NBA: Adam Silver issues statement on COVID-19; Gobert recovering

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has issued his first statement a day after the league suspended its games until further notice due to the growing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States.

Silver’s statement read: “We made this decision to safeguard the health and well-being of fans, players, everyone connected to our game, and the general public.”

Silver added that the hiatus will last for a minimum of 30 days. If there is a possibility the league lifts the suspension, it will only be if the situation “becomes safe for everyone concerned.”

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As of posting time, Utah Jazz all stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell both tested positive for the virus.

Gobert said in a statement that he is now recovering. The NBA will not suspend or impose any penalties on Gobert for his behavior in the past few days.

It was reported that Gobert played around the Jazz locker room, touching his teammates and their belongings intentionally. At the time, he did not know he was infected.

Gobert’s status surfaced first, prompting a Jazz-OKC Thunder Wednesday night match up to be cancelled at the last minute.

The New Orleans Pelicans-Sacramento Kings match that same night was also cancelled.

Before the suspension of the league (including the G-League), teams mulled playing behind closed doors.

Ultimately, the NBA decided it would be the best course to suspend all activities for now.