NBA season suspended due to coronavirus pandemic
The NBA has suspended all games upon a review following Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert testing positive to the coronavirus.
Following the Golden State Warriors’ announcement two home games would be played in an empty stadium, players were forced to leave the court moments before tip-off in the clash between the Utah Jazz and Oklahoma Thunder.
INSANE: NBA powerhouse rocked by indefinite coronavirus ban
Fans had filled the Chesapeake Energy Arena stands, and players took the court shortly before scheduled tip-off prior to leaving the floor to return to their locker rooms.
After a delay, the public address announcer announced that the game was postponed and asked fans to leave the arena in an orderly manner.
Official release from NBA on suspending the season following the games tonight pic.twitter.com/HHAFO0xBtU
— Joe Salvatore (@radiojoee) March 12, 2020
Following the incident, the NBA announced all games after the matches scheduled tonight (US time) would be suspended.
The extraordinary step is the latest in the United States to limit large gatherings in an effort to stifle the transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19.
The news arrives hours after the NCAA announced that its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will be played without fans in the stands. College basketball conferences are falling in line with their championship tournaments.
With Jason Owens - Yahoo Sport US