Los Angeles (AFP)
Indiana Pacers back Malcolm Brogdon tested positive for the coronavirus, the NBA franchise, which is preparing to resume the season scheduled for late July in the Disney World bubble in Florida, announced on Wednesday.
"I recently tested positive for coronavirus and I'm currently in quarantine. I'm fine and feeling good. I plan to join my teammates in Orlando for the resumption of the regular season and for play- offs, "said Brogdon.
Key element of the Pacers, 5th in the Eastern Conference, Brogdon compiled on the evening of March 11, date of the interruption of the championship, 16.3 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds on average.
In recent weeks, the 27-year-old has been very active in protests against racial and social injustice in the wake of the death of George Floyd, including taking part in protests. A context likely to favor the spread of the virus.
Brogdon's positive test follows Tuesday's announcement by Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic, who also contracted the virus in Serbia last week. Asymptomatic, he should have the green light for his return to Colorado within a week.
In addition, according to the daily The Arizona Republic, two players from the Phoenix Suns, a club not affected by the end of the season in Florida, have also been tested positive in recent days. This led the franchise to close its facilities.
According to the protocols set up by the NBA, Jokic must be tested twice negative in 24 hours, in Serbia, before being authorized to travel. Once in Colorado, he will have to be tested once again and have a cardiac exam.
On Tuesday, most of the players and staff had to pass tests, according to the protocols set up by the NBA.
It is a preliminary stage before their planned big departure, between July 7 and 9, in Florida where, for more than a week, there has been a spectacular resurgence of cases of coronavirus: more than 100,000, according to the last count.
© 2020 AFP