From shouting “Kobe!” at the local gym to now being stuck shooting trash into bins, sports worldwide have been canceled or suspended due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The NBA, MLB, NHL and NCAA are all examples of professional and collegiate leagues that are now postponed. 

The NBA was quick to take action against the spread of the Coronavirus as meetings were held as early as February. The plan was to have the athletes play in empty arenas temporarily, but this was changed abruptly. Rudy Gobert, an all-star center for the Utah Jazz, tested positive for the virus on March 11 before the team’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Each player at the game was tested for the virus and the remaining NBA season was suspended. 

The days that followed were filled with controversy as Gobert faced criticism over how he had handled the virus as he was seen days before touching journalists’ microphones in a joking manner. Reports also stated he was acting immaturely in the locker room. This could be the reason his teammate, Donavan Mitchell, also tested positive for the virus not long after. There were also confirmed cases of COVID-19 with players on the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets. As the future of the league looks to be uncertain with confirmed cases continually increasing, the commissioner of the NBA, Adam Silver, maintains he will do what is best for the health of all people involved. 

“In a perfect world, yes, we would try to finish the regular season in some form and move to the playoffs,” Silver said. “The health of everyone involved in the NBA—our players, coaches and anyone who is on the frontline has to come first.”

NBA players also shared their thoughts on their season now being paused.

“2020 ain’t it,” tweeted Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. “Don’t know what to compare this situation to…just gotta buckle up and take care of yourself and those around you. Basketball will be back at some point, but right now, protect yourself and stay safe out there!”

With the NBA’s new season being postponed, other professional sports associations followed their lead. The MLB and NHL both announced their regular seasons are postponed on the same day—March 12 of this year.

“Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our players, employees and fans,” an official press release on MLB.com read. “MLB will continue to undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts.” 

Overall, the virus has put a pause on our way of living across the nation. Now, sports are gone for the foreseeable future, and spectators, coaches and athletes alike all wait for ordinary life to resume.