Utah Jazz players and staff experienced quite a scare earlier this week when their flight to Memphis was grounded following a bird strike. The Jazz did ultimately land in Memphis late Tuesday night, but All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell did not join the team.

Mitchell, who the team said did not make the trip for “personal reasons,” admitted he was shaken by the incident. The 24-year-old told the media Friday he already had a fear of flying and needed some time to get right mentally. However, Mitchell also stated that fear will not keep him from joining the team on road trips:

“I just needed to take that time, because it wasn't feeling (and) sitting right for me to go on the trip,” Donovan Mitchell said, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon. “My teammates and my coaches respected that, and I appreciate the support. But I understand that I have a job to do. I can't pull a John Madden and drive everywhere. As much as I would love to, I can't. I understand I've got to (fly). I've calmed down, and I'll be good – should be good, at least, I think – for the rest of the season.”

Article Continues Below
Related News
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) passes the ball away from Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Cameron Matthews (4) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center.
Ranking 3 best VJ Edgecombe destinations in 2025 NBA DraftSpencer See ·
New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dribbles the ball against Utah Jazz power forward Derrick Favors (15) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Utah won 114-109.
Carmelo Anthony reveals he was almost traded to Jazz instead of KnicksZachary Howell ·
Austin Reaves photoshopped in Jazz jersey.
Jazz trade proposal for Austin Reaves in offseason amid Lakers rumorsBailey Bassett ·
denver nuggets, kevin durant, lauri markkanen, myles turner
3 early Denver Nuggets trade targets in 2025 NBA offseasonGarrett Kerman ·
image thumbnail
1 player Denver Nuggets must trade in 2025 NBA offseasonGarrett Kerman ·
Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers rumors: Kevin Durant, Lauri Markkanen linked to Paul George trade packagesTroy Finnegan ·

It only seems natural Donovan Mitchell and other Jazz players would be shaken by such an event.

Fellow Jazz guard Mike Conley gave a very open and scary recollection of the event, saying some players were legitimately fearing for their lives.

Fortunately, the pilot and air traffic controllers seemed to have a firm grasp on the situation. But that is not something Donovan Mitchell nor any other citizens in general would ever care to experience during their travels.