CHARACTER COUNTS

Kevin Love commits $100K to Cavs’ arena staff after coronavirus halt

Mar 13, 2020, 8:11 AM | Updated: 2:56 pm

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was first to identify the people who would be hardest hit by the NBA suspending play because of coronavirus concerns. Soon after learning of the NBA’s decision, Cuban wondered aloud about the arena workers who would be put out of work with no more games to play in the immediate future.

Security personnel, food stand staffers and event organizers would have no more work.

Then, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love became one of the first people to do something about it. He pledged $100,000 to support the team’s arena and support staffers who could be impacted financially due to the coronavirus.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

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

The NBA is pushing back games for at least 30 days, commissioner Adam Silver told fans in a letter Thursday.

How the league manages the remaining regular season and playoffs from there remains to be decided.

Locally in Arizona, Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick made a similar commitment to support part-time employees and those most vulnerable due to work stoppages. Kendrick told Burns & Gambo on Thursday that he too would make sure employees put out of work due to the MLB’s coronavirus postponements would be “taken care of.”

“Just like everybody else who is full time, they are part of our family and we owe them the support that they would need to make sure they’re not economically challenged by this,” Kendrick added.

Character Counts

Paris Johnson Jr. looks on...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ Paris Johnson Jr. eyeing ways to extend his foundation’s reach in Arizona

Don't let his age fool you, Cardinals offensive lineman Paris Johnson Jr. is no stranger to giving back to the communities around him.

8 days ago

Runners take off after the starting gun at Pat's Run in Tempe. The race, will be run on April 13 th...

Character Counts

The 20th annual Pat’s Run set take place in Tempe on April 13

The 20th iteration of Pat's Run is set to take place in Tempe on April 13 to honor the life and legacy of Pat Tillman.

12 days ago

Follow @AZSports...

Character Counts

Bradley Beal hooked up Devin Booker fans who supported Suns in Denver

Suns fans who showed up to in Devin Booker jerseys at Ball Arena in Denver got a special gift from Bradley Beal afterward.

21 days ago

Aani Nagaiah, front row far right, is the winner among 10 finalists for the 2024 Character Counts s...

Character Counts

Arcadia senior wins 2024 Character Counts Scholarship

Arcadia's Aani Nagaiah on Wednesday night was presented as the winner of the 2024 Character Counts scholarship courtesy of Parker & Sons.

28 days ago

ASU's HBE uniforms...

Arizona Sports

Arizona State basketball fans can now rock Sun Devils’ HBE jerseys

Arizona State basketball's Honoring Black Excellence jerseys are being released to fans for the first time this month.

1 month ago

Baltimore Ravens tighe end Mark Andrews...

Character Counts

Ravens TE, diabetes advocate Mark Andrews helped woman during health scare on flight

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, who has Type 1 diabetes, helped a woman during a medical emergency on a flight to Arizona.

2 months ago

Kevin Love commits $100K to Cavs’ arena staff after coronavirus halt