Grizzlies players give message to fans about coronavirus changes
Shootaround had a different feel for the Grizzlies Tuesday. Instead of meeting media just outside the court at Fedexforum, players walked into the media dining room where coach Taylor Jenkins usually has his postgame news conference.
Instead of a normal scrum, media gathered at long tables to ask questions while players sat a podium. It’s a sign of the new times as the Grizzlies, along with the NBA, are adjusting as they take precautions against the spread of coronavirus.
“Just taking a little bit more initiative. Being a bit more clear on washing your hands,” forward Kyle Anderson said, “They’ve spread memos to us and let us know things like that.”
The NBA on Monday, in a joint statement with the NHL, MLB and MLS, announced they would limit locker room access to “players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice.” According to ESPN, the NBA also sent out a memo to teams advising players to give fist bumps instead of handshakes as well as avoid taking items to sign autographs.
On Wednesday, per ESPN, the league held a conference call with every team owner/governor to discuss the next steps. That comes after the league mandated every team develop several contingency plans by Tuesday.
The Grizzlies were understanding of the new rules but Anderson and Ja Morant regretted how it keeps them away from fans, especially as they fight for a playoff spot.
“It’s just trying to be careful and put our health first. It’s just tough right now. You just got to go about however we’re told to,” Morant said.
In addition to relocating interview areas following shootaround as well as pregame and postgame availability, the Grizzlies added extra hand sanitizers around Fedexforum during the weekend. The NBA has not announced the cancellation of games but is considering the option of playing games without fans.
Lakers star Lebron James voiced his displeasure against the idea on Friday but changed his tune by Tuesday, saying he’d listen to what the NBA decides to do.
“If it comes to that and if it’s the best safety hazard for us then I guess it’s what we got to do,” Anderson said. “I love the game, it don’t matter. As long as there’s 10 players on the court, I’m ready to play.”
Yet Anderson also thought it would be weird to play in an empty arena. He takes pride in being able to shake hands or sign autographs.
“I’m very thankful for them (fans) understanding,” Anderson said. “It’s just a tough time right now. We got to take precaution, we got to try to keep to ourselves in a way. It kinda hurts in a sense, you want to interact with them, you want to let them know you care about them as much as they care about you, but it’s a little bit of a tough time so you just got to stay to yourself right about now.”
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