A mosquito-born virus linked to birth defects may keep a six-time NBA All-Star champion from playing in Brazil's Olympics.
"I'm thinking about (whether or not to go)," said at a Monday event in Madrid, according to ESPN. "Just like every athlete, or any other person considering going to Rio, should be thinking about it."
Gasol, a Spanish basketball star who currently plays for the Chicago Bulls, helped Spain win silver medals in 2008 and 2012. But the threat of the Zika virus, which U.S. officials have warned is a "bit scarier" than perviously thought, might keep him and other athletes from going to Rio de Janeiro this upcoming August.
"It wouldn't surprise me to see some athletes deciding not to participate in the games to avoid putting their health and the health of their families at risk," Gasol said, according to the Associated Press.
Earlier this month, public health experts warned that Brazil should consider not hosting the Olympics this year as the virus continues to spread.
Gasol, who said he hasn't made a definitive decision, said he wants to keep himself informed of the growing crisis. He also lobbed a complaint at the Olympic committee, saying they haven't done enough to inform athletes of the risks.
"I hope the national Olympic committees and the health organizations can be as clear as possible about the risks in Brazil so athletes can decide whether or not to take risks," he said. "I don't think we've been told enough about it."
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