Cleveland Cavaliers star Kevin Love is donating $US100,000 to aid arena employees at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse who won't be able to work following the suspension of the NBA season due to Coronavirus.
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The NBA announced Thursday (AEDT) that the 2019-20 season will be suspended after Utah Jazz player Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19.
"Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. And the fear and anxiety resulting from the recent outbreak of COVID-19 can be extremely overwhelming," Love posted on Instagram.
"Through the game of basketball, we've been able to address major issues and stand together as a progressive league that cares about the players, the fans, and the communities where we work. I'm concerned about the level of anxiety that everyone is feeling and that is why I'm committing $100,000 through the @KevinLoveFund in support of the @Cavs arena and support staff that had a sudden life shift due to the suspension of the NBA season. I hope that during this time of crisis, others will join me in supporting our communities."
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"Pandemics are not just a medical phenomenon. They affect individuals and society on so many levels, with stigma and xenophobia being just two aspects of the impact of a pandemic outbreak. It's important to know that those with a mental illness may be vulnerable to the effects of widespread panic and threat. Be kind to one another. Be understanding of their fears, regardless if you don't feel the same. Be safe and make informed decisions during this time. And I encourage everyone to take care of themselves and to reach out to others in need -- whether that means supporting your local charities that are canceling events, or checking in on your colleagues and family."
Love's gesture was followed by a statement from the Cavaliers, that confirmed all employees would be taken care of in light of the cancellation of games.
"Providing a safe and healthy of a work environment as possible for our organisation and our visitors is our highest priority and the extensive precautionary and preventative measures being taken continue to be in place," the statement read.
"At the same time, we are also developing a compensation plan to continue paying our event staff and hourly workforce that is impacted with the changes to our regular event schedule."