Basketball bosses yesterday suspended the NBA season after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the virus.
Jeff Cheshire (27) was in Las Vegas watching the PAC-12 basketball tournament when the decision was taken.
"Everyone is in a wee bit of disbelief. It has snowballed so quickly, some people think it is a bit of an overreaction."
The Las Vegas tournament will be completed behind closed doors, with only coaching staff and family allowed to watch."When the news about the NBA broke it shocked everyone because that is big time. To suspend a whole season of a league of that magnitude is crazy."
Cheshire, an Otago Daily Times sports reporter, said he was disappointed he would not be able to see the rest of the tournament, but was grateful he had already watched four NBA games and his favourite college team, St Mary’s California Gaels.
He was due to return to New Zealand next week and hoped flights would not be affected.
