Gobert pledges $500,000 to help with relief, NBA shutdown

Rudy Gobert of Utah Jazz offered first of what he said will be “many steps” he will take to help with Coronavirus pandemic, pledging Saturday to donate more than $500,000 to relief efforts.

Gobert, who was first NBA player to test positive for COVID-19 — a diagsis that prompted NBA to suspend its season for at least a month — said he is giving $200,000 to part-time employees at arena that plays host to Jazz games to help cover ir lost ws.

He also pledged $100,000 each to assist families affected by pandemic in Oklahoma City, where he was when diagsis came, and Utah. He also is giving 100,000 Euros ($111,450 USD) to relief efforts in France, earmarking that for childcare assistance to health care workers as well as for caregivers to elderly.

“I am humbled by tireless efforts and care of people around globe for those affected by COVID-19, especially my own communities of Utah and France, in addition to my appreciation for state of Oklahoma and my care re, and of course, my Utah Jazz family,” Gobert said in a release distributed by Jazz.

“I kw re are countless ways that people have been impacted,” Gobert continued. “se donations are a small token that reflect my appreciation and support for all those impacted and are first of many steps I will take to try and make a positive difference, while continuing to learn more about COVID-19 and educate ors.”

He ended his remarks with, “Much gratitude, RG.”

Gobert was diagsed Wednesday, moments before Jazz were to play in Oklahoma City against Thunder. That game was called off, league said it was suspending operations after slate of games that night was completed, and a subsequent New Orleans at Sacramento game — which would have been last on NBA slate that night — was also canceled because one of referees in that game had worked a Jazz game two nights earlier.

Jazz guard Dovan Mitchell also tested positive for COVID-19. He released a video Saturday thanking fans for ir continued support.

“It means a lot to me,” Mitchell said. “I feel fine. Things are going well. Just taking proper precautions. As was told to me by health authorities, I’ve got to stay in isolation. So, I’m solo in here, playing video games all day and can’t wait to get back out re on floor, man, play in front of best fans in world. I really miss playing in front of you guys and I’ll see you guys soon.”

Mitchell’s far, New York Mets executive Dovan Mitchell Sr., was tested for COVID-19 and does t have virus. Toronto Raptors, who played Utah on Monday and faced both Mitchell and Gobert, said Saturday that all members of its travel party have w been checked and all tests came back negative.

NBA’s shutdown is planned for a minimum of 30 days, meaning earliest basketball can resume is April 10.

Gobert’s gift comes on heels of several or NBA players publicly anuncing similar donations to help arena workers who will be missing out on income because of games or or events in ir facilities. New Orleans rookie Zion Williamson said Friday he would cover one month of salaries for workers at Smoothie King Arena, and NBA stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton of Milwaukee Bucks, Kevin Love of Cleveland Cavaliers and Blake Griffin of Detroit Pistons have all made $100,000 pledges.

Many NBA and NHL teams have said y are working to help arena employees who will be adversely affected by shutdown.