Russell Westbrook announces he has coronavirus: 'Please take this virus seriously'

Joe Rivera

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Russell Westbrook announces he has coronavirus: 'Please take this virus seriously' image

Rockets guard Russell Westbrook has announced he has tested positive for COVID-19.

The former league MVP announced Monday that a positive coronavirus test has forced him into quarantine, but it was prior to Houston's arrival in Orlando. Westbrook is the highest-profile NBA athlete to announce he has the virus.

MORE: Complete list of NBA players opting out of remainder of 2020 season

"I tested positive for covid-19 prior to my teams departure for Orlando," Westbrook's statement on Twitter reads. "I'm currently feeling well, quarantined, and looking forward to rejoining my teammates when I am cleared. Thank you for all the well wishes and continued support. Please take this virus seriously. Mask up! #whynot"

The NBA is hoping to restart its season in late July at Disney World in Orlando, Fla., as the league is housing players in a "bubble" scenario to help monitor and protect its athletes amid a global pandemic.

Several of the Association's athletes have already opted out for the return of the season, including Nets players Spencer Dinwiddie and DeAndre Jordan, Willie Cauley-Stein and free agent DeMarcus Cousins.

With games to determine seeding to be played, Westbrook and the Rockets sit at sixth in the Western Conference as 22 teams are set to resume play come July 30.

Joe Rivera

Joe Rivera Photo

Joe Rivera is in his seventh year with The Sporting News, handling NFL, MLB and some things pro wrestling. A proud-ish Rutgers University graduate, Rivera combines a new-school flair with an old-school soul. He loves dingers, wrestling, comic books, movies, music and really bad puns. He is also a card-carrying BBWAA member and teaches Multimedia Sports Reporting at his alma mater.

You can find him and tweet him @JoeRiveraSN, if you're into that sort of thing.