On Wednesday, several players on the Houston Rockets were reportedly sent home from the team facility after a teammate tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
The report indicated that the group of individuals sent home includes John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and rookie KJ Martin. The players were at an apartment outside of the team facility getting haircuts as the contact tracing is connected to the results on Martin, who returned a positive test.
Wall and Cousins have each tested negative for the coronavirus while Martin is currently in self-isolation awaiting additional testing. Martin has been ruled out of playing in the Rockets’ season opener on Wednesday versus the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The recent news involving the Wall, Cousins and Martin is the latest incident related to the coronavirus to emerge from the Rockets’ organization. The NBA and Rockets are reportedly investigating recent activity involving James Harden after the eight-time All-Star was captured on video maskless at an unauthorized party.
Harden was reportedly at a Christmas party at a strip club in Houston this week. He said Wednesday on Instagram that the event was not at a strip club and that he was just supporting a friend of his. However, NBA protocols strictly prohibit players from attending social gatherings at bars, lounges or clubs with greater than 15 individuals present.
The message posted by Harden has since been removed from Instagram.
Harden faces potential discipline by the NBA if it can be determined he was present at the party. The league can give a warning to Harden or issue a fine and/or suspension following its investigation. His status for Wednesday’s game is in question.
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