The NBA has suspended the remainder of the 2019-2020 season after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert reportedly has preliminarily tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
This news came prior to the start of Wednesday’s match between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
“The NBA is suspending gameplay following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” a statement from the NBA read. “The NBA will use this hiatus to determine the next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”
An additional statement from the NBA read, “In response to the coronavirus pandemic and following the NBA’s announcement tonight that it is suspending gameplay, the NBA G League has also suspended the 2019-20 season, effective after tonight’s games.”
The suspension of the league’s sporting events is one of many across the world that has taken place since the outbreak of the coronavirus.
The NCAA also announced today that they are taking the unprecedented action of limiting fans’ attendance for its upcoming national championship basketball tournament, March Madness.
Colleges and universities across the nation previously shut down their campuses, causing students to leave their dormitories. Fears of the coronavirus have further led to the shutting down and delays of many other establishments as well such as restaurants and theaters.
Players have been advised by the league on how to avoid contracting and spreading the coronavirus such as bumping fists instead of the traditional handshakes and hugs that occur post games.
More news is developing on this story as the league will utilize this halt to determine the future state of this basketball season — and more importantly the proceeding measures in terms of this widespread epidemic.
