Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert will donate $500,000 total to help with coronavirus relief efforts in Oklahoma City, Utah and France, the Jazz announced Saturday.
The donation total includes $100,000 that will go toward the Oklahoma City health care system, the city Gobert was in when he received the positive coronavirus test result.
He was diagnosed just prior to tipoff between the OKC Thunder and Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Though Gobert was not at the arena, he was in the city in case he was cleared to play.
Gobert will also donate to social services relief in Utah, where he plays for the Jazz, and France, where he was born. In addition, he is donating $200,000 to help part-time Jazz employees.
In a press release, Gobert said,
“I am humbled by the tireless efforts and care of people around the globe for those affected by COVID-19, especially my own communities of Utah and France, in addition to my appreciation for the state of Oklahoma and my care there, and of course, my Utah Jazz family.
“I know there are countless ways that people have been impacted. These donations are a small token that reflect my appreciation and support for all those impacted and are the first of many steps I will take to try and make a positive difference, while continuing to learn more about COVID-19 and educate others.
“Much gratitude, RG.”
Gobert was the first NBA player to receive a positive coronavirus test.
The next person to get back a positive one was Jazz teammate Donovan Mitchell.
Detroit Pistons power forward Christian Wood received a positive test Saturday night, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
The NBA suspended league play shortly after Gobert’s positive test result came though.
It will be postponed for at least 30 days, commissioner Adam Silver announced.
