In March, it was reported that Utah Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell tested positive for coronavirus. Weeks later, it was then reported by ESPN that four more players who play for the Brooklyn Nets also tested positive for COVID-19.
One of those athletes was superstar Forward Kevin Durant. Since news of their diagnosis went public, Gobert, Mitchell, and Durant have issued statements to their fans from quarantine.
Gobert said in a video shared on Twitter that he wishes he would have taken the virus more seriously from the beginning. He continued:
“Hey, what’s up everyone? It’s Rudy Gobert. I’m just wanting to give you a little update. I’m gonna start by saying thank you to all the people who’ve been supportive and for all the positive energy. It really means a lot. As for myself, I’ve been feeling a little better every single day, thanks to the healthcare people of Utah and Oklahoma City. As you may already know, I just want to make sure to remind you to keep washing your hands frequently with soap and water. Try to avoid touching your face, your nose, your eyes and of course, try to avoid making unnecessary contact with people. It’s all about protecting yourself and the people around you. I wish I would have took this thing more seriously. And I hope everyone else will do so because we can do it together. Take care and stay safe.”
Durant told The Atlantic that he feels fine despite having been diagnosed with coronavirus. “Everyone be careful, take care of yourself and quarantine,” he said. “We’re going to get through this.”
Similarly to Durant, Mitchell is also asymptomatic. He told Good Morning America that his story is a testament to why it is so important to social distance themselves and self-quarantine.
“I’m asymptomatic. I don’t have any symptoms. I can walk down the street and you know if it wasn’t public knowledge that I was sick you wouldn’t know it, and I think that’s the scariest part about this virus.”
Mitchell continued, “You know you may seem fine, be fine, and you never know who you may be talking to who they’re going home too. I’m fine. You know, things are going well. Just in isolation, got a unique set up, but yeah no fever, no symptoms as of right now. And I’m just blessed to be able to be okay.”
As ESPN reports, because the Nets last opponent before the season was suspended was the Lakers, the Lakers roster is also being tested.
Sara Vallone has been a writer and editor for the last four and a half years. A graduate of Ohio University, she enjoys celebrity news, sports, and articles that enhance people's lives.
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