Gobert Apologizes For Being ‘Careless’ About Coronavirus Prior To Testing Positive

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert apologized for being “careless” about the coronavirus and he “makes no excuse” after testing positive for COVID-19.

Gobert posted his apology as well as a message thanking everyone for their concern and support for him since he tested positive via Instagram on Thursday, March 12.

“I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours,” wrote Gobert. “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 a 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.”

 

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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 Mar 12, 2020 at 1:03pm PDT

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, “Jazz players privately say that Rudy Gobert had been careless in the locker room touching other players and their belongings.”

Jazz star Donovan Mitchell has tested positive for the coronavirus, league sources tell ESPN. Jazz players privately say that Rudy Gobert had been careless in the locker room touching other players and their belongings. Now a Jazz teammate has tested positive.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 12, 2020

The Utah Jazz released a statement that an “additional player” had tested positive for the coronavirus disease on Thursday morning. According to the statement, Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell is the only additional positive test.

“As a follow-up to yesterday’s positive COVID-19 test, Oklahoma health officials tested all members of the Utah Jazz traveling party, confirming one additional positive outcome for a Jazz player. We are working closely with the CDC, Oklahoma and Utah state officials, and the NBA to monitor their health and determine the best path moving forward.”

Following Gobert’s confirmed test, the NBA postponed Utah’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder and announced that it was suspending all games until further notice.

“The NBA is suspending gameplay following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” read part of the league’s statement.

Coronavirus Resources

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What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy

What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus

Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered

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Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.