Los Angeles Lakers: Danny Green’s Rudy Gobert statement now more important

Even though Rudy Gobert was not punished by the NBA, that doesn’t mean he’s off the hook in public opinion.

Hopefully, as this process continues to an uncertain future, it is very possible that there will likely be more NBA players and staff members that may test positive for the coronavirus. With the unknown effects other than it being extremely contagious, the fluidity of the situation is evident and at times frustrating.

While Danny Green is correct that someone in the NBA would have likely caught the coronavirus if Gobert didn’t, good luck finding anyone to be as diplomatic. To Rudy Gobert’s credit, he did go to Twitter immediately to issue an apology.

Rudy Gobert took another step and wrote a passionate message on his Instagram page.

"“I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours. I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment”. “The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse. I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take this seriously. I will do whatever I can to support using my experience as a way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus.”"

Since the social media posts, Rudy Gobert has tried to make amends, donating $500,000 to those impacted by the virus. $200,000 of that money will go to the part-time employees in Utah Jazz organization who are definitely in financial troubles with the NBA in hiatus. That’s a lot of money for goodwill PR wise, but the real question going forward is this. 

Even though $500,000 is a good start, what will it take to get back in the good graces of his locker room and around the league? Will Donovan Mitchell and his teammates be able to come together and accept Gobert after a life-altering event that is not of their doing? Will other players in the league be willing to excuse his carelessness that affected their careers? Who knows.

Let’s discuss the player that was affected the most and has the future to think about with Rudy Gobert.