Rudy Gobert wishes things had gone differently.
On March 11, the Jazz center became the first player in the NBA to test positive for the coronavirus ahead of Utah’s game that night at Oklahoma City.
The matchup against the Thunder was immediately canceled when the Jazz received Gobert’s test results, and the league subsequently announced a 30-day minimum hiatus.
That initial 30-day period now looks more like a minimum of 60 because of a new CDC recommendation that suggests no events of 50-plus people for at least the next eight weeks.
On Sunday night, Gobert gave an update on his condition, saying he wished he “would’ve taken this thing more seriously” in a video that was posted to the NBA’s Twitter account.
“I’m going to start by saying thank you to all the people who have been supportive and all the positive energy, it really means a lot,” Gobert said. “As for myself I’ve been feeling better every single day, thanks to the healthcare people of Utah, Oklahoma City and all the people around me.
“As you already know, I just want to remind you to keep washing your hands, try to avoid touching your face and try to avoid making unnecessary contact with people. It’s all about protecting yourself and people around you. I wish I would’ve taken this thing more seriously and I hope everyone else will do so because we can do it together. Take care, and stay safe.”
A message from @rudygobert27 pic.twitter.com/eKV6asutGN
— NBA (@NBA) March 15, 2020
Gobert offered an initial apology on his Instagram page on March 12.
I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours. I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment.
The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse. I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take this seriously. I will do whatever I can to support using my experience as way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus.
I am under great care and will fully recover. Thank you again for all your support. I encourage everyone to take all of the steps to stay safe and healthy. Love.
Gobert has also pledged to donate $500,000 to coronavirus relief in Oklahoma City, Utah, and France, $100,000 of which will go to the Oklahoma City health care system.