The NBA on Wednesday announced that all regular season games will be suspended due to the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S.
"The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight's schedule of games until further notice. The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic," said the league in a statement.
"We are working closely with the CDC, Oklahoma and Utah state officials and the NBA to determine how to best move forward as we gather more information. The individual is currently in the care of health officials in Oklahoma City. In coordination with the NBA and state officials, we will provide updates at the appropriate time," said Utah Jazz in an official statement.
Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, learnt the news when he was watching the game against the Denver Nuggets at the American Airlines Center. "This is crazy. This can't be true … It seemed more like out of a movie than reality," said Cuban in an interview.
Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz reacts after dunking in the game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, March 6, 2020. /VCG
Two-time Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for the virus right before the league announced its decision to suspend the season, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
It should be pointed out that two days before, Gobert touched every mic and recorder in front of him at a press conference to "make a point." It remains unknown whether this had anything to do with him testing positive for COVID-19 but apparently that's not a smart move under such circumstances.
Gobert's French compatriot Evan Fournier posted on Twitter: "Was just on the phone with Rudy. He is doing good man. Lets (Let's) not panick (panic) everyone. Love you all."
Fans leave the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma afte the game between the Utah Jazz and the Oklahoma City Thunder is postponed, March 11, 2020. /AP
The Jazz were supposed to challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. However, after the starting-lineups of the two teams were announced, the league announced that this game had to be delayed. According to FOX Sports Radio, all players walked out of the arena before the game began. The PA announcer told fans that they are "all safe."
Sam Amick of the Athletic reported all Thunder players are on standby to be tested for COVID-19. ESPN said that currently, the Jazz are quarantined in OKC.
According to relevant rules of the NBA, if one player contracts the virus, that player and the team will be quarantined for 14 days, which means that the Jazz will be quarantined in Oklahoma City for the next two weeks.
Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in the games (L to R) against the Toronto Raptors at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City in Utah, March 9, 2020; against the Detroit Pistons at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan, March 7, 2020; against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden, March 6, 2020; against the New York Knicks at the Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, March 04, 2020; agaisnt the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, March 2, 2020; against the Washington Wizards at the Vivint Smart Home Arena, February 28, 2020. /VCG
They may not be the only ones. Jazz have played with seven other teams in the past two weeks: today's OKC, the Washington Wizards, the New York Knicks, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Boston Celtics, the Detroit Pistons, and the Toronto Raptors. Besides, these six teams have also played other teams.
In fact, before Gobert tested positive for COVID-19, the NBA was discussing with all teams how to proceed with the virus spreading all over the country. Two options have been raised: one is to hold every game as planned but behind closed doors and the other is to suspend the season. Most team owners prefer the first proposal as it could help reduce the losses from ticket sales and other revenues, via game broadcasting.
The league had planned to announce the decision on Thursday but Gobert's positive test results forced the NBA to make a quick decision. Now, the league has more things to consider before making their next decision.
Logo of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship /VCG
The NCAA also released an important decision on Wednesday: all coming Division I games will take place with no very limited attendance.
"The NCAA continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 in consultation with public health officials and our COVID-19 advisory panel. Based on their advice and my discussions with the NCAA Board of Governors, I have made the decision to conduct our upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance," said Mark Emmert, president of the NCAA in a statement.
Having been known as "March Madness," the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship is the most popular sport event in the U.S. every March and April. Even the NBA has to leave the way for the tournament final game.
"While I understand how disappointing this is for all fans of our sports, my decision is based on the current understanding of how COVID-19 is progressing in the United States. This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes," said Emmert.
Someone acted even faster than the NCAA. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine will issue rules banning large gatherings in the state for the sake of the virus.