NBA Rumors: Gobert May Have Contracted Coronavirus From Houseguests

Rudy Gobert has been under a lot of stress lately, including the fact that he holds the title of being the first NBA player to contract the COVID-19 virus. Most are unaware of what went down during that time but it appears a better idea is now out in the open.

According to ESPN, Gobert had house guests at the time coming from high-risk areas. Gobert was running a fever of 100 degrees, a reason why Jazz personnel saw if fit for the French cager to undergo COVID-19 testing. And as most know by now, that game against the Oklahoma City Thunder was canceled with Donovan Mitchell also ending up infected by the coronavirus.

Gobert had already complained to Jazz physicians a day before the game that he was feeling chills, a headache, and a dry cough. He first underwent tests for influenza A and B, strep and upper respiratory infections but all came back negative. But his 100-degree fever was alarming, both Jazz and Thunder team physicians agreed to have the Jazz center undergo the COVID-19 test and most know what went on from there.

Probably unaware at the time of the severity of the virus, Gobert playfully touched the microphones during the press conference. As a result, even Mitchell got the COVID-19 disease. There were the only two players who got it at the time.

Gobert has since apologized for his actions but a small falling out is reportedly in the air between the two teammates. Mitchell is said to be disappointed with the carelessness of Gobert, something that reportedly extended to the team locker room. A rift may exist now but both should eventually patch things up moving forward.

As for the NBA, several other personalities like Kevin Durant have tested positive for COVID-19. Aside from the Brooklyn Nets star, teams like the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly tested positive for the COVID-19 strain. The identities of the players were withheld as of this writing.

Moving forward, the NBA remains on hold with players and fans urged to stay indoors for their well-being. The league is not expected to resume for at least the next eight weeks per the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If ever the NBA resumes, it may be behind closed doors. If the conditions don't improve, there is the possibility that the season could be canceled entirely.