Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier is coming to the defense of Jazz big man Rudy Gobert, who was diagnosed with coronavirus on Wednesday.
Gobert has faced a fair amount of scrutiny since being diagnosed. Though fear surrounding this pandemic was already growing, Rudy made it a point to touch all of the microphones during Monday's media availability. Just a few days later, he was a confirmed case.
So…here is Rudy touching all the mics following Mondays shoot around that has some people concerned… #TakeNote #utahjazz #CoronaVirus pic.twitter.com/dr4auECTr4
— Dave Fox (@Davefox2) March 12, 2020
There have also been reports indicating that Gobert was “careless” in the locker room, touching the belongings of his teammates.
Jazz players told ESPN Rudy Gobert has been careless in the locker room- touching teammates belongings.
Gobert jokingly touched all of the reporter microphones before testing positive for Coronavirus.
I no longer think Kyrie Irving is the most insufferable player in the NBA.
— David Wade (@davidwade) March 12, 2020
Fournier, a fellow Frenchman, came to Gobert's defense in a tweet that was sent out on Thursday morning:
Man yall really be blaming him smh https://t.co/3FsIYB5sXR
— Evan Fournier (@EvanFourmizz) March 12, 2020
Unfortunately, Gobert is not the only member of the Jazz to contract the coronavirus, as Donovan Mitchell has tested positive as well. Some critics are blaming Rudy, chastising his careless behavior in the midst of a pandemic. Others, however, are excusing him, noting that it was simply a part of his jovial nature.
In an unprecedented act, the NBA decided to suspend the 2019-20 regular season on Wednesday night. At this point, it's not clear when (or if) the campaign will resume.
NBA To Suspend Season Following Tonight's Games pic.twitter.com/2PTx2fkLlW
— NBA (@NBA) March 12, 2020
During an appearance on ESPN's Get Up, Mavs owner Mark Cuban noted that the regular season could be moved into July and August. Either way, the NBA will wait for health officials to determine when it's safe to resume play.
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban just told us on @GetUpESPN that his expectation is that the NBA season will not be canceled – just postponed – and that he could could see NBA games going as late as August this year.
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) March 12, 2020