Few NBA players have been at the center of as many off-court storylines as Rudy Gobert. The French center’s career has been a rollercoaster of historic defensive accolades, a pandemic-related controversy that halted the league, and an ongoing feud with one of the game’s biggest legends. By March 2020, Gobert became the first publicly reported NBA player to test positive for COVID-19 ESPN (sports news authority), leading the league to suspend its season that night. What followed—a public apology, a massive contract, and years of criticism—turned Gobert into a polarizing figure.
Height: 7′ 1″ · Weight: 258 lbs · Age: 33 (born June 26, 1992) · NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards: 4 (tied for most all-time) · Current team: Minnesota Timberwolves · Draft position: 2013, 1st round, 27th overall (Denver Nuggets)
Quick snapshot
- First NBA player to test positive for COVID-19 (ESPN (sports news authority))
- 4x Defensive Player of the Year (ESPN NBA Awards database)
- Traded to Minnesota Timberwolves in 2022 (NBA.com)
- Identity of mother of his child not publicly confirmed (Reddit r/nba (discussion thread))
- Full extent of rift with Donovan Mitchell after COVID-19 (Reddit r/nba (discussion thread))
- Exact date when Shaq first publicly criticized Gobert beyond 2021 (Reddit r/nba (discussion thread))
- Gobert’s precise endorsement earnings since the COVID-19 incident (Reddit r/nba (discussion thread))
- March 9, 2020: microphones touched (CNN (US news outlet))
- March 11, 2020: positive test, season suspended (ESPN (sports news authority))
- Ongoing Shaq feud likely to continue (Deseret News (Utah newspaper))
- Gobert’s reputation among peers remains mixed (Deseret News (Utah newspaper))
Seven key facts that define Rudy Gobert’s profile, drawn from official league records and verified reports.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel |
| Born | June 26, 1992, Saint-Quentin, France |
| NBA draft | 2013, 1st round, 27th overall by Denver Nuggets |
| Current team | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Position | Center |
| Defensive Player of the Year | 4 times (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) |
| Career earnings (approx.) | Over $200 million |
What happened to Rudy Gobert?
COVID-19 incident and apology
On March 9, 2020, Gobert touched reporters’ microphones and recorders during a pre-game media availability, appearing to joke about the coronavirus CNN (US news outlet). Two days later, he tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the first publicly reported NBA player with the virus ESPN (sports news authority). The NBA suspended its season that night.
Gobert issued a public apology on Instagram on March 12, 2020, saying he was sorry for potentially endangering people and admitting he had been careless KJZZ (Utah local TV). He later donated money to COVID-19 relief efforts.
Gobert became a cautionary tale overnight: his careless act made him the face of athlete irresponsibility even though the season shutdown was inevitable. For Gobert, the apology came too late to undo the reputational damage.
The pattern here is clear: a single misstep defined a narrative that followed Gobert for years, regardless of his on-court achievements.
Suspension and fine
The NBA fined Gobert $100,000 for his microphone prank ESPN (sports news authority). He was not formally suspended beyond missing games during the league’s shutdown, but the financial penalty was among the largest for a single incident at the time.
Trade to Minnesota Timberwolves
In 2022, the Jazz traded Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster deal that sent multiple players and draft picks to Utah. The trade reshaped both franchises and gave Gobert a fresh start away from the Jazz organization where the COVID-19 drama unfolded.
Did Rudy Gobert apologize for COVID?
Details of the apology
Gobert posted a video apology on Instagram on March 12, 2020, stating: “I was careless and I take full responsibility for my actions” KJZZ (Utah local TV). He also expressed concern for those he may have endangered and encouraged fans to take the virus seriously.
Reaction from teammates and league
Teammate Donovan Mitchell, who also tested positive for COVID-19 after Gobert, reportedly had a strained relationship with Gobert following the incident. Mitchell later discussed the situation on J.J. Redick’s podcast “The Old Man & The Three” Reddit r/nba (linking to podcast). The rift highlighted the locker-room tension Gobert created.
What did Shaq say about Rudy Gobert?
Shaq’s criticism of Gobert’s defense
Shaquille O’Neal has repeatedly questioned Gobert’s defensive accolades despite Gobert winning Defensive Player of the Year multiple times. On “Inside the NBA”, Shaq often argues that modern centers are overpaid for limited offensive output, using Gobert’s $205 million contract as Exhibit A New York Post (New York tabloid).
Shaq’s refusal to praise Gobert on Nikola Jokic
When Gobert defended Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic during a playoff series, Shaq refused to give Gobert credit, instead minimizing the achievement. This became a recurring theme in the feud Deseret News (Utah newspaper).
The ongoing feud between Shaq and Gobert
Gobert has called Shaq’s criticism “sad” and argued that former players should uplift rather than tear down current talent Deseret News (Utah newspaper). The feud shows no sign of cooling, with Shaq continuing to bring up Gobert’s name on national TV.
Why did Rudy Gobert get suspended from the NBA?
The microphone touching incident
Gobert’s March 9, 2020 prank of touching all microphones at a press conference sparked fierce backlash after he tested positive for COVID-19 CNN (US news outlet). The NBA viewed him as reckless and issued a $100,000 fine.
Impact on the 2019-2020 season suspension
Gobert’s positive test directly triggered the NBA’s decision to halt the season on March 11, 2020 ESPN (sports news authority). While he wasn’t the only factor, his case became the catalyst that ended the regular season.
Why don’t players like Rudy Gobert?
Reputation among peers
Some players view Gobert as overrated defensively because of his limited offensive game. The COVID-19 incident damaged his reputation further, creating a perception of carelessness. Gobert has also had on-court altercations with players like Draymond Green Deseret News (Utah newspaper).
Perception of his defensive awards
Despite being a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, Gobert’s awards are sometimes dismissed by peers who argue he benefits from Utah’s system. Shaq’s ongoing critique amplifies this narrative.
Gobert faces a career-long battle for respect. His defensive statistics are historic, but the court of public opinion—especially from fellow NBA legends—continues to frame him as a cautionary tale of overpay.
The implication: Gobert’s legacy now depends as much on changing public perception as on adding more awards to his shelf.
Timeline
- June 26, 1992: Rudy Gobert born in Saint-Quentin, France.
- 2013: Drafted 27th overall by Denver Nuggets, traded to Utah Jazz.
- 2018-2021: Wins NBA Defensive Player of the Year four consecutive times.
- March 9, 2020: Gobert touches all microphones at a press conference, joking about COVID-19 CNN (US news outlet).
- March 11, 2020: Gobert tests positive for COVID-19; NBA suspends season ESPN (sports news authority).
- March 12, 2020: Gobert apologizes publicly KJZZ (Utah local TV).
- 2022: Traded to Minnesota Timberwolves in blockbuster deal.
- 2023-2024: Shaq publicly criticizes Gobert’s defense; Gobert responds Deseret News (Utah newspaper).
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 on March 11, 2020 ESPN (sports news authority).
- He touched microphones on March 9, 2020 CNN (US news outlet).
- Fined $100,000 by the NBA ESPN (sports news authority).
- 4x Defensive Player of the Year ESPN NBA Awards database.
- Traded to Timberwolves in 2022.
- Shaq has publicly criticized Gobert’s contract and game New York Post (New York tabloid).
What’s unclear
- Exact identity of the mother of Gobert’s child.
- Full extent of the rift with Donovan Mitchell after COVID-19 Reddit r/nba (discussion thread).
- Precise timeline of when Shaq’s criticisms first began beyond 2021.
- Gobert’s exact endorsement income since the COVID-19 incident.
Quotes
“I was careless and I take full responsibility for my actions.”
— Rudy Gobert, Instagram apology, March 12, 2020 KJZZ (Utah local TV)
“If Rudy Gobert can get $200 million, you better get $300 million.”
— Shaquille O’Neal, quoted by the New York Post New York Post (New York tabloid)
“It is sad to see someone that has accomplished so much try to tear down the next generation.”
— Rudy Gobert, responding to Shaq, cited by Deseret News Deseret News (Utah newspaper)
The pattern across Gobert’s career is clear: historic defensive production has been repeatedly overshadowed by off-court missteps and a persistent narrative that he is not worth his contract. For Gobert, the fight is no longer just about wins and losses—it’s about changing a public image hardened by one microphone touch and years of Shaq’s barbs. For fans and analysts, the implication is equally sharp: Gobert may never get the respect his stats deserve, no matter how many Defensive Player of the Year trophies he collects.
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For a deeper look into his career stats and off-court incidents, Rudy Goberts biography and controversies provides a comprehensive overview.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rudy Gobert’s height and weight?
Gobert is 7′ 1″ and weighs 258 lbs.
How many Defensive Player of the Year awards has Rudy Gobert won?
He has won 4, tied for the most all-time.
What team does Rudy Gobert play for in 2025?
He plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
How much is Rudy Gobert’s contract worth?
He signed a five-year, $205 million extension with the Utah Jazz in December 2020.
Did Rudy Gobert get traded?
Yes, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2022.
What is Rudy Gobert’s age?
He was born on June 26, 1992, making him 33 years old as of 2025.
What are Rudy Gobert’s career stats?
His career averages include roughly 12.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game over 12 seasons.
For NBA observers, the choice is simple: judge Gobert by his four Defensive Player of the Year trophies or by one ill-advised microphone touch. The data supports one conclusion, but public sentiment leans toward the other—and that gap is unlikely to close anytime soon.
