When The NBA Returns, How Will The League And Teammates Deal With Rudy Gobert?

The internet lasts forever.

And that's a lesson that Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert has unfortunately learned. I'm sure you've probably seen it. But for those that haven't, there's a video of Gobert "jokingly" touching every microphone and piece of recording equipment after he finished a recent interview session with the media.

In his mind, he thought making light of the COVID-19 situation was funny. Two days later, Gobert became the first player in the NBA to test positive for the virus and passed it to his teammate Donovan Mitchell.

"I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours. I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis...mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment," Gobert wrote on his page. "The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered. 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's apology feels sincere. But does it mean all is forgiven?

But his teammate, who was also infected, doesn't seem too happy with Gobert.

"Thanks to everyone who has been reaching out since hearing the news about my positive test. 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," wrote Mitchell in his own statement via .

As you can tell, Mitchell is still a bit salty about the whole situation, especially since there were that Gobert "had been careless in the locker room touching other players and their belongings." And while it's been decided that the NBA will not be disciplining Gobert, it doesn't mean that he's escaped reproach.

"The mental side of being the first person to have it and there being a viral video of you mocking the illness is enough to weigh on a man, especially somebody who has the mental makeup that Rudy Gobert has,