Rudy Gobert is urging members of the public to take the threat of coronavirus seriously, issuing a warning via social media to learn from his mistakes.
Here’s what Gobert had to say:
“I’m going to start by saying thank you to all of the people that have been supportive and for all the positive energy. It really means a lot… I’ve been feeling a little better every single day thanks to the healthcare people of Utah and Oklahoma City and all of the great people around me… I just want to make sure to remind you guys to keep washing your hands frequently with soap and water. Try to avoid touching your face, your nose, your eyes, and, of course, try to avoid making any unnecessary contact with people. It’s all about protecting yourself and the people around you. I wish I would have took this thing more seriously and I hope everyone else is going to do so, because we can do it together. Take care and stay safe.”
A message from @rudygobert27 pic.twitter.com/eKV6asutGN
— NBA (@NBA) March 15, 2020
Gobert was the first NBA player to test positive for the coronavirus, which prompted NBA commissioner Adam Silver to suspend play for at least thirty days.
Shortly after Gobert tested positive for the virus, his teammate Donovan Mitchell tested positive as well.
According to Sports Illustrated, Mitchell was “extremely frustrated” with Gobert’s lack of caution and common sense while nursing the previously unknown illness.
Last week on TNT’s Inside the NBA, NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley offered public support for Gobert by saying that he only “made an honest mistake.”
On the same program, Adam Silver said Gobert wanted to own his mistake.
This led the Frenchman to collaborate with the NBA for a public service announcement aimed at relaying professional advice on how to handle the coronavirus.
He has also pledged a $500,000 donation to Utah, Oklahoma City and French organizations that have been affected by the virus.