Rudy Gobert is Donating $500K to Help People Affected by the Coronavirus

By: Kyle Daniels

Utah Jazz Center, Rudy Gobert, is donating $500,000 to assist people affected by the virus and related closures.

Amid the NBA’s indefinite suspension, Gobert is giving $200,000 to part-time staff of the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City whose jobs were affected.

The All-Star is also donating $100,000 to support coronavirus-related social services in Utah and another $100,000 towards the same cause in Oklahoma City. Lastly, the French native is donating €100,000 (about $111,000) to his home country France.

“I am humbled by the tireless efforts and care of people around the globe for those affected by COVID-19”, Gobert said. “Especially my own communities of Utah and France, in addition to my appreciation for the state of Oklahoma and my care there, and of course, my Utah Jazz family.”

Gobert was the first NBA player to test positive for COVID-19. While feeling mixed emotions of fear, anxiety, and embarrassment—the super talent looked beyond his circumstance and shared, “these donations are a small token that reflect my appreciation and support for all those impacted and are the first of many steps I will take to try and make a positive difference, while continuing to learn more about COVID-19 and educate others.”