Kyrie Irving # 11 of the Brooklyn Nets watches during the game against the Washington Wizards on February 1, 2020 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. (Photo by Ned Dishman / NBAE via Getty Images)
Ned Dishman / NBAE via Getty Images
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has been fined $ 50,000 for violating Covid-19 protocols, the National Basketball Association announced on Friday.
NBA League Operations President Byron Spruell made the decision after Irving was seen at a “private indoor party” last weekend without a mask. His presence violated NBA rules that prohibit players from “attending social gatherings covered by 15 or more people or entering bars, lounges, clubs or similar units.”
Irving, who the Nets will pay $ 33 million this season, will lose his salary for the games he missed during the quarantine period. Although Irving has dealt in the last five Nets games, he is only docked for two games and has to give up over $ 400,000 per game.
The NBA has said Irving is allowed to return on Saturday if he clears the league’s minutes.
The Covid-19 outbreaks hit the NBA hard this week, forcing the league to postpone numerous games Monday, including Saturday’s Indiana Pacers contest against the Chicago Bulls. The league also released its latest pandemic test report, noting that 16 new players have tested positive.
To help fight outbreaks, the NBA strengthened Covid-19 protocols to impose more masks on team areas and issued a two-week home stay policy. Players and team staff must remain in their residence while in the internal markets, outside the team’s activities at training venues or arenas.
In addition to Irving’s possible return, the Nets will welcome James Harden to the club. The team traded four-team traction with Harden on Wednesday.