Wizards guard Bradley Beal will miss tonight’s game against the Heat because of NBA health and safety protocols, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic. Beal is subject to contact tracing because of exposure to the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, who tested positive for COVID-19.
While several Washington players came in close contact with Tatum during Friday’s game, the league is investigating Beal for potential exposure because he and Tatum spoke afterwards while standing close to each other, Charania adds (Twitter link).
The Wizards’ past two games have been against the Celtics and Sixers, who have both been hit hard by the virus. Due to contact tracing and injuries, Philadelphia had just eight eligible players for today’s game.
The NBA’s protocol states that players under contact tracing can return after seven days as long as they continue to test negative. Including tonight’s game, the Wizards play four times in that span. Beal is the NBA’s leading scorer, averaging 35.0 PPG through his first nine games.
I think all the protocols are wise and necessary. However, I don’t understand why talking to Tatum after the game is considered higher risk than guarding him during the game…
I think it has to do with the potential droplets that come out while speaking. It’s the only thing I can come up with anyway.
I can’t come up with anything better…
It makes no sense whatsoever. Exercising and breathing heavily like in an NBA game will expel the virus much farther than standing and talking. Of course proximity matters but when you are guarding someone face to face that is just like talking. I question whether the author of the original article got it right or the summary is correct. If they are correct then I must be missing something about COVID because it does not make sense.
Yeah it seems pretty BS – if COVID is this contagious and Tatum had it during the game then shouldnt both rosters be shelved for 7-10 days
This seems like a case if doing something to do it
Disagree… talking expels droplets farther than breathing heavily. “Say it don’t spray it” lol
But I suspect the main point is that contact during a game including sweating is a given, so that we have games at all; while talking after the game unmasked is optional and can be avoided. It’s all about behavior modification, even extended to off-court!
It’s an air borne virus. If you don’t listen to the science. All I can say is GHU. Wear a mask as respect for others. It’s not too much to ask.
The bubble is only going to work for playoffs. The season has to be strict protocols. They don’t need to have contact with nobody. Your circle has to be as small as possible. We got this season to go. Can we just man up.
Of those 350,000 people, they had an average of 2.6 Comorbidities. And of those 350,000 6% died of only COVID 19 that’s 21,000 people. Not sure why I’m even arguing with you people, I’d be will you bet you drive your car by yourself with a mask on.
Yeah mon!
Wasting your time trying to explain simple facts!
Pearls to the swine, right?
Yes Chris extremists are around, people who misinterpret stats to fit a predetermination.