NBA suspends its 2019-20 season after Utah Jazz player tests positive for coronavirus

The NBA is suspending its 2019-20 season after a Utah Jazz player, allegedly Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus, the league declared Wednesday.

The news came after the NBA game between the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder was suddenly deferred on Wednesday night.

Players for the two teams were on the court at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City for warm-ups yet were gotten back to the locker rooms. The NBA said the influenced player was not in the arena and the test outcomes were accounted for without further ado before tip-off.

“The NBA is suspending gameplay following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” the NBA said in a statement. “The NBA will use this hiatus to determine the next steps for moving forward regarding the coronavirus pandemic.”

The association later chose to nix the last game of the night between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Sacramento Kings. A referee assigned to work the game had previously worked a Utah Jazz game, the NBA said.

In an announcement, the Utah Jazz said a player on the team tested negative for flu, strep throat, and upper respiratory contamination Wednesday morning.

“The individual’s symptoms diminished throughout today, however, in a precautionary measure, and in consultation and cooperation with NBA medical staff and Oklahoma health officials, the decision was made to test for COVID-19,” the team said.

The player is being taken care of by health authorities in Oklahoma City, the team said.

“We wish this player a full and speedy recovery, and appreciate the work of health officials in Oklahoma to test a member of the Utah Jazz for COVID-19, as well as their prudent decision to test the entire team at this time,” Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox said in a joint statement.

They added that they are working to distinguish people who have had close enough contact with the player as to have been possibly uncovered.

Juan Guerra II, who says he is an enthusiastic Thunder fan, disclosed to CNN they had presented the National Anthem and reported the beginning lineups.

“And then boom, a guy in a suit started a joint conversation with all the referees, then both head coaches — next thing you knew the Jazz went into the locker room and then the Thunder,” he said.

The broadcaster at the game was heard telling fans that they were safe and to please leave the arena.

The coronavirus pandemic has constrained numerous sports leagues to think about making modifications, including canceling occasions and holding games without fans. Before the NBA’s decision to suspend its season, the Golden State Warriors declared that its Thursday night game in San Francisco against the Brooklyn Nets would be played without fans. The NCAA additionally declared Wednesday that its annual basketball competition would go ahead yet with just “essential personnel” and “limited family” in attendance.

Considering the NBA’s decision, the National Hockey League released a statement that it is as yet assessing the alternatives around the league’s season and will have an update on Thursday.