Sixers big man Joel Embiid is working with team ownership to establish a $1.3 million funding campaign for COVID-19 testing, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
“As Philadelphia prepares to cope with the spread of COVID-19, my heart goes out to all of the doctors and nurses who put themselves at risk of infection in order to help those in need,” Embiid said. “If the doctors and nurses get sick, then there is no one to help the rest of us who might get really sick over the next month.”
This comes a week after Embiid pressured the Sixers organization to scrap a plan that would cut organizational salaries by 20 percent.
The Sixers star has been working on the frontlines of the NBA efforts to stop and prevent the coronavirus in recent weeks. He immediately pledged $500,000 to support medical relief efforts and has been researching the best ways to fight the pandemic.
The superstar also understands that providing aid goes beyond money:
“It's not as easy as simply writing the check,” Embiid said. “It's a process to figure out the best way you feel comfortable helping.”
The NBA suspended its 2019-20 campaign last month after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus. Numerous other NBA players have tested positive over the last several weeks, as well, such as Gobert's Jazz teammate, Donovan Mitchell.
Of course, the NBA is far from the only sport to have been hit by the pandemic. The NHL also suspended its season, and the MLB has pushed the start of its own 2020 campaign back.
The Sixers went into the hiatus with a 39-26 record.
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