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Rudy Gobert Releases Powerful Statement After Becoming First NBA Player to Test Positive for Coronavirus

By Evan Wolff

Utah Jazz C Rudy Gobert, who was the first NBA player to be diagnosed with coronavirus, has spoken publicly about it for the first time.
Utah Jazz C Rudy Gobert, who was the first NBA player to be diagnosed with coronavirus, has spoken publicly about it for the first time. / Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

It is a very weird time to be someone involved with the sporting industry right now. After Rudy Gobert's positive coronavirus test came to light before the Utah Jazz were able to play Wednesday night, it started a domino effect of actions taken across the United States. All of the major sports in America have been halted, March Madness has been cancelled, and many in the country have been left in shock by the sheer pace of the decisions.

Well Gobert, the player whose positive test arguably set off this chain of events, had finally spoken publicly about his positive diagnosis through his instagram page. In the face of what must be an extremely difficult moment for him, his message was composed and thoughtful.

View this post on Instagram

I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours. I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment. The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly 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 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.

A post shared by Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) on

After his actions on Monday where he seemed to make light of the disease by touching everything on the podium, this was a mature statement to an embarrassing situation. What's important now is that he is under medical care and expects to make a full recovery. Maybe now people will realize the gravity of the situation, and realize these drastic measures of stopping professional leagues are very necessary.

Luckily it was only him and Donovan Mitchell that ended up getting infected, and the NBA absolutely made the correct decision shutting down the league after seeing the positive result.