NBA criticized for having disproportionate access to scarce tests for coronavirus

Eight full NBA teams have been tested for coronavirus and seven players are positive now.

But after the Brooklyn Nets tested their entire team they were criticized by New York City mayor Bill de Blasio for their ability to get testing while a lot of people, who are critically ill, are struggling to get tested.

We wish them a speedy recovery. But, with all due respect, an entire NBA team should NOT get tested for COVID-19 while there are critically ill patients waiting to be tested.

Tests should not be for the wealthy, but for the sick. https://t.co/7uQlL3zc7Z

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 17, 2020

The Brooklyn Nets replied to de Blasio saying that they made the test through a private company.

The Nets said in a statement that their players and staff were exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, prompting them to get tested. Full statement: pic.twitter.com/ZChF35XlKT

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) March 18, 2020

Per ESPN, President Donald Trump was asked Wednesday about asymptomatic professional athletes getting tests while others are waiting, and whether it was true that the well-connected go to the front of the line.

“Well, you’d have to ask them that question,” Trump responded. “No, I wouldn’t say so, but perhaps that’s been the story of life. That does happen on occasion. I’ve noticed where some people have been tested fairly quickly.”

On Tuesday evening, in response to the testing criticism, NBA spokesperson Mike Bass told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that there has been worry over player contact with others.

“Public health authorities and team doctors have been concerned that, given NBA players’ direct contact with each other and close interactions with the general public, in addition to their frequent travel, they could accelerate the spread of the virus,” Bass said. “Following two players testing positive last week, others were tested and five additional players tested positive.

“Hopefully, by these players choosing to make their test results public, they have drawn attention to the critical need for young people to follow CDC recommendations in order to protect others, particularly those with underlying health conditions and the elderly.”