Kevin Love Donates $100,000 to Cavs Arena Staff After NBA Suspends Season

March 13, 2020

Cleveland Cavaliers all-star Kevin Love has stepped up to support the arena staff members who were impacted by the NBA season suspension.

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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 Mar 12, 2020 at 2:36pm PDT

On Thursday, the Cavaliers star, 31, revealed he is donating $100,000 through his foundation to support the staff at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, the Cleveland, Ohio arena where his team plays.

"Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. And the fear and anxiety resulting from the recent outbreak of COVID-19 can be extremely overwhelming," Love captioned a photo of himself with the arena workers.

"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."

Love's message was met with a sea of support from fans as well as the Cavaliers organization, who announced that they would be compensating all of their hourly employees and event staff team members "as if every game and every event is still taking place."

Other stars sent Love support on social media, including sports journalist and broadcaster Taylor Rooks.

Kevin Love is everything that’s good about the NBA. He’s everything that’s good about people. He shows it time and time again
This pandemic is and has been rough on all of us. But it’s gestures like Kevin’s that give us all some peace. Be kind to one another. This will pass.
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) March 13, 2020