Sources – Kyrie Irving is not expected to join the Brooklyn Nets this week; The NBA expected to review videos without a mask

As the NBA is expected to review videos circulating on social media of a masked Kyrie Irving at what appears to be a family birthday party, there is no belief that the Brooklyn Nets goalie will return to the team’s lineup this week, sources told ESPN.

Irving has already been ruled out of his fourth straight game on Tuesday night against Denver, and sources say he at least expects to 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 Monday night – a smiling Irving dances with Asia’s sister on a confetti-covered floor and claps her hands while blowing out candles. If the video is found to be recent, that behavior could be a violation of coronavirus league protocols.

The COVID-19 guide of the league forbids players to go to clubs, bars and salons. I also prohibit 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 because positive COVID-19 tests and contact tracking quarantines were mounted.

The NBA board of governors is holding a special meeting on Tuesday, sources for ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said. The team’s general managers had a call on Monday that focused on tightening protocols.

The NBA has investigated other health and safety violations this season. In December, Black Sports Online released a video of James Harden partying without a mask, allegedly at a club’s Christmas party in Houston. After an investigation, the league fined the Houston Rockets star $ 50,000 and had to quarantine him for four days while returning daily negative COVID-19 tests.

Harden never missed a game.

If a player misses a game for a violation of COVID-19, he would lose 1/72 of his salary, according to league rules.