The National Basketball Association was the first major sports league in America to postpone its season when coronavirus became a growing concern, especially when one of its own players tested positive for the virus. SInce then, 13 more NBA players have tested positive for COVID-19, which is a worldwide pandemic.
Now, stars from present and past have taken it upon themselves to film public service announcements (PSAs) from their own homes to encourage the public, and their fans, to use safe practices while scientists, doctors and politicians look for ways to slow the virus.
Hall of Fame player Magic Johnson, who in 1991 announced he tested positive for HIV and soon became a face to that virus, and a major advocate in a push for a cure, said this in a PSA for the coronavirus, “Let’s follow all the health guidelines about washing your hands on a regular basis. It is also especially important that we learn what it means to practice social distancing.”
Steph Curry, a three-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, used his personal Twitter to warn folks.
“As best you can, social distance yourself and we can flatten the curve and get rid of this virus as soon as possible. Stop the spread,” Curry tweeted
We all have to take responsibility for ourselves and do whatever it takes to #stopthespread. There’s a sense of urgency to flatten the curve and give ourselves and the healthcare system the best chance to get through this pandemic. Share this message and let’s protect each other! pic.twitter.com/T8JfydahCu
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) March 15, 2020
Rudy Gobert, a center for the Utah Jazz, was the first NBA player to test positive for coronavirus. He said, “This is all about protecting yourself and the people around you. I wish I would have took this thing more seriously and I hope everyone else will do so because we can do it together.”
Paul Gasol, who’s a two-time NBA champion and comes from a medical family, said “I just want to make sure we all take the time to thank the doctors, nurses and first responders who work every day to help us fight this virus…Also, I would like to acknowledge everyone that is out there providing essential services to all of us during this pandemic. We will do our part to help slow down the spread.”
One month after the NBA All-Star Game showcase talent and compassion in his hometown of Chicago, former President Barack Obama threw praise at a multitude of NBA players who have donated money to local workers now out of work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Obama tweeted a thanks to NBA stars Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Steph Curry, Zion Williamson, Giannis Antetokounmpo and other players while posting a CNN story about professional basketball players helping take care of arena employees who are out of work while the league has suspended its season until further notice because of coronavirus.
“A shout out to Kevin, Giannis, Zion, Blake, Steph and all the players, owners and organizations who are setting a good example during a challenging time. A reminder that we’re a community, and that each of us has an obligation to look out for each other,” Obama tweeted.
A shout out to Kevin, Giannis, Zion, Blake, Steph and all the players, owners and organizations who are setting a good example during a challenging time. A reminder that we’re a community, and that each of us has an obligation to look out for each other. https://t.co/cv1RZi9GGL
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 14, 2020
