NBA Rumors: Gobert-Mitchell Rift Unlikely To Last Long

Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz are in the headlines for all the wrong reasons these days. The first thing that comes to mind is that both cagers are infected with the dreaded coronavirus although the issue seems to have deepened. There are reports that the two are now in some kind of a rift.

According to Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, there is something brewing between the two Jazz stars and it stems from Gobert being a bit careless. The French center drew negative attention for being careless during an interview, touching the microphones and seemingly unaware of how serious the virus is. Worse, it appears that the 27-year-old's carelessness has extended up to the locker room and this drew the ire of Mitchell.

Before the coronavirus outbreak, both Gobert and Mitchell were close. However, it seems that something went a bit off with the 7-foot-1 center being a bit too unmindful on the repercussions of his actions - particularly the part where he could be spreading the virus and getting more people infected.

Gobert already apologized for his actions via Instagram. He admits that he was careless at the time and vowed to use this unfortunate predicament to educate others and prevent the COVID-19 from spreading.

"The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse. I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take this seriously. I will do whatever I can to support using my experience as a way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus," Gobert said via his social media account.

As for the relationship of Gobert and Mitchell, most believe that the two will eventually settle whatever rift (if any) there is between them. For now, both would best focus on getting better and hope that their condition does not get worse.

The Jazz were in fourth place of the NBA Western Conference with a 41-23 record before the league decided to suspend the season. As of this writing, there is no telling what next steps NBA commissioner Adam Silver has planned.