While the NBA is expected to review videos circulating on Kyrie Irving’s social networks without a mask at what appears to be a family birthday party, everything seems to indicate that the Brooklyn Nets goalie will not return to team line this week, sources said ESPN.
Irving has already been ruled out of the fourth game in a row on Tuesday night against Denver, and sources say he expects to at least miss Wednesday’s game against New York and Saturday’s game against Orlando. His absence was attributed to personal reasons.
In the videos, which began to be widely shared on Monday night, a smiling Irving dances with Asia’s sister on a confetti-strewn floor and claps her hands while blowing out candles. If the video is found to be recent, that behavior could be a violation of the league’s coronavirus protocols.
The COVID-19 rules of the league prohibit players from going to clubs, bars and lounges. I also forbid the participation in social gatherings of more than 15 people.
This investigation comes during a troubled week, as the league reevaluates its coronavirus health and safety rules. The league canceled three games this week as positive tests for COVID-19 and contact tracking quarantines increased.
The NBA board of governors will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, sources said Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. The team’s general managers received a call on Monday that focused on adjusting protocols.
The NBA has investigated other health and safety violations this season. In December, Black Sports Online posted a video of James Harden spending the night without a mask, allegedly at a Houston Christmas party. After an investigation, the league fined the Houston Rockets star $ 50,000 and had to quarantine him for four days while testing daily for COVID-19.
If a player misses a game due to a violation of COVID-19, he would lose 1/72 of his salary, according to league rules.