, simply commented on Trout’s original tweet, “Trev.”

Former USC left tackle Austin Jackson, who is currently prepping for the NFL Draft after declaring early for the pros, responded to Trout’s tweet, “Get tested fam” along with some laughing emojis.

Redshirt senior linebacker Jordan Iosefa didn’t really have words saying, “Yeahhh…”

For his part, Trout appears to be taking the connection in stride with a string of lighthearted tweets following the news.

He started with a tweet describing his “Mood” with a video clip from pro wrestler James Storm and his song “Sorry About Your Damn Luck.”

He went on to tweet a picture of a bottle of Robitussin DM with the caption, “We here.”

Considering Trout and the others’ response, concern seems to be at a minimum for the time being.

Still, USC fans have probably had their fill of coronavirus already, particularly those in Los Angeles. The city has already closed bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues in a bid to slow the spread of the virus.

The university has also transitioned to online classes for the remainder of the semester while canceling all spring athletics. Spring Camp was suspended indefinitely after one practice.