Rudy Gobert apologizes to 'the people I may have endangered' after being 'careless' with coronavirus
Utah Jazz Center Rudy Gobert issued an apology on Instagram on Thursday, a day after he was diagnosed with COVID-19, prompting the suspension of the NBA season.
Gobert is under fire for making light of the coronavirus pandemic during a Monday news conference when reporters asked players about the response to the spread of COVID-19. He closed his session with reporters by reaching to touch the microphones and voice recorders on the podium.
He showed up on Wednesday’s injury report as questionable with an illness prior to his positive test for COVID-19. Wednesday’s Jazz game against the Oklahoma City Thunder was abruptly canceled just before tipoff when news arrived to Chesapeake Energy Arena that he had tested positive.
Players and staff from both teams were temporarily quarantined in the arena and tested.
His teammate Donovan Mitchell announced on Thursday that he also tested positive for COVID-19.
‘I was careless’
“The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered,” Gobert wrote. “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.”
Gobert noted that he is “under great care and will fully recover” while thanking fans for their support.
Rudy Gobert won’t face punishment for actions before coronavirus test
Those “careless” actions won’t result in any punishment for Gobert, Yahoo Sports senior NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Thursday.
The NBA will not be fine or suspend Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert for his actions leading up to testing positive for the coronavirus, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 13, 2020
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