Utah Jazz Players Frustrated With Rudy Gobert Over Exposure To Coronavirus, Gobert Apologizes For Behavior

by Frank DeLorenzoMarch 13, 2020, 11:14 pmDaily Digest, News >

After Rudy Gobert became the first NBA player to become infected with the coronavirus on Wednesday during an away game in Oklahoma City, his teammate Donovan Mitchell contracted the virus less than a day later. According to private comments by teammates, Gobert “had been careless in the locker room touching other players and their belongings.” Although, Gobert was joking around prior to being diagnosed, it’s definitely a bad look for the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year who was also seen rubbing microphones and media equipment before a pregame press conference Wednesday.

Mitchell hasn’t publicly commented about Gobert’s nonchalant behavior in the locker room, but instead posted on Instagram about the support he’s received since being infected.

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Thanks to everyone who has been reaching out since hearing the news about my positive test. We are all learning more about the seriousness of this situation and hopefully people can continue to educate themselves and realize that they need to behave responsibly both for their own health and for the well being of those around them. I appreciate the authorities in Oklahoma who were helpful with the testing process and everyone from the @utahjazz who have been so supportive. I am going to keep following the advice of our medical staff and hope that we can all come together and be there for each other and our neighbors who need our help❤️?

A post shared by Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) on Mar 12, 2020 at 10:20am PDT

ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski joined Scott Van Pelt on his late-night edition of Sportscenter Thursday to discuss the inside rumblings coming from Gobert’s teammates. “The Jazz are fortunate that they don’t have to get back together and start playing games again right now,” Wojnarowski said. “There is a lot of work to do to repair relationships, not just between Donovan Mitchell, Rudy Gobert, but others in the locker room. There’s a lot of frustration with Gobert.”

Gobert took to Instagram Thursday to apologize for his actions and hopes “to use my experience as way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus.”

View this post on Instagram

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

Utah is having a great season and currently sit in the 4th seed in the Western Conference with a 41-23 record, but Wojnarowski feels Gobert’s actions may be hard to overcome. “It’s going to be a test for all of them to get this team back on track if and when they return to playing the season,” Wojnarowski said.