Toronto Raptors Athlete Breaks Quarantine Protocols

Chris Boucher, a forward with the Toronto Raptors, was not trying to defy orders in place from the Toronto Raptors organization nor the Federal and Provincial governments when he stepped out to get groceries this week. His reasons were the same as many who stepped out while limiting their distance from others, the need to get food supplies that had run out.

Commenting on the picture that showed the forward shopping at a Downtown Toronto Loblaw’s, Boucher said; “What really happened to me was just that for a minute I needed to get stuff for me to survive, really. Like, I didn’t have nothing and I didn’t want to trust Uber Eats or anything and all that, especially knowing the way the virus was spreading. So I got my test and they were saying that I was negative. So now I know that I can’t do nothing to people, so I just wanted to get my groceries done.”

The issue came to light at Boucher was seen shopping in a downtown Toronto Loblaw’s only days after receiving a mandate from the Raptors organization that all its players must remain quarantined. That order was in place until such time as they received test results that showed they are free of the COVID-19 virus.

The reason for the Raptors placed its players, coaches and team assistants in self-quarantine was due to the Raptors last game played before the NBA suspended the regular season was against the Utah Jazz, whose player Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus.

The continued spread of the virus has caused fears in many people as they limit their activities and do their part to help stop the spread by not going to work and cancelling all social commitments. It led to many trying to publicly shame Chris Boucher after a photo of him shipping for groceries was posted to social media. Boucher for his part posted on his Instagram account an apology stating that he realized he was wrong to step out.

That apology stated:“It’s not like I wanted to be seen. Somebody just took a picture, knew where I was. It’s unfortunate. I can’t do nothing, but that’s not something I was trying to do. Nobody wants to get that virus. I don’t want to give it to nobody if I had it. Definitely, I should have just stayed home and that’s why I felt like I had to apologize, because even if I knew that I didn’t have it, it’s not acceptable.”

What is important to keep in mind is that when Boucher decided to go out and get much needed groceries that the public was still in its infancy at taking the virus seriously. They had only have begun to realize the importance of social distancing and that failing to be vigilant in the matter will only make the situation worse.