The NBA season has been suspended after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the new coronavirus, prompting a game to be abandoned just before tip-off.
The test result was reported as Utah’s game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City was about to begin. The game was abruptly postponed and the players were effectively quarantined in the locker room area.
The league said the affected player, believed to be French defensive standout, Rudy Gobert, was not at the arena and was being treated by health officials in Oklahoma City.
The league said: “The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,
Read also: Nigerian man arrested for murder of female US university student
“The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”
Earlier on, the player had flu-like symptoms but initially tested negative for influenza and a respiratory infection, however, a decision was made to test again for COVID-19, for which he tested positive.
The statement said: “A preliminary positive result came back right before tip-off of the Utah Jazz-Oklahoma City game.
“The decision was correctly made by the NBA to postpone the game.”