Evan Fournier experiencing concussion-like symptoms after COVID-19

Brian Babineau. Getty Images.

Last night, after the Celtics' tough loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Evan Fournier spoke to the media about his recent return from being in the NBA's Health and Safety Protocols after contracting the Coronavirus.

Fournier said he's been feeling "really weird" since returning from COVID-19. Said it feels like he has a concussion. The bright lights were bothering his eyes and his vision was blurry. Everything going too fast for him. A bit better now but in some ways, "it's still the case."

— Jay King (@ByJayKing) May 3, 2021

All about perspective when "feeling bad" for millionaire athletes.

That said, I feel bad for Evan Fournier. This is shitty. I got to know him some here in Orlando. I know how much those playoff runs with the Magic meant. Easy to see how much he wanted this with Boston. Awful. https://t.co/xP79Xq9EnH

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 3, 2021

While some fans will inevitably chalk up Fournier's comments to "excuses," I think it's safe to say that this is a serious matter, and I do feel for Fournier. This NBA season is more so "The Pandemic Season" than last year, as so many players have missed time either from contact tracing or by contracting the virus themselves. Jayson Tatum spoke earlier in the season about how he now uses an inhaler before games now for the first time in his life due to his own battle against the Coronavirus, so it sucks to hear that Fournier is still struggling to overcome the virus' impact himself.

Jayson Tatum said he's talked with Evan Fournier about coming back from COVID. He added "It was great to see him find his rhythm and look good out there."

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 3, 2021

After watching what Jayson Tatum went through with COVID and hearing Evan Fournier talk about the things he's dealing with after COVID, maybe lay off these guys some?

Just because your uncle's friend's hairdresser's mechanic was fine, doesn't mean everyone else ends up that way.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) May 3, 2021

FWIW, Fournier had his best game since returning from Health and Safety Protocols last night, as he scored 21 points on 8-10 shooting from the field. Here's to hoping that he's starting to overcome the effects he described last night, not only for the team's sake, but most importantly for his own personal well-being.