New York Knicks Hall-Of-Famer Patrick Ewing Hospitalized Due To COVID-19

Source: Twitter

New York Knicks Hall-Of-Famer and Georgetown University Head Men’s basketball coach Patrick Ewing has revealed that he is in the hospital after testing positive for the novel coronavirus. The NBA legend posted a statement on Twitter Friday night to let fans know about his COVID-19 diagnosis.

“I want to share that I have tested positive for COVID-19,” wrote Ewing. “This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly. I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and take care of yourselves and your loved ones.”

I want to share that I have tested positive for COVID-19. This virus is serious and should not be taken lightly. I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and take care of yourselves and your loved ones. pic.twitter.com/a2fMuhIZyG

— Patrick Ewing (@CoachEwing33) May 22, 2020

The 57-year-old – who is in isolation at a local hospital – also posted a statement from Georgetown Athletics. It read that Ewing has elected to share his diagnosis with the public to emphasize that the COVID-19 virus can affect anyone.

The statement also included another quote from Ewing, who thanked healthcare workers and those who are on the front lines. He also assured fans that he will be fine and “we will all get through this.”

Ewing is an 11-time NBA All Star and an Olympic Gold Medalist who was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2008. The seven-foot center played 15 of his 17 seasons in the NBA with the New York Knicks, and he holds the team records for most points scored, most rebounds, and most blocked shots.

After serving as an assistant coach on NBA teams like the Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, and Houston Rockets, Ewing became the head men’s basketball coach at Georgetown University in 2017.

Oak's bond with Patrick Ewing runs deep. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/QLmRTkLFTP

— Knicks Nation (@KnicksNationCP) May 23, 2020

The University says that Ewing is the only member of their men’s basketball program who has tested positive for COVID-19. According to People magazine, Washington, D.C. has been one of the hardest hit cities in the United States when it comes to the novel coronavirus. As of Saturday, May 23, the city has had at least 7,893 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and at least 418 deaths related to the virus.

After Patrick Ewing revealed that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the official Twitter account of the New York Knicks tweeted: “Get well soon, Big Fella. Stay strong.”

Ewing’s longtime Knicks teammate Charles Oakley tweeted that he went to war with Ewing for ten years, and he won’t leave him on the battlefield now. “Get well Patrick. More fights ahead,” wrote Oakley.