New York Knicks owner James Dolan tested positive for COVID-19 Saturday night. The Knicks organization says Dolan is self-isolating in his home and is in good shape, experiencing little to no symptoms.
Dolan joins a long list of sports figures that have been infected with the coronavirus but is the first team owner to reportedly test positive for COVID-19.
New York is said to be the epicenter of the outbreak of the coronavirus in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a 14-day travel ban in hopes of slowing the spread of the virus.
New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey residents are encouraged to stay inside and not leave the house except for essential duties.
The Knicks last played on March 11, defeating the Atlanta Hawks 136-131 before the National Basketball Association decided to suspend league play until things cool down with the worldwide pandemic. The victory pushed the Knicks’ record to 21-45 on the season.
Dolan’s other team, the New York Rangers, are just points shy of a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. The Rangers also played their last game on March 11, in which New York fell to Colorado to push the Rangers’ record to 37-28-5 on the season.
Dolan joins the likes of Kevin Durant, Sean Payton, and a long list of others who have tested positive for COVID-19. Payton has been since cleared of the virus and encourages people in Louisiana to stay indoors and wait this out.
Other News
Speaking of Louisiana, Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany, are donating a whopping $5 million to the state to help fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Brees took to Instagram Friday to say, “Brittany and I are committing $5,000,000 to the State of Louisiana in 2020. The priority now is helping our communities get through this tough time.
“After considerable research and conversations with local organizations, we will be mobilizing our partnerships with Second Harvest Food Bank, Ochsner Health Systems, Walk-Ons, Jimmy Johns, Smalls Sliders and Waitr to prepare and deliver over 10,000 meals per day throughout Louisiana for as long as it takes to children on meal programs, seniors, and families in need.
“Let’s all do our part, maintain hope, and get through this together.”
Brees was with the Saints back in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina did devastating damage to the state of Louisiana and helped out a ton with relief efforts.
Brees’ head coach, Payton, said he experienced only mild symptoms of the coronavirus, from fatigue to laziness. Payton said he’s getting ready for what will be an interesting 2020 NFL Draft.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell just announced a few days ago that despite word from team owners and other figures around the league, the draft would be going forward with its scheduled April 23 start date. The draft will be done virtually and broadcast around the world as usual.
