Rudy Gobert Tests Positive For Coronavirus After Mocking It During Pregame Interview
Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert has tested positive for the coronavirus two days after mocking the virus during a pregame interview.
Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert has tested positive for the coronavirus two days after mocking the virus during a pregame interview.
READ: NBA Suspends Season Due To Coronavirus Scare
In a statement from the NBA announcing it was going to suspend the remainder of the season, it was also shared that a Utah Jazz player had tested positive for the coronavirus.
"The NBA announced that a player on the Utah Jazz has preliminary tested positive for COVID-19. The test was reported shortly prior to the tip-off of tonight's game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena," the statement read.
"The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight's schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic," the statement continued.
It has since been revealed by the Associated Press that it was Gobert who tested positive for the virus. On Thursday morning, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Gobert's teammate Donovan Mitchell has also tested positive for the virus. Anonymous members of the Jazz reportedly said Gobert had been "careless in the locker room, touching other players and their belongings." Mitchell posted a statement to Instagram on Thursday afternoon.
ESPN NBA beat writer Royce Young attempted to summarize the situation on Wednesday. According to Young, Gobert was being tested before the game tipped off. The league wanted confirmation that Gobert didn't have the virus before allowing the game to begin.
This report comes two days after the athlete made a point to touch reporters' microphones and recording devices during a pregame interview. Videos of the moment have surfaced on social media, with the clips showing Gobert touching a number of mics and phones as he exits an interview room (the NBA has barred media members from locker rooms because of the virus), seeming to disregard the prevention measures that have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Gobert wasn't available to speak with media on Wednesday night, but Orlando Magic player Evan Fournier offered an update on Gobert via Twitter, writing: "Was just on the phone with Rudy. He is doing good man. Lets not panick everyone. Love you all."
On Thursday afternoon, Gobert posted a statement to Instagram. He apologized for his behavior and thanked fans and followers for the support.
"I was careless and make no excuse," he said. 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 a way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus. I am under great care and will fully recover."