Donovan Mitchell Says ‘It Took A While’ To ‘Cool Off’ Towards Rudy Gobert Following Coronavirus Test

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell said that it “took a while” for him to “cool off” towards his teammate Rudy Gobert after Mitchell was diagnosed with COVID-19 only hours after Gobert test positive.

The Jazzman was interviewed about his experience with the virus by Robin Roberts on Good Morning America on Monday, March 16.

Mitchell tested positive for the coronavirus disease on Thursday, March 12, one day after Gobert received a positive test for COVID-19. Although there is no way to know if Gobert or Mitchell had the virus first, Gobert later apologized for being “careless” about the virus prior to testing positive.

“To be honest with you, Robin, it took a while, for me to kinda cool off,” said Mitchell. “I read what he said and I heard what he said. You know, I’m glad he’s doing ok. I’m glad I’m doing well. I’m really happy to be honest Robin, that it’s just, you know, I hate to say this but it’s just the two of us. It wasn’t the whole party. At the end of the day, neither him or I have children at home. You know, I know some teammates, know some staff that have some children at home, so I’m glad that we were able to kind of contain it as much as possible.”

EXCLUSIVE: “I think that’s the scariest part about this virus is that you may seem fine.” @NBA star @spidadmitchell speaks out for the first time from isolation since being diagnosed with COVID-19, despite being “asymptomatic.” https://t.co/i9rZzYvW4s pic.twitter.com/wZJBteQjtV

— Good Morning America (@GMA) March 16, 2020

Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert

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

Mitchell, like Gobert, announced a donation to help the community during the coronavirus outbreak. The Jazz guard is helping the students of Granite School District obtain a healthy meal at no charge while their schools are shut down.

How Donovan Mitchell Is Feeling

Mitchell told Roberts that he currently isn’t showing symptoms of the virus and feels like he could play basketball right now.

“I’m fine. Things are going well. Just in isolation. Got a unique setup but no fever, no symptoms as of right now. I’m just blessed to be ok,” said Mitchell. “I keep making a joke when people ask me. If you were to tell me I’m about to play in a seven-game series tomorrow, I’d be ready to lace up. I’m really blessed that that’s the case.”

A message from @spidadmitchell pic.twitter.com/YtChd3eNng

— NBA (@NBA) March 14, 2020

What Are Doctors Telling Donovan Mitchell

Even though Mitchell is currently asymptomatic, doctors advised him to be quarantined from others.

“Right now, the biggest thing for me is just to stay in isolation and just keep to myself,” said Mitchell.

Donovan Mitchell’s Advice For The Public

Mitchell offered advice to people who may think they are fine and like him, aren’t showing symptoms of the virus.

“I’m asymptomatic. If it was public knowledge that I was sick, you wouldn’t know,” said Mitchell. “I think that’s the scariest part of this virus is that you may seem fine, be fine. You never know who you may be talking to, who they’re going home to.”

Donovan Mitchell COVID-19 Test

The Jazzman detailed his account of being tested for the coronavirus disease in Oklahoma City shortly after Utah’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder was canceled following Gobert’s positive test. Along with Mitchell, the rest of the Jazz and traveling media members were tested for COVID-19.

“It’s actually interesting. As you know we (Utah Jazz) all got tested,” Mitchell told Roberts. “For us, it was a swab down the throat. It was about 15 seconds. Probably the most discomfort I’ve ever had and I ended up crying. Like tears were coming out of my eyes.”

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

How Donovan Mitchell Is Occupying His Time In Isolation

Mitchell has been able to find ways to use his time in quarantine including some basketball-related activities.

“2k (basketball video game), movies, and I think some of the basketball world saw yesterday, I’ve been watching some of my old highlights. I’ve been doing a lot of that. I’ve watched myself through college. I’ve watched myself through the NBA. It’s kind of bringing back good memories but you kind of miss the game. You miss playing in front of some of the best fans in the world in the NBA.”

Coronavirus Resources

Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.

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

The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found here.

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.