The NBA and the National Basketball Player’s Association made a pair of statements on Friday indicating they are moving forward with their plan to finish the season starting late next month at the Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
The league announced that 16 out of 302 players tested positive for COVID-19 and only a few minutes later released a statement from the league and union officially saying that the season’s restart plan has been agreed to. They also noted that they would try to develop plans to bring out real change on social issues, while also indicating the plan’s support from medical experts. The announcement also comes on a day when Florida announced it had over 9,000 coronavirus infections on Thursday.
“It is very exciting to officially announce the restart of the 2019-2020 season,” said NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts in the press release. “It has taken true collaboration between the League and the Union – special kudos to our Executive Committee and several other team reps – along with the continued support and assistance from medical experts, public health officials and many others. Additionally, our platform in Orlando presents a unique opportunity to extend the ongoing fight against systemic racism and police brutality in this country. We will continue to work with our players and the League to develop specific plans in Orlando as well as long-term initiatives to bring about real change on these issues.”
