- Rudy Gobert posted an Instagram on Thursday, his first public comments since testing positive for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday.
- His positive test led to the suspension of the NBA season.
- Gobert said he had felt "fear, anxiety, and embarrassment" since testing positive, but thanked people for support and said he expected to make a full recovery.
- Gobert also apologized for an incident on Monday in which he intentionally touched reporters' microphones and recorders, saying he didn't know he was infected, but that it wasn't an excuse for his actions.
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Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert on Thursday spoke up for the first time via Instagram since testing positive for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday.
Gobert was ill in the days leading up to Wednesday but planned to play in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, he tested positive for coronavirus, leading to the cancellation of the game just moments before tip-off. Moments after the news of his positive test, the NBA suspended the season.
On Thursday, Gobert posted an Instagram, thanking people for their support and saying he has felt "fear, anxiety, and embarrassment" since contracting the virus.
"I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours," Gobet wrote. "I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment."
Gobert was subjected to scrutiny on Wednesday, as on Monday, he seemed to mock the precautions being taken over the spread of the virus. After finishing a media availability with reporters, as he got up from a table, he made sure to touch reporters' microphones and recorders sitting in front of him. The NBA had announced a new policy that reporters were to be 6-8 feet away from players during media sessions.
Gobert apologized on Instagram for his actions, saying although he didn't know he was infected, it's not an excuse for his behavior.
"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 way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus."
After the Thunder-Jazz game was canceled, both teams were kept in quarantine at the Thunder' Chesapeake Energy Arena for several hours. Jazz players were all tested for coronavirus.
According to a report, Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell was the only player to test positive for the virus.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Jazz players felt Gobert had been careless in the locker room about touching their belongings.
Gobert said on Instagram that he is expecting to make a full recovery.
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