Roberts criticizes U.S. government for lack of available COVID-19 tests

NBPA executive director Michele Roberts is defending NBA teams that are seeking out testing for players and staff deemed at risk of having the COVID-19 virus.

"There's nothing irresponsible - if you've got that information (that you've been exposed) - about trying to get the tests," Roberts told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne on Wednesday.

Numerous politicians, most notably New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, have criticized teams for getting tested while much of the United States struggles to obtain sufficient test kits.

Roberts said the U.S. government should be held to account.

"The problem that more of us can't get the tests - and I'm not apologetic about saying it - in my view, that rests at the foot of the federal government. They were responsible for making sure we were protected in that regard, and I think they failed," Roberts said.

"We shouldn't be fighting about this now ... but once this is done and we get through it, and we will, let's figure out who screwed up and fix that."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday that eight NBA teams have been tested for the coronavirus, in some cases due to the insistence of public health officials rather than of their own volition. In other instances, teams such as the Brooklyn Nets paid out of pocket for testing.

As of Wednesday, seven players - including Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant - have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.