Rudy Gobert went out of his way to touch reporters’ recorders. He reportedly went out of his way to touch teammates and their belongings.
Then, he tested positive for coronavirus.
As a result, the NBA suspended its season. Jazz teammate Donovan Mitchell later tested positive for coronavirus and appeared to take a thinly veiled shot at Gobert.
Gobert:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9pXSG8l_J6/
Gobert won’t instantly quell all the resentment toward him. But he responded the best-possible way in this moment:
He apologized. He didn’t make excuses. He pledged to be better. He guided others not to follow his initial example.
Gobert was absolutely wrong for his recklessness. He made himself more likely to contract coronavirus then put others at risk. The criticism he’s facing is absolutely deserved.
But there also ought to be room for Gobert to redeem himself. This message suggests he’s on the right track.