Liz Mullen: In the NBA, at least 97 players have donated at least $4.9 million toward COVID-19 relief, said Sherrie Deans, executive director of @TheNBPA Foundation The amount the NBPA Foundation has matched is “approximately $575,000 and climbing,” Deans said.
NBPA Rumors
The NBA and the players’ association have formed a joint committee to study return-to-play plans. In addition to the league office, it includes health experts, Chris Paul, Dwight Powell, Kyle Lowry, Jayson Tatum and Russell Westbrook, though sources say NBA commissioner Adam Silver and some players have had similar discussions informally for weeks.
Chris Paul appeared on The Daily Social Distancing Show with Trevor Noah on Wednesday. The Thunder guard talked about a wide variety of topics, but of course, the return of the NBA was top of mind. “There’s conversations happening every day — every day — just trying to figure out what’s the safest way,” said Paul, who is also the president of the players’ association. “We want to play. I think everybody wants us to play.”
Asked about the report during the interview with CNBC, Harden said there have been “multiple conversations” between the league and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). However, he added, “there are so many things that have to be figured out. But the sooner, the better.” Harden said he would play games again without fans, but would feel comfortable returning when the pandemic has “calmed down all the way to a minimum.”
NBPA executive director Michele Roberts told The Ringer that players were fully on board with providing samples. “Our players have embraced the opportunity to contribute to this important public health study that will help researchers better understand the prevalence of COVID-19, potentially improve care for patients, and promote long-term efforts to develop a vaccine and treatment for the virus,” Roberts said.
Add Anthony Tolliver to the list of players who believe there’s strong support throughout the league for finishing the season. Tolliver, a member of the NBPA executive committee, offered some insight into the players’ position during an interview with Darren Wolfson of KSTP .
