Mississippi St. coach Stansbury diagnosed with viral infection

Dec 16, 2008 - 11:27 PM STARKVILLE, Mississippi (Ticker) -- Mississippi State men's basketball coach Rick Stansbury has been diagnosed with a viral infection, the school announced Tuesday.

It is unknown when Stansbury, 48, will be released from the Northeast Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo as the Bulldogs prepare for Thursday's matchup with Cincinnati in the SEC/Big East Challenge.

With Stansbury out, associate coach Robert Kirby will assume the day-to-day duties of the team, which has started the season 7-3 following a 79-60 win over South Alabama on Saturday.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Stansbury and his family, and we look forward to him having a speedy recovery and returning to the team," MSU athletic director Greg Byrne said. "At the same time, while he is away I know the team is in good hands with his staff and that they will continue to move forward."

Stansbury was admitted to Oktibbeha County Hospital on Sunday night after complaining of severe migraines and flu-like symptoms. He was transferred to the Northeast Mississippi Medical Center on Monday morning.

Stansbury is in his 11th season with the Bulldogs.