تبرعات الرياضيين المحترفين للتخفيف من آثار فيروس كورونا

Within a day of the NBA announcing the suspension of the rest of the 2019-20 season, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love announced that he would be donating $100,000 to the staff members at the team’s arena who would otherwise go unpaid during a protracted work stoppage. Almost immediately, a cluster of NBA players followed Love’s lead, pitching in hundreds of thousands of dollars to their respective teams’ arena and support staff, which at that point had not yet received word from their employers on their work status.

Love and his colleagues’ actions even inspired at least 21 team owners to either create funds to compensate hourly workers or create plans that will assist workers through what could be upward of three to five months of no NBA games. Below you will find the list of American professional athletes who have announced plans to donate to either their team’s support staff or organizations assisting in relief efforts due to the coronavirus. This list will be updated regularly.

Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers

Organization: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse staff.

Pledge: $100,000.

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Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. And the fear and anxiety resulting from the recent outbreak of COVID-19 can be extremely overwhelming. 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. 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.

A post shared by Kevin Love (@kevinlove) on Mar 12, 2020 at 2:36pm PDT

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Organization: Fiserv Forum staff.

Pledge: $100,000.

It’s bigger than basketball! And during this tough time I want to help the people that make my life, my family’s lives and my teammates lives easier. Me and my family pledge to donate $100,000 to the Fiserv Forum staff. We can get through this together! 🙏🏽

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) March 13, 2020

Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

Organization: Smoothie King Center staff.

Pledge: Unknown.