THE good news is defensive king Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz is virus-free. The bad news is New York Knicks owner Jim Dolan has tested positive.
Gobert was the first NBA player to publicly test positive for Covid-19 on March 11.
His condition was revealed moments before the Jazz were to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Though Gobert was not with the team at the arena, the game was canceled.
Good call.
Next, Commissioner Adam Silver moved swiftly, decisively, calling off the NBA season.
Better call.
And then the rest of the Jazz players were tested before leaving the arena that night.
Best call.
The following morning, Donovan Mitchell, Gobert’s teammate, tested positive.
But like Gobert, Mitchell has also licked the virus.
So with the entire Jazz team and staff, regardless of prior testing status. Like Gobert and Mitchell, they were all cleared by Utah’s Department of Health after completing a mandated two-week quarantine period.
The Jazz statement: “In accordance with...NBA recommendations, all players and staff will continue to practice social distancing while limiting time outside their homes to essential activities.”
Gobert on Twitter: “Just to give you guys an update, loss of smell and taste is definitely one of the symptoms, haven’t been able to smell anything for the last 4 days...”
Mitchell on Twitter: “...Let’s continue to practice social distancing and remember...even though you may not have symptoms you still may be infected!!! Let’s keep everyone in our prayers and stay safe.”
But despite the good news, all NBA practice gyms and facilities will remain closed indefinitely and Silver has asked all players to stay home as much as possible.
I’m glad the PBA has adopted the protocol, with SMC president/CEO Ramon S. Ang even going to social media to advise his employees and PBA players to stay home.
Meanwhile, Dolan, who also owns the New York Rangers and the Radio City Music Hall, is the first U.S. major pro sports owner to be tested positive.
Like Gobert and Mitchell, may Dolan, with God’s grace, also recover. Fast.