Source: NBA ref Kirkland tests negative for virus

NBA referee Courtney Kirkland’s coronavirus results came back negative, and doctors cleared him to leave Sacramento, a source confirms to ESPN.

Kirkland had been in Sacramento since Wednesday’s game between the Kings and Pelicans was postponed just minutes before tipoff because he was also assigned to work a Jazz–Raptors game in Salt Lake City on Monday.

Jazz All-Stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell both tested positive for the coronavirus. However, Kirkland is now cleared to resume all activities with no restrictions.

Kirkland initially received the test on Thursday afternoon, and he has isolated himself from family and others until getting the results, a source tells ESPN.

Kirkland, 45, has 20 seasons of NBA experience under his belt, officiating 1,205 regular season contests and 25 playoff games.