NBA Rumors: The league will reportedly not suspend or fine Rudy Gobert for his actions prior to testing positive for COVID-19.
Despite the public backlash over the last couple of days, it’s been reported (per Chris Haynes) that the NBA won’t punish Rudy Gobert for his actions following a media availability prior to testing positive for COVID-19.
After answer questions from reporters a few days before falling ill, Gobert downplayed the threat of COVID-19 by jokingly toughing every microphone and recorder before exiting his media availability.
Gobert took to social media Thursday and apologized for what had transpired days before testing positive for COVID-19.
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) March 12, 2020
There’s no question that this is certainly a learning experience, and not only for Rudy Gobert. While it’s clear what Gobert did was reckless and careless, I’m not sure it would be a good precedent for the league to suspend or even fine Gobert.
If nothing else, what has happened over the last couple of days should be seen as a warning shot to every fan and spectator around the United States. This is a serious situation and should be taken with caution. We’ve seen a good job of that over the last 18 hours as many of the biggest sports leagues in the world have elected to suspend or cancel altogether their operations.
Who knows what would the response had been if Gobert (and Donovan Mitchell, per Shams) had not tested positive for COVID-19. However, the response to such a situation has been proactive from the NBA.
If there’s anything we’ve learned over the last few decades, it’s always better to be proactive rather than reactive. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
The hope is that these recent measures from the league and leaders around the nation will help stop the spread of COVID-19. It’s also that the league can return to action in some fashion or another in 30 days.