NBA Suspends Season As Coronavirus Hits Sport
The NBA has suspended its entire remaining season in response to the coronavirus outbreak, after a Utah Jazz player tested positive.
The news of the player’s positive test came just before the Jazz’s match with Oklahoma City Thunder, and the league then announced that it had suspended all matches until further notice after all of Wednesday night’s matches had finished.
The NBA said in a statement: “A player on the Utah Jazz preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19. The test result was reported shortly prior to the tip-off of tonight’s game between the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The affected player was not in the arena.
“The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”
The news comes as reports claim the ATP and WTA tennis tours could be shut down until the Madrid Open on 3rd May. It has been reported that player council members and tournaments will approve the measure after a recent emergency meeting of the ATP Board.
Previously, the Indian Wells tournament and the inaugural 12-team Fed Cup Finals were postponed.
Meanwhile, La Liga has announced that it is suspending its next two rounds of fixures as Real Madrid players have been forced to self-isolate. The news comes after a Real Madrid basketballer – who shared the same training facilities as the footballers – tested positive for the virus.
