NBA commissioner Adam Silver has asked Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert to help develop a PSA to combat the coronavirus, according to a report from John Ourand of Sports Business Journal.
Silver says NBA asked Rudy Gobert to help develop a PSA to combat the virus. "We actually think we can use this hiatus to use this platform we have on social media to help people deal with this disease."
— John Ourand (@Ourand_SBJ) March 13, 2020
Gobert is one of two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the NBA. The French-born big man tested positive earlier this week. His teammate, Donovan Mitchell, was diagnosed a short while later.
In an act that he now admits was careless, Gobert made it a point to touch every microphone during his media availability on Monday. This was before he learned that he was a positive case for the virus.
Here's Rudy Gobert on Monday touching all the microphones in the media room on purpose.
Here we are on Wednesday, and Rudy Gobert was just confirmed to have coronavirus, causing the NBA to suspend the season.
Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/6BF7q3n9ao
— matt ashlock (@matt_ashlock) March 12, 2020
There have also been NBA reports indicating that Gobert was irresponsible in the locker room, touching the belongings of his teammates.
Some critics are blaming Rudy, chastising his behavior in the midst of a pandemic. Others, however, are excusing him, noting that it was simply a part of his jovial nature. Either way, it wasn't a good look.
Gobert issued an apology for his reckless behavior on Thursday night:
“I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment,” the NBA big wrote.
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) March 12, 2020
In an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus, the NBA has decided to suspend the regular season until health officials deem it safe to play again. Sporting leagues around the globe have taken similar steps, postponing their seasons or banning fans from arenas.
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