The NBA’s anonymous reporting line has become the subject of the NBA bubble at Disney World this week, and Doc Rivers is set to make some jokes.
The information line reportedly received multiple calls about players who broke the COVID-19 security protocol for wearing masks and social distancing after arriving in Orlando, Florida. The hotline is meant to keep everyone safe before and during the season, restarting on July 30 as coronavirus cases rise in the surrounding Florida area.
That comes with some criticism (now some call it the “snitch hotline”) and concerns about how teams will use it in pursuit of an NBA championship on the season restart.
The Los Angeles Clippers coach is already teasing that thought, joking with reporters on Wednesday that he has already used the hotline.
His first target was none other than city rival LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Doc Rivers jokes about the hotline: “I delivered LeBron yesterday. Today I deliver Pop. I’m trying to deliver all these guys. I think it’s great. We’re going to be the only team left when this is done.”
– Shane Young (@YoungNBA) July 15, 2020
He could also put the hotline on speed dial after joking around with San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, too.
Of course, there is a grain of truth in every joke, and Rivers was the center of concern. Players reported to the hotline so far have only received warnings, according to a report by The Athletic’s Shams Charania. But that will likely change in the future, as the NBA takes every possible precaution to keep players, staff, and staff safe in the bubble environment.
At least two players, Bruno Caboclo and Richaun Holmes, have already had to restart the required quarantine period after breaking the rules. There is no margin for error because COVID-19 spreads very quickly.
The anonymous tips investigation process and the more severe penalties to be applied for breaking the protocol are unclear. That makes fans wonder if players and coaches could “bribe” for a competitive advantage. Facing the Lakers without James is huge.
See you, Doc.
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers joked that he called LeBron James on the bubble site’s anonymous hotline. (AP Photo / Ringo HW Chiu)
