Lakers SG Danny Green Says He Doesn’t Think Rudy Gobert ‘Should Be Blamed As Much As He Is’

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Danny Green said he doesn’t think Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert ‘should be blamed or bashed as much as he is’ for contracting the coronavirus disease, COVID-19.

Green spoke about Gobert during an interview with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks on Saturday, March 14.

“I feel like people are blaming him for a lot of things when obviously he was a little careless at times but who’s to say that’s necessarily the reason why,” said Green. “He probably should have been more, more careful but’s it’s not all his fault. This was gonna happen regardless of whether it was gonna happen to him or somebody else. Somebody in the NBA was gonna catch the virus and give us a wakeup. I think it was needed. It was necessary for us to—not just for the basketball world but for the rest of the world—to take it seriously.”

“I don’t think he should be blamed or bashed as much as he is."

Lakers SG Danny Green discusses Rudy Gobert and COVID-19 in the NBA in exclusive FaceTime with @TaylorRooks pic.twitter.com/Wgl4Ib2dER

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 14, 2020

Gobert’s Apology

On March 12, Gobert apologized for being “careless” about the coronavirus after testing positive for COVID-19 on March 11.

“I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours,” wrote Gobert. “I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment. 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. I am under great care and will fully recover. Thank you again for all your support. I encourage everyone to take all of the steps to stay safe and healthy. Love.”

 

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I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours. I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment. 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 . I am under great care and will fully recover. Thank you again for all your support. I encourage everyone to take all of the steps to stay safe and healthy. Love.

A post shared by Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) on Mar 12, 2020 at 1:03pm PDT

“Jazz players privately say that Rudy Gobert had been careless in the locker room touching other players and their belongings,” ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski posted on Twitter.

Jazz star Donovan Mitchell has tested positive for the coronavirus, league sources tell ESPN. Jazz players privately say that Rudy Gobert had been careless in the locker room touching other players and their belongings. Now a Jazz teammate has tested positive.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 12, 2020

Gobert’s $500,000 Donation

The Jazzman is following in the footsteps of fellow NBA stars by pledging to help cover the expenses of Vivint Smart Home Arena employees while they are out of work during the coronavirus pandemic that has suspended all NBA play.

Gobert will donate $500,000 to Part-Time Employees and COVID-Related Services in Utah as NBA commissioner Adam Silver has stated that the league will be suspended for at least 30 days.

Rudy Gobert Contributes $500,000 to Part-Time Employees, COVID-Related Services in Utah. pic.twitter.com/BTAaITVnKM

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 14, 2020

The donation will provide $200,000 in aid to part-time employees at the home arena of the Jazz who are not able to work due to the stoppage. An additional $100,000 each will be contributed to families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Utah and Oklahoma City, plus 100,000 euros for his native country of France according to the release.

Coronavirus Resources

Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing [email protected].

What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy

What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus

Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered

The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found here.

Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.