Season suspended over virus concerns

The National Basketball Association said on Wednesday it was suspending the season until further notice after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the coronavirus.

The test result was reported shortly prior to a game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

The league said the affected player, centre Rudy Gobert, was not in the arena.

“The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” the league said.

“The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”

Later Wednesday evening, the NHL said it won’t follow in the NBA’s footsteps — at least not immediately. The hockey league issued a statement saying it is “continuing to consult with medical experts and is evaluating the options,” before adding, “we expect to have a further update (on Thursday.).”

Earlier, Gobert had tried to show that coronavirus fears were overblown. He touched every microphone and recorder while discussing the situation with media, which has been barred from lockerrooms and clubhouses of major U.S. sports leagues.

The Toronto Raptors played in Utah on Monday night and now will have to make some decisions about their entire travelling party. Gobert played just under 32 minutes in the game before he was ejected along with OG Anunoby for an exchange of shoves late in the game.

A total of 10 Raptors players actually shared the floor with Gobert at some point in the game, in addition to the coaching staff and training staff that were courtside. But it’s not just the Raptors. Every team Gobert has been exposed to in the past two weeks is potentially at risk as well.