Gobert donates $500K to arena employees, COVID-19 relief services

Rudy Gobert is giving back after contracting the novel coronavirus. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Rudy Gobert donates more than $500K to arena employees, COVID-19 relief services

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 3/14/20

Utah Jazz star center Rudy Gobert became patient zero around the NBA world earlier this week when he tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). It led to the Association suspending its season.

Gobert, a native of France, has since received criticism for his actions leading up to that positive diagnosis.

With the United States and its European allies dealing with the widespread nature of this pandemic, Gobert has decided to donate north of $500,000 to a relief fund that was set up to support Vivant Smart Home Arena employees as well as to help fight against the spread of coronavirus.

The press release states that $200,00 will go toward the arena employees, $100,000 will be used to help those impacted in both Oklahoma City and Salt Lake City, and 100,000 euros will go to the healthcare system in his native France.

Rudy Gobert is donating more than $500,000 to support both the employee relief fund at Vivint Smart Home Arena and COVID-related social services relief in Utah, Oklahoma City and within the French health care system.

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— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 14, 2020

As the United States prepares for this virus to spread even more within its borders, France is dealing with a major emergency.

All cinemas, clubs and cafes in France will close as of midnight local time Sunday morning as the nation deals with a major spike in cases.

This likely won’t get some people off Gobert’s back for his lack of understanding of the virus prior to contracting it. However, it’s a great gesture from the star big man. That’s for sure.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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