Before he tested positive for the illness, the NBA player for Utah Jazz was spotted wiping his hands on several mics and recorders in a press room as a joke.

• Mar 13, 2020

AceShowbiz - Rudy Gobert could not be more apologetic for his "careless" behavior. Having been tested positive for coronavirus, the Utah Jazz player issued a public statement in which he voiced his regret for putting others in danger by facetiously touching microphones and recorders after a pre-game interview.

In an Instagram post he put out on Thursday, February 12, the 27-year-old athlete wrote, "The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered." He went on to explain, "At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse."

"I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take this seriously," the member of French national basketball team continued. "I will do whatever I can to support using my experience as way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus."

Speaking of his mental state following the diagnosis, Gobert admitted, "I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment." Still, he assured fans that he is "under great care and will fully recover."

Thanking "everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours", the two-time winner of NBA Defensive Player of the Year award added, "I encourage everyone to take all of the steps to stay safe and healthy. Love."

Gobert was caught on camera appearing to poke fun at the growing pandemic after a Monday, March 9 press conference. Days later, Utah Jazz announced that he would not play in the game against Oklahoma City Thunder because of an illness. It was later revealed that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

On Thursday, March 12, Utah Jazz announced, "As a follow-up to yesterday's positive COVID-19 test, Oklahoma health officials tested all members of the Utah Jazz traveling party, confirming one additional positive outcome for a Jazz player. We are working closely with the CDC, Oklahoma and Utah state officials, and the NBA to monitor their health and determine the best path moving forward."

Another Utah Jazz player, Donovan Mitchell, has also tested positive for COVID-19. "Thanks to everyone who has been reaching out since hearing the news about my positive test," he said in his Instagram post. "We are all learning more about the seriousness of this situation and hopefully people can continue to educate themselves and realize that they need to behave responsibly both for their own health and for the well being of those around them."

"I appreciate the authorities in Oklahoma who were helpful with the testing process and everyone from the @utahjazz who have been so supportive. I am going to keep following the advice of our medical staff and hope that we can all come together and be there for each other and our neighbors who need our help."