The NBA handed down a $50,000 fine to the Nets' Kyrie Irving after the star guard violated the league's COVID-19 policy. In addition to the $50K, Irving will have to quarantine for five days, and, as the New York Times' Marc Stein tweeted, Irving “will forfeit more than $400,000 in salary per game for those missed during quarantine at a rate of 1/81.6 of his season salary." Stein calculates Irving could see a total of $870,000 in forfeited salary.
Irving was cited, per a statement from the NBA, for “attending indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people or entering bars, lounges, clubs or similar establishments.” A video of Kyrie at a gathering reportedly for his sister went viral and sparked much outrage. Before the video surfaced, Irving stepped away from the Nets for "personal reasons," but his head coach Steve Nash, GM Sean Marks, and teammates were left in the dark about him taking time off.
Lucky for Kyrie, his quarantine ends on Saturday. However, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews, "Irving will miss his sixth consecutive game on Saturday against Orlando, league sources said. Unlike the previous five games, Irving is out due to health and safety protocols. He had previously been listed as out for personal reasons."
Nevertheless, Irving's imminent return will be a welcome sight as the league will get to see the newly formed "Big 3" of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden.
Source: espn.com
