Pistons Letting Christian Wood Play vs the Sixers Despite Flu-Like Symptoms Was Extremely Careless
By Jack Murphy
In light of the pandemic of the COVID-19 outbreak, it is paramount for everyone to take precautionary measures in order to contain the spread of the disease. When the Detroit Pistons let their power forward Christian Wood play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, they showed how irresponsible they were in a time where such behavior is unjustifiable.
Recently, news broke that Christian Wood became the third NBA player that tested positive for the coronavirus. Before Detroit's contest with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Pistons gave Wood the okay to compete despite having flu-like symptoms. Now that it is known Wood has the coronavirus, this decision may have exposed many others to the disease.
Pistons forward Christian Wood reported flu-like symptoms the morning of Detroit's game against Philadelphia on Wednesday, league sources told @SInow. Wood played, but when the Gobert news broke Wood was tested immediately upon the team's return to Detroit.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) March 15, 2020
Prior to the suspension of the NBA, teams and players were being extremely cautious. They avoided contact with fans and the media as much as possible. The Golden State Warriors were even planning on playing some games at the Chase Center with no fans in attendance before the league-wide suspension.
Still, though, concern has continued to grow among teams and players.
Raptors players, coaches and staffers who were in Utah on Monday night have been tested for coronavirus, per team. All have been advised to self isolate for 14 days.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) March 12, 2020
However, the Detroit Pistons were inexcusably careless. In the dawn of a contagious disease that is spreading across the globe, sports teams that perform in front of thousands of fans should be extremely careful not to expose other players, coaches and fans.
Anyone that had close contact with Wood at the Wells Fargo Center could have been exposed to COVID-19. Hopefully, Wood, as well as anyone affected by the deadly disease, will recover fully.