Coronavirus: NBA Games Could Be Played Behind Closed Doors

LeBron James has been called ‘short sighted’ by an NBA executive over his comments on coronavirus protocol. 

Worldwide containment measures can’t help but affect elite sport. Large gatherings are being banned in the U.S and Europe, and sports events could be next.

The NBA, NHL and MLB have already introduced safety measures regarding hygiene and minimal physical contact. Now, the possibility of playing NBA games behind closed doors as a result of the coronavirus is real. 

“I play for the fans; that’s what it’s all about,” James said. 

“If I show up to the arena and there ain’t no fans there, I ain’t playing.”

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While LeBron’s affinity for the fans is admirable, it is unrealistic considering how the coronavirus has already affected other sports.

As of Sunday, Covid-19 has killed 20 people in the U.S and infected over 100,000 people worldwide.

In Europe, this week’s Champions League matches between PSG and Dortmund and Valencia and Atalanta will be played behind closed doors.

In Italy, one of the worst-hit countries, all domestic sport has been shut down until next month. The NBA has instructed teams to prepare for that same eventuality.

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“With no disrespect to LeBron, this is a public health crisis that’s bigger than any one person,” said a high-ranking team executive. 

“Personally, I think there’s a good chance we will be forced to play games in empty arenas at some point. The virus is spreading quickly, it’s not contained, and it will not be contained any time soon. The threat [to NBA players and fans] could carry on into next season.”

“We aren’t exempt,” the executive said. 

“I’m concerned for [the health of] myself and my kids, and I’m scared for my parents [given their age]. This is an unprecedented test for [President Trump] and our health-care system, let alone the NBA. We don’t know where this is going, and it could get really, really bad. That’s not being alarmist. That’s the truth.”