NBA star fined Sh5.5 million over Covid protocol breach
Kevin Durant #7 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets high-five during the fourth quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 25, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts.
What you need to know:
- Irving is a key part of a Brooklyn team hoping to become serious title challengers this season.
- The Nets acquired Houston Rockets star James Harden this week to form a heavyweight line-up alongside Irving and Kevin Durant, who returned to play this season after a year-long injury absence.
- The Nets are sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, with seven wins and six defeats.
New York
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving has been fined $50,000 (Sh5.5 million) by the NBA after attending a crowded indoor party without wearing a mask, the league said Friday.
Irving was placed under investigation after video emerged on social media showing him attending a birthday party with no mask.
NBA protocols to combat the coronavirus forbid players from attending indoor gatherings of more than 15 people.
Irving has not played since January 5 for what the Nets have said are "personal reasons".
However he will be eligible to return to team activities on Saturday after a five-day quarantine period, provided he continues to test negative for the virus, the NBA said in a statement.
Irving will also forfeit salary earned during his quarantine period.
Irving is a key part of a Brooklyn team hoping to become serious title challengers this season.
The Nets acquired Houston Rockets star James Harden this week to form a heavyweight line-up alongside Irving and Kevin Durant, who returned to play this season after a year-long injury absence.
The Nets are sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, with seven wins and six defeats.
