NBA

Rudy Gobert -- the first NBA player to be diagnosed with coronavirus -- is paying it forward to his arena family and surrounding communities with hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The Utah Jazz star announced Saturday he'd be forking $500k of his money toward the COVID-19 pandemic -- divvying up the dough to different groups, but all with the intent to relieve people who are going to be hurt by it the most, like part-timers at the team's arena.

$200k of Gobert's pledge will help cover the salaries of part-time employees working at Vivint Smart Home Arena -- all of whom were sent home earlier this week after the NBA canceled the remainder of the regular season. The money is in conjunction with efforts already being undertaken by ex-Jazz owner Larry H. Miller's sports and entertainment company.

Another couple hundred thousand are being dispersed to help families affected by coronavirus in Utah and Oklahoma City. Rudy's also donating a bunch of euros to help people in his native country of France ... which was just recently placed on lockdown.

Of course, the gesture from Gobert comes after he caught flak on Wednesday for touching a bunch of reporters' microphones during a press briefing ... this after word was out that he'd contracted coronavirus. He apologized for that -- seems he's going the extra mile.

Other NBA players have stepped up for their arena staffers as well ... Zion Williamson is picking up the tab for the Pelicans crew, and Kevin Love's doing the same in Cleveland.

"Inside the NBA" star Kenny Smith is showering NBA Commish Adam Silver with praise for being the FIRST major sports official to suspend the season -- telling TMZ Sports it was a true leadership moment.

Of course, Smith is back in L.A. because with the NBA on ice, so is his show -- "We're on hiatus just like the NBA."

That's when Smith went on to talk about how lucky the NBA is to have a leader like Silver -- who made a tough decision before other major sports leagues.

"I think overall leadership is about having a direct derivative and I think he's had a direct derivative from the start," Smith said.

"He understands the culture that we're in. He understands the world that we live in from human rights to human pandemics. He's always been ahead of the curve. We trust what he says because it's always clear."

As for Kenny's co-worker Charles Barkley -- who's currently self-quarantined over coronavirus fears -- Smith says "he's fine right now."

Charles Barkley says he's in the middle of a self-quarantine after getting tested for the coronavirus ... this after admitting he hasn't been feeling well.

Sir Chuck called into TNT's "NBA On TNT" broadcast Thursday night and said he's in self-quarantine for 48 hours as he awaits test results on the coronavirus.

The NBA Hall of Famer said he's been feeling under the weather after traveling from New York City to Atlanta, and that's why he went for a coronavirus test.

Remember ... Charles was one of the first celebs publicly advocating for the cancelation of March Madness earlier this week due to the deadly pandemic. The powers that be eventually scrapped the big dance altogether after conferences started canceling their own tournaments.

Cavs star Kevin Love is stepping up to help the hundreds of arena staffers out of work during the NBA suspension ... donating a HUGE amount of money to support the hard workers in Cleveland.

Love shared his feelings about the league shutting down on Thursday ... saying his concern isn't about basketball, but the people who help make the game day experience possible.

"Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations," Love said in a statement. "And the fear and anxiety resulting from the recent outbreak of COVID-19 can be extremely overwhelming."

Of course, the Association decided to suspend the 2019-20 season Wednesday ... after Utah Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell tested positive for coronavirus.

"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."

Love -- who is outspoken about mental health awareness -- says his foundation will write up a check for $100k to "support staff that had a sudden life shift due to the cancellation of the NBA season."

Along with the contribution ... the Cavs released a statement saying the team is currently working on finding a way to financially help the employees during the time off.

27-year-old Utah Jazz superstar Rudy Gobert says he's "embarrassed" for acting so recklessly about coronavirus ... and he's apologizing "to the people that I may have endangered."

The NBA center is at the center of the health crisis after he tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Just days before his diagnosis, Gobert was clowning around about the issue with reporters, and jokingly rubbed his hands all over microphones and recorders.

Now, no one's laughing ... especially with Gobert's teammate, Donovan Mitchell, testing positive as well.

In fact, Jazz players griped about Gobert's behavior to ESPN -- accusing him of being careless.

Now, Gobert's breaking his silence after the positive test ... and it's clear he's remorseful for the whole ordeal.

"The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered," Gobert said.

"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."

"I will do whatever I can to support using my experience as a way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus."

Gobert thanked everyone who has reached out to him since the news broke ... and reaffirmed he will be okay.

"I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment."

NBA star Donovan Mitchell has tested positive for COVID-19 -- AKA coronavirus -- just hours after his Utah Jazz teammate, Rudy Gobert, was diagnosed.

The 23-year-old All-Star has not publicly commented, but ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski says players seem to be pointing the finger at Gobert not taking proper precautions.

"Jazz players privately say that Rudy Gobert had been careless in the locker room touching other players and their belongings," Woj says ... "Now a Jazz teammate has tested positive."

Media members are upset with Gobert also after he jokingly rubbed his hands all over mics and recorders while talking with reporters earlier this week (before he was formally diagnosed).

Of course, due to Gobert's health status ... Wednesday night's Jazz vs. Thunder game was postponed just minutes before tipoff and both teams were quarantined while the players were in the locker room.

The NBA has already suspended the season -- and there are rumblings play could resume in August ... but for now, league execs are trying to figure things out.

The coronavirus outbreak is wreaking havoc in the sports world -- several major events have been canceled or postponed ... including La Liga soccer games, ATP tennis tournaments and more.

As we previously reported, Charles Barkley is calling for the NCAA to cancel the March Madness tournament ... but so far, it's still scheduled to move forward.

The NBA has just announced it's putting its season on hold ... this just minutes after one of its star players tested positive for coronavirus.

The league said in a statement Wednesday ... Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert had contracted COVID-19 -- and in response, it's pausing its season following the conclusion of Wednesday's slate of games.

"The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic," the league said.

The league had reportedly considered making the move earlier Wednesday ... debating whether to suspend the season or play its games without fans. Ultimately, no decision had been made prior to the tip-off of Wednesday's games.

The Golden State Warriors were set to play their game against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday in a fan-less arena. However, that game will now take place at a later date.

As for how the league is handling the Jazz and Thunder after it was announced Gobert had the virus ... ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski says players from both sides are being quarantined at Oklahoma City's arena.

ESPN had a camera on Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban when he found out about the cancellation -- and it's obvious he was completely shocked by the news.

The Golden State Warriors will be the first NBA team to play in front of an empty home arena this season ... with San Francisco banning events larger than 1,000 people due to coronavirus.

The Health Officer of SF announced the decision on Wednesday ... saying the ban will last 2 weeks (starting Thursday) and will include Warriors home games at the Chase Center.

The NBA has been exploring the option of closing games to the public due to the disease ... and after initially rejecting the idea, Lakers superstar LeBron James has agreed to listen to the experts.

The Association has also limited media access to locker rooms as a safety precaution.

"Public health must be first priority," SF supervisor Matt Haney tweeted on Tuesday.

Along with the Warriors playing in front of a fan-less crowd against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday ... all other events at the Chase Center have been canceled or postponed until March 21.

Dwyane Wade is FUMING over his son's role on his famous high school hoops team -- claiming the coach refuses to play Zaire -- and the NBA legend is mad as hell over it.

Wade made it crystal clear on "Inside the NBA" Tuesday ... 'cause after his co-host asked if he'd be making the trip to watch Zaire's Sierra Canyon team play in the California state title game this weekend, he gave an emphatic "no."

"I will not be there," Wade said. "My son ain't playing and I don't want to do nothing to the coach. So I won't be there."

Co-hosts Shaquille O'Neal and Candace Parker immediately noticed the shade ... with CP saying, "Yikes! On national television!"

Of course, Sierra Canyon -- the team that also features LeBron James' son, Bronny -- just advanced to the state title game in epic fashion Tuesday, without much help from Z-Wade, who was a DNP.

The game was pretty amazing ... Ziaire Williams -- a top recruit in the 2020 class -- hit a buzzer-beater to send the team to the natty ... which will be played this Saturday.

While Dwyane made his beef with the coach known over Zaire's role ... he did add, "I won't be there, but I'll be rooting for the kids."

FYI ... Zaire is a senior who has offers from five schools, including Nebraska, to play ball at the college level next season.

Sierra Canyon will play the winner of Thursday night's Sheldon vs. Bishop O'Dowd game.

You think Charles Barkley is just gonna let Draymond Green trash him all over TV without hitting back??

Don't worry, Charles returned fire at the NBA star in NYC -- and we've got the video!

Remember, Green went off on Barkley last week over more harsh criticism -- threatening to take Chuck's TV analyst job because Barkley (who has no rings) is unqualified.

"Barkley should stop before I take his job, though." Green said ... "He also can't talk basketball with me either. Not smart enough, not qualified. No rings, can't sit at this table."

And, does Sir Chuck feel threatened? Nah, man. He's got jokes though!

"I think [Draymond is] a good player and a great guy. I like messing with him but he's got the perfect face for radio!"

Barkley added, "He don't have a TV face! He could do the job but he doesn't have a face for TV."

SHOTS FIRED!

But, Draymond isn't the only topic Barkley was hot about this morning -- he also went off on major sporting events considering banning fans because of the coronavirus scare.

"I don't like that idea for a couple reasons," Barkley said ... "Number 1, the fans, we need them at our games. But, also, do they think people are just gonna stay home when they don't go to sporting events?"

"That's stupid ... like, they're canceling these events and what they think? People are just gonna stay at home and not gonna go out in public at all? People are still gonna go out in public!"

Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine says the whole NBA is worried about the coronavirus ... telling TMZ Sports he's legit scared of catching it.

Of course, a memo sent from the league to players on Friday explained some games could go fan-less if the coronavirus situation gets worse. LeBron James said he won't play if that's the case.

On top of the NBA possibly taking games behind closed doors, the league also suggested players refrain from shaking hands with fans and using their pens/markers to sign autographs.

We spoke with LaVine outside FS Downtown in NYC on Saturday night about the CV situation potentially keeping fans out of games ... and he says the concern is REAL.

"Man, the whole league is all fans," LaVine tells us. "Look at us, but we're scared of corona."

You can see how cautious LaVine is being with the fans in the clip ... he even has to turn down a few autograph seekers hoping to get a quick signature.

We also spoke with Houston Texans superstar DeAndre Hopkins about the possibility of NFL games going down without fans ... and he's siding with LeBron.