What NBA Players Are Wearing to Protect Against COVID-19
Contents
See what NBA players are wearing to protect themselves from COVID-19 on and off the court.
Introduction
The NBA has released its guidelines for the 2020-21 season, and one of the main focuses is on player safety amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the biggest changes is that players will now be required to wear face masks or shields at all times when they are not on the court. This includes during practice, in the locker room, and on team buses and planes.
Players will also have the option to wear PPE (personal protective equipment) such as gloves, gowns, and/or respirators during games if they wish.
The league is still working out the details of how exactly this will all work, but it’s clear that player safety is a top priority for the NBA this season.
Many NBA players are taking extra precautions to protect themselves against the coronavirus. Some players are wearing masks while others are avoiding contact with fans. Some players are even choosing to sit out games. Let’s take a look at how some NBA players are reacting to the coronavirus.
Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is one of the NBA’s most outspoken players when it comes to social justice issues, and he’s been just as vocal when it comes to the coronavirus.
“As we all know, this virus is real,” Irving said in a video posted to his Instagram account. “It’s something that we need to take seriously.”
Irving has been critical of the NBA’s decision to restart the season in Orlando, Florida, and has even suggested that he may not play. But despite his concerns, Irving says he’s taking precautions to protect himself and others from the virus.
“I’m definitely wearing a mask,” Irving said. “I think it’s important that we all do our part.”
Irving isn’t the only NBA player who is taking the coronavirus seriously. Several other players have posted videos of themselves wearing masks, and many have said they will not be playing in Orlando.
LeBron James
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers was one of the first NBA players to speak out about the coronavirus, and he has continued to be a vocal advocate for taking the pandemic seriously. “I think we all have to do our part,” James said in an Instagram video. “We have to protect ourselves and our families.”
James has been outspoken about the need for social distancing and has urged his fans to do their part to prevent the spread of the virus. “WASH YOUR HANDS, SANITIZE, AND STAY AWAY FROM LARGE CROWDS!” he tweeted in March.
The four-time NBA MVP has also donated $100,000 to help support coronavirus relief efforts in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans rookie phenom, has been vocal about his anxiety surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Williamson announced on March 12 that he would be donating his sneaker deal income from Nike to support coronavirus relief efforts.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all in so many ways,” Williamson said in a statement released by his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. “During this time of uncertainty, I want to do my part to help those who are most vulnerable. My hope is that others will join me in supporting this cause.”
Nike released a statement shortly after Williamson’s announcement, praising the young player for his “generosity and leadership.”
“We’re inspired by Zion’s generosity and leadership,” Nike said. “He’s part of a new generation of athletes using their platform and voice to bring people together during challenging times.”
Williamson isn’t the only NBA player who has taken action in response to the pandemic. Houston Rockets star Russell Westbrook donated $100,000 to support employees at the Toyota Center, where the Rockets play their home games.
What NBA Players Are Wearing to Protect Against COVID-19
Face Masks
The NBA is putting health and safety at the forefront as they head into the 2020-2021 season. In addition to regular COVID-19 testing, players are encouraged to wear face masks when they are not playing.
There are a variety of face masks available, both standard and personalized. Some players have even gone so far as to design their own masks, using them as an opportunity to show off their style.
While the face masks may vary in design, they all serve the same purpose: to protect the player wearing it and those around them from COVID-19.
Gloves
Several players are wearing gloves this season as an extra measure of protection against COVID-19. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is one of them, and he’s even gotten creative with his gloves, often choosing pairs that match his shoes. Other players who have been spotted wearing gloves include Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets, Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets and Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Hand Sanitizer
All NBA players will have access to hand sanitizer, and there will be dispensers located around the arenas and at each team’s bench. Hand sanitizer will also be available to fans.
Conclusion
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what NBA players are wearing to protect against COVID-19. While some players are choosing to wear masks during games, others are opting for face shields or no protection at all. Ultimately, it is up to each individual player to decide what precautions they want to take in order to stay safe and healthy.
