In the days since the NBA made an unprecedented decision to suspend the season after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gohert tested positive for the coronavirus, NBA stars have stepped up to support workers impacted by the change. Kevin Love, Zion Williamson, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and even Gobert have announced they are donating thousands of dollars to houly employees who aren’t getting paid during the suspension. This positive trend started after Dallas Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban publicly acknowledged that he was putting together a plan to help out employees impacted by the NBA’s decision.
“I reached out…to find out what it would cost to financially support people who aren’t going to be able to come to work,” Cuban said. “We have a program where the next four would-have-been Mavs games, we’ll pay our hourly employees as if they worked,”
After Cuban, Kevin Love was the first player to share that he would also be donating to workers in need.
“Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations,” Kevin Love said in an Instagram post. “And the fear and anxiety resulting from the recent outbreak of COVID-19 can be extremely overwhelming. Through the game of basketball, we’ve been able to address major issues and stand together as a progressive league that cares about the players, the fans, and the communities where we work. I’m concerned about the level of anxiety that everyone is feeling and that is why I’m committing $100,000 through the @KevinLoveFund in support of the @Cavs arena and support staff that had a sudden life shift due to the suspension of the NBA season. I hope that during this time of crisis, others will join me in supporting our communities.”
Since then, players and organizations have followed suit:
It’s bigger than basketball! And during this tough time I want to help the people that make my life, my family’s lives and my teammates lives easier. Me and my family pledge to donate $100,000 to the Fiserv Forum staff. We can get through this together! 🙏🏽
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) March 13, 2020
In an effort to assist those impacted by the NBA’s unforeseen suspension in play, the Warriors ownership, players, and coaches have pledged to donate $1 million to a disaster relief fund established by the Warriors Community Foundation. pic.twitter.com/610GkZumjy
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) March 14, 2020
In light of the current situation, the Dallas Mavericks organization announced today that it will provide full reimbursement to employees for breakfast or lunch purchases made from independent local establishments in the region. pic.twitter.com/dVenXQAdAq
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) March 14, 2020
Also, Gobert announced on Saturday that he 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.
“I know there are countless ways that people have been impacted,” said Gobert. “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.”
Kudos to everyone stepping up in this time of uncertainty. Hopefully, the NBA and sports around the world will be back to normal sooner rather than later.
Community 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻 https://t.co/yL22V6y4ZZ
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) March 14, 2020