Report: Gobert won't be disciplined for actions before COVID-19 diagnosis
The NBA will not fine or suspend Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert for his actions prior to testing positive for COVID-19, league sources told Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes.
Earlier in the week, the 27-year-old made light of the NBA's newly implemented media access rules regarding the ongoing coronavirus crisis by intentionally touching the media's microphones and recorders.
Rudy Gobert a few days ago poking fun at the Coronavirus panic. Today he tested positive for the coronavirus, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/lckIRhhK1S
— Reese Waters (@reesewaters) March 12, 2020
Additionally, after Gobert's diagnosis was announced Wednesday night, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that unnamed teammates thought he had been careless in the locker room.
The confirmation of Gobert's condition resulted in the NBA swiftly announcing the suspension of its season, which is now expected to last "at least 30 days," according to commissioner Adam Silver.
For his part, Gobert issued a public apology.
"At the time, I had no idea I was even infected," Gobert wrote in a Thursday Instagram post. "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."