The NBA announced the suspension of the regular season indefinitely after a Utah Jazz player, reported to be Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus.
“The test result was reported shortly prior to the tip-off of tonight’s game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena,” the league said in a statement.
The game was delayed and players and coaches of each team were ordered to their respective locker rooms. The referees cleared the floor shortly after. The game was then postponed.
Gobert was not in the arena according to the league’s statement.
“The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pendemic,” the league’s statement added.
The league had contemplated earlier Wednesday whether or not to allow the games to be played or play the games without spectators. Games were going on as scheduled with the Golden State Warriors being the exception, as they planned to play the Brooklyn Nets Thursday in San Francisco without fans.
The Washington Wizards had made a statement they were planning to host their games with fans even after the DC Department of Health recommended “that non-essential mass gatherings, including conferences and conventions, be postponed or cancelled.”
Gobert’s illness came just two days after the Utah center joked about the seriousness of the coronavirus. He went on to touch each microphone at the podium at the conclusion of the presser.
The situation sheds light on the importance of the illness that has impacted the entire world. Events around the world have been postponed or cancelled. The NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS had previously restricted media access in locker rooms.
The NCAA announced Wednesday both men’s and women tournaments will be played in arenas without fans prior to the NBA’s suspension announcement.
The Ivy League had cancelled their conference tournament due to concerns of the coronavirus. The Big Ten, MAC and Big West had sided with having their respective conference tournaments without spectators.
With the virus touching so close to home, it will be interesting to see how other league’s and sports react in North America going forward.
