Rudy Gobert Pledges $500k To Help People Affected By Coronavirus Crisis

Rudy Gobert, the first NBA player to test positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus), has pledged $500,000 to help those impacted by the wide-spreading disease.

According to CNN, the Utah Jazz center is donating $200,000 to the part-time staff of the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City who were impacted by the NBA’s decision to suspend its season in the wake of Gobert’s diagnosis. Additionally, Gobert vows to contribute $100,000 to social services providing coronavirus-related aid in Utah and Oklahoma City, and another $111,000 to his home country of France.

In a statement, Gobert said, “I am humbled by the tireless efforts and care of people around the globe for those affected by COVID-19, especially my own communities of Utah and France, in addition to my appreciation for the state of Oklahoma and my care there, and of course, my Utah Jazz family.”

The 27-year-old’s donation comes weeks after he was criticized in the media for playing a prank that could have put others at risk of contracting the virus. Prior to testing positive for coronavirus, Gobert humorously touched all the microphones and recorders following a March 9 media event.

After being diagnosed, he issued the following apology on Instagram: “I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis...mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment. The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse.”

Since Gobert’s diagnosis, two more NBA athletes have tested positive for the disease, including Utah Jazz athlete Donovan Mitchell and Detroit Pistons player Christian Wood.

To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.

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