It’s been a wild 24 hours for the sports world, with the news that many sports leagues including the NBA are suspending operations.

The burden is going to be felt most by workers who are dependent on sports events and others to collect a wage, many of whom live paycheque to paycheque, and Kevin Love is going to do his part by pledging $100,000 to support arena workers at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The arena also hosts the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters.

 

 

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

In Dallas, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is also putting a plan in place to support his hourly employees.

Hopefully, in cities around the sports world where hourly workers will be impacted, the necessary steps will be taken to make sure that everyone is taken care of.

h/t Instagram/kevinlove