Nuggets execs spoke with MPJ about coronavirus remarks

Members of the Denver Nuggets' front office spoke to Michael Porter Jr. after the rookie forward voiced a conspiracy theory that the coronavirus is a means of population control.

"I know that (Nuggets president) Tim Connelly, our front office, has talked to Michael about his comments long before I realized what was said," Nuggets coach Mike Malone told the media Wednesday, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "So, it has been (discussed with) him, he understands the situation."

Porter was responding to a question submitted by a fan through Snapchat on Tuesday. Though the 22-year-old said the pandemic was "serious" and "a real thing," he also opined that is was being used "for a bigger agenda."

Porter added that it "would be crazy" if vaccination was required for traveling, noting that he had personally never been vaccinated.

Malone said it isn't his role to tell his players what they are allowed to say publicly.

"Obviously, I'm not the thought police," Malone said. "I'm not going to tell any of our players what they can and can't say. All I would say is just be sensitive to the current situation in our country and throughout the world in regards to (the) coronavirus.

"Michael Porter and any other player on our roster, they're entitled to their opinions and ability to have free speech and I will respect that as long as it doesn't become a distraction. What Michael stated, being around our players this morning at breakfast and practice, has not become a distraction at all."