New York (AFP)

French basketball player Rudy Gobert, widely criticized for his careless attitude shortly before becoming the first NBA player to test positive for the new coronavirus, will make donations for a total of more than 500,000 dollars including health services, announced on Saturday his frankness.

Two hundred thousand dollars will go to the more than 800 employees of the Utah Jazz hall, unemployed since the suspension Wednesday of the NBA season for at least 30 days, following the announcement of the positive test of Rudy Gobert.

In addition, the Frenchman will give 100,000 dollars to families affected by Covid-19 in Utah. The same amount will be released for the families of the victims in Oklahoma City. Finally, 100,000 euros will be used to help the French health system.

"These donations are a small testimony of my recognition and my support," assured the Frenchman, who praised the "tireless efforts" faced with the spread of the virus and testified to his "recognition to the State of Oklahoma for the care "he received there.

These donations "are the first of many actions I will take to try to make a difference for the good of all, while continuing to learn more about the Covid-19 and educate others," he added.

Double best defender of the NBA, Rudy Gobert went in a month from the peak of his career, a selection to the "All star game", to the nightmare with the announcement of his contamination at Covid-19 and the accusations of negligence which l 'followed.

Forty-eight hours earlier, at a press conference, he answered a question about the epidemic and then touched the microphones and recorders on the table with his hands.

He apologized on Thursday, admitting to having "lacked discernment". Other Jazz star Donovan Mitchell is also a carrier of the virus.

With this donation, Rudy Gobert joins other NBA stars who have been sensitive to the shortfall of room workers.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Blake Griffin (Detroit Pistons) each unlocked $ 100,000 to help employees of franchise rooms, while rookie Zion Williamson (Pelicans of New Orleans ) committed to "cover the salaries of all employees of the Smoothie King Center for the next 30 days".

Several franchises have also announced that their hall employees will be paid, despite the non-hosting of games.

© 2020 AFP