SACRAMENTO, Calif. _ The Sacramento Kings are looking into reports that forward Jabari Parker was caught on camera playing tennis in a Chicago-area park Saturday, just three days after revealing he had tested positive for the coronavirus.
TMZ reported Parker was seen playing tennis without a mask at Longfellow Park in Oak Park, Ill., adding he was also spotted in a Chicago restaurant recently. Parker reportedly explained he had completed a required period of isolation, but he might have broken NBA COVID-19 protocols that require players to refrain from physical activity for a minimum of 14 days.
"We are aware of the report and are gathering additional information," the Kings said in a statement issued to The Sacramento Bee. "We have no further comment at this time."
Parker, 25, issued a statement Wednesday announcing he was isolating himself in Chicago after contracting COVID-19. Teammates Buddy Hield and Alex Len also confirmed they had tested positive. Parker said he was planning to join the team in Florida next month to resume the NBA season at Walt Disney World Resort.
"Several days ago I tested positive for COVID-19 and immediately self-isolated in Chicago which is where I remain," Parker said. "I am progressing in my recovery and feeling well. I look forward to joining my teammates in Orlando as we return to the court for the resumption of the NBA season."
Parker told Ben Stinar of The Big Lead he had completed his in-home quarantine, adding that he followed social distancing guidelines while playing tennis in his hometown. That explanation might not be enough to satisfy the NBA, but that will likely depend on the exact date of Parker's first positive test, a detail that has not been revealed publicly.
Under the league's COVID-19 protocols, any player who tests positive must refrain from exercise training for a period of two weeks from the date of the first positive test or the resolution of viral symptoms, whichever date is later. The player must remain in self-isolation until he produces two negative test results more than 24 hours apart and must undergo cardiac screening before he is allowed to resume training.
Under those guidelines, a player could test positive, get cleared to discontinue isolation, undergo cardiac screening and still have to wait a number of days to reach the 14-day mark before he can resume exercise training.
The Kings acquired Parker, the No. 2 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, from the Atlanta Hawks in February. Parker has averaged 15.0 points and 5.8 rebounds over six seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Hawks and Kings.
Parker appeared in one game for the Kings before the NBA suspended its season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
