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Kyrie Irving # 11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Washington Wizards on February 1, 2020 at 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 said on Friday.
NBA league president of operations Byron Spruell made the decision, after Irving was spotted at a “private indoor party” last weekend without a mask. His presence violated NBA rules which prohibit players “from attending indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people or entering bars, lounges, clubs or similar establishments.”
Irving, whom the Nets will pay $ 33 million this season, will lose his salary for games he missed during his quarantine period. Although Irving has escaped the last five games for the Nets, he’s 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 league protocols.
The Covid-19 epidemics hit the NBA hard this week, forcing the league to postpone many games since 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 has tightened Covid-19 protocols to make more masks mandatory in team areas and issued a two-week stay-at-home policy. Players and team personnel must remain in their residence when in National Markets outside of team activities at training venues or arenas.
In addition to Irving’s possible return, the Nets will also welcome James Harden to the club. The team traded to Harden in four-team traction on Wednesday.
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