CONVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, has wreaked havoc on the sports world. As the numbers of those infected by the virus have been staggering in China, Italy and other locations, they are slowly trickling upward in the US. Sports leagues have been in talks for weeks to develop strategies to handle the virus once it fully reaches here.
Well, suddenly, we hit code red. Last night, it was revealed that NBA player Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus before an away game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While Gobert remained at the team hotel, the tram headed to the arena for the game. As the teams were on the court, preparing the game, a trainer from the Jazz ran out and delivered the news that Robert was, indeed, infected.
Shortly after, the NBA suspended the season indefinitely
The suspension fo the remaining 15 or so games left in the NBA season sent shockwaves through the world.
UPDATE: Following the NBA season suspension, the MLS has suspended play for 30 days, MLB has suspended operations effective immediately and will delay opening day, the NHL has suspended play, ATP has cancelled play for six weeks, NCAA college basketball cancelled tournament play and just now cancelled men’s and women’s college basketball tournaments.
Later that evening, Actor Tom Hanks posted a message confirming that he and wife Rita Wilson also tested positive for having the virus. They re in Australia. This news shocked the world even more.
The NBA immediately quarantined the Jazz teams and personnel as well s the Thunder in the stadium locker rooms. The Jazz were tested for the virus.
Jazz forward Donovan Mitch Mitchell is now the second confirmed case of the coronavirus in the NBA. He is the only other member of the Jazz that tested positive.
“Thanks to everyone who has been reaching out since hearing the news about my positive test,” Mitchell wrote in an Instagram post on Thursday afternoon. We are all learning more about the seriousness of this situation and hopefully people can continue to educate themselves and realize that they need to behave responsibly both for their own health and for the well being of those around them.”
Mitchell state for people needing to “act responsibly”, and it seems that he’s referring to Gober teasing that he isn’t concerned about the virus earlier in the week while talking to the media. He then touched all of the microphones, recorders and phones that were recording his comments.
Now he has the virus.
The five teams that the Jazz have recently played have been told to self quarantine . The NBA has given teams permission to continue to practice.
These updates have been coming by the minute and by the hour, and we will be posting further updates as they come.
