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

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.

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.”

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.