The NBA suspended the season indefinitely after it was learned that Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert had tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday. Come Thursday, Gobert’s Jazz teammate Donovan Mitchell also tested positive for the coronavirus.
As the sports world responded swiftly to the news, fans looked back to Gobert’s behavior during a March 9 media availability. The NBA had instituted a locker room ban on the media and restricted the distance that reporters could stand around the players.
In an attempt to make light of the matter, Gobert made a point to touch every microphone, phone and recorder on the table as he finished up his press conference … only to come down with coronavirus days later.
On Thursday, Gobert took to Instagram and issued an apology for the behavior while also providing an update on his health.
He wrote:
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.
Obviously, Gobert wasn’t acting out of malice when he touched the microphones, but this definitely served as a wake-up call for the sports world about the seriousness of this pandemic.
In response to Gobert’s diagnosis, leagues across the world suspended their seasons. The NCAA also canceled the NCAA Tournament.
[jwplayer XfDC8lIT-q2aasYxh]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]