Rudy Gobert responds to relationship breakdown rumours

The NBA’s coronavirus patient zero has made a startling admission on his relationship breakdown — as a report revealed a dramatic twist in the feud.

Rudy Gobert has admitted his relationship with star Utah teammate Donovan Mitchell has been icy after the Frenchman became the NBA’s coronavirus patient zero.

However, Gobert has now spoken out for the first time to reveal he and Mitchell have begun patching up their fractured relationship after the French centre was accused of passing on the deadly virus to his teammate. The accusations have never been proven.

Gobert’s positive test for COVID-19 immediately led to the league suspending its season on the night of March 11.

Mitchell tested positive the following day, and soon, there were reports of frustration coming out of the Jazz locker room after Gobert had been “careless” leading up to his diagnosis, according to ESPN.

Almost a month later, reports continued to emerge that the pair’s relationship did not appear “salvageable” — according to The Athletic.

However, Gobert on Monday (AEST) claimed he has a “great” relationship with his fellow All Star.

“It is true that we did not speak for a while, but... we are both ready to go out there and try to win a championship for this team,” Gobert told Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks.

He admitted his relationship with Mitchell was still “far from perfect”.

Gobert’s admission came on the same day reports emerged of a dramatic twist in the feud that claimed Gobert also has grievances towards Mitchell — and the disconnect is far from one-sided.

Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reported on Monday, the ill-feeling is mutual with Gobert reportedly taking offence to Mitchell’s conduct following his coronavirus positive test.

“Both players had issues with one another stemming from the developments of the COVID-19 positive results that they ultimately recovered from,” Haynes posted on Twitter.

“There’s more work to be done, but the chat is a good sign they’re working on turning the page.”

Sources: Both players had issues with one another stemming from the developments of the COVID-19 positive results that they ultimately recovered from. There’s more work to be done, but the chat is a good sign they’re working on turning the page. https://t.co/7q0LzjskEs

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 13, 2020

He reported Gobert and Mitchell had a conversation over the phone on Sunday (AEST) in an attempt to move on from the episode.

Gobert has profusely apologised ever since his original careless response to coronavirus symptoms — and even donated $800,000 to health services and arena employees.

It still wasn’t enough to heal the rift with Mitchell.

It is going to be a case of very small steps as the Jazz tries to re-connect two of its biggest stars before the NBA season returns.

Aussie teammate Joe Ingles said over the weekend he doesn’t see the rift having any impact on the team’s performance when the league starts up again.

“I’m confident our team is going to be totally fine,” Ingles told The Athletic.

“I heard Donovan’s response, or whatever it was, to that question, and a part of that is on Donovan and Rudy to sort out if he’s frustrated with him or whatever.

“But I have no doubt when we go back to training, or when our season starts again, our team is going to be what we have been and what we are.

“I’m confident our team will be completely fine. The chemistry will be fine.”

Originally published as Rudy Gobert responds to relationship breakdown rumours