NBA: Gobert's Redemption, NBA 'Patient Zero' | NBA 2019

The French apologize for his lack of responsibility and donate half a million dollars to alleviate the coronavirus crisis.

“I wish I would have taken it more seriously,” confesses Rudy Gobert. The moment went viral: after a press conference, the Utah Jazz team joked, fingering all the microphones on the table. Two days later, he was the first NBA player to test positive for coronavirus.

The NBA's 'patient zero' tries to make his mistakes a lesson to the rest. Neither did he take seriously the recommendations to keep his distance or take extreme hygiene, nor did he take into account one of the (many) great dangers of Covid-19: that an infected patient can infect others before even presenting symptoms.

“The first and most important thing is to apologize to the people I may have put in danger. At the time I had no idea that I was infected. I was not careful and I don't want to make any excuses. I hope my story serves as a warning and make everyone take this seriously, “I wrote a few days ago on Instagram. The French has also posted a video highlighting basic precautions for fans.

As part of his redemption, Gobert has donated half a million dollars to alleviate the effects of the crisis: 200,000 dollars for the close to part-time employees who work in the Utah Jazz games, suspended until further orders; 100,000 to help affected families in Utah (where he plays) and Oklahoma City (where he received first care); and another 100,000 for France.

Solidarity example

Gobert is the NBA's “patient zero” and one of three players who have tested positive so far. The others were fellow Jazz star Donovan Mitchell and Christian Wood, one of those charged with defending the French in the duel against the Pistons just days before his positive.

Like Gobert, many NBA players have made significant donations to alleviate the coronavirus crisis, especially to employees who operate in their team games. Kevin Love, Blake Griffin, Giannis Antetokounmpo or Khris Middleton have each contributed $ 100,000, the Warriors roster has raised a million, and rookie Zion Williamson has vowed to take over the next salary for these employees on his team, the New Orleans Pelicans.