It has been a wild few days for hoops, with the threat of coronavirus impacting every level of the sport.
What started as a breakout virus far from home has turned into a national pandemic with coronavirus working its way across the globe. The Basketball Movement does not have anyone on hand that is an expert on infectious disease, but we do know that it appears to be contagious and potentially quite harmful to elderly individuals or those with weakened defenses against such sickness.
So, even though most players would not likely feel the full effects of the virus, many fans are susceptible. This week, an OKC Thunder game was put on hold moments before tipoff after it was discovered that Rudy Gobert of the visiting Utah Jazz tested positive for the illness. It was later discovered that teammate Donovan Mitchell was positive as well.
The NBA acted quickly, not only canceling the remainder of the games that evening but placing the league on a “hiatus” for at least 30 days as they determine the threat of the virus as well as the next steps.
Action of this magnitude by the NBA triggered responses from all other major American sports leagues. The NCAA has not postponed but canceled their national tournaments for both men and women. That’s right - no March Madness for fans in 2020 and no big endings for the many athletes involved.
We have since seen statements of action from the WNBA, NFL, and state high school sporting programs about the next steps. Major League Baseball’s regular season has been pushed back and the NHL, MLS, and XFL have all gone on hiatus as well.
Again, this is largely for the safety of fans and the personnel involved. Large gatherings of people produce a dangerous situation regarding the airborne virus.
Two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert was the first notable athlete in the USA to bring attention to the threat of coronavirus. Ironically, he also brought a difficult lesson as well. Gobert had been jokingly touching microphones during interviews and players/belongings in the locker room ahead of his diagnosis, making light of the virus and potentially contracting/spreading it.
Gobert has since apologized for this, but it does serve as a reminder for us all to be careful. If nothing else, his diagnosis prompted the NBA to take notice, which in turn prompted other sports leagues, theme parks, churches, and more in a country that had been taking the threat lightly. Hopefully, we have all learned our lesson early.
It will be tough without basketball for a little while, but safety and health are paramount. Stay informed and safe, everybody.