NBA Player Patrick Ewing Hospitalized for COVID-19

The former National Basketball Association hall of fame player Patrick Ewing was diagnosed with the CCP Virus and has been hospitalized.

NTD Newsroom

Published: 5/24/2020, 4:57:28 PM EDT

NBA Player Patrick Ewing Hospitalized for COVID-19 — NBA Hall of Famer and former Georgetown Hoyas player Patrick Ewing is introduced as the Georgetown Hoyas' new head basketball coach at John Thompson Jr. Athletic Center in Washington, DC, on April 5, 2017. (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Former NBA superstar and Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing was diagnosed with the CCP Virus and has since been hospitalized, according to a statement he put out on Twitter on Friday, May 22.

As indicated by the statement issued by Georgetown Athletics, the former basketball player has tested positive for the virus and is being treated in isolation at a local hospital.

"I wanted 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 yourself and your loved ones," the statement reads.

Further in the statement, Ewing thanked healthcare workers, along with the people who have been working hard to combat the virus.

"Now more than ever, I want to thank the healthcare workers and everyone on the front lines. I'll be fine and we will all get through this," the statement reads.

Furthermore, in the statement, Georgetown Athletics informed the public that Ewing was the only person from the men's basketball program who tested positive for COVID-19.

The New York Knicks, the team that Ewing had previously played for prior to his retirement, had wished him well on Twitter after Ewing posted his statement regarding his positive test.

"Get well soon, Big Fella. Stay strong," the team wrote.

Charles Oakley, who played alongside Ewing for the Knicks, also offered support on Twitter, writing, "I went to war with you for ten years. I won't leave you on the battlefield now. More fights ahead."

According to CBS Sports, Ewing is serving as the basketball coach for Georgetown and is entering the fourth season with the program from Georgetown Athletics. Following his retirement announced back in 2002, he began a new coaching career as an NBA assistant. Currently, Ewing is coaching the Georgetown University's Head Men's Basketball team, according to the statement.

Aside from Ewing, Sean Payton, the New Orleans Saints coach, as well as James Dolan, the New York Knicks owner, had also tested positive for the virus, among other public sports figures, according to CBS Sports.

According to CBS Sports, during his career as a basketball player, Ewing was an 11-time NBA All-Star. He played alongside the Hoyas and won the 1984 national championship. According to the news outlet, he is considered one of NBA's top players of all time.