NBA star Rudy Gobert became the first professional athlete in the US to test positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday.
He shared an emotional post on Instagram and apologized for being careless.
Professional sports leagues, including the NBA, had started to made restrictions over concerns of the novel coronavirus. Like, limiting access to locker rooms. On Monday, the Utah Jazz’s Gobert intentionally touched microphones used by all of his teammates as he ended a news conference.
By Wednesday, Gobert’s diagnosis prompted the NBA to suspend the rest of its season until further notice. A day later, Gobert’s teammate, Donovan Mitchell, also tested positive for the virus.
On Thursday, Gobert thanked fans for their support and he also apologized for making light of what has spiraled into a deadly pandemic.
“I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment,” Gobert wrote. “The first and most important thing is I would like to 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 a 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.”
Mitchell was the only member of the Jazz other than Gobert to test positive for the coronavirus Wednesday night, per Charania.
“We are working closely with the CDC, Oklahoma and Utah state officials, and the NBA to monitor their health and determine the best path moving forward,” the Jazz said in an issued statement.
On Thursday afternoon, all major sports leagues and organizations decided to cancel, postpone, or ban fans from attending major sporting events during the near future, including baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis, and NASCAR.
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