While the NBA is expected to review videos circulating on Kyrie Irving’s social media without a mask on what appears to be a family birthday party, all indications are that the Brooklyn Nets escort will not return to the lineup of the team this week, sources told ESPN.
Irving has already been ruled out of his fourth straight game Tuesday night against Denver, and sources say he is expected to at least miss Wednesday’s game against New York and Saturday’s game against Orlando. His absence has been attributed to personal reasons.
In the videos, which began to be widely shared Monday night, a smiling Irving dances with his sister Asia on a confetti-covered floor and claps as she lights candles. If the video is found to be recent, this behavior could be a violation of the league’s coronavirus protocols.
The league’s COVID-19 guidelines prohibit players from going to clubs, bars and lounges. They also prohibit attending social gatherings of more than 15 people.
This investigation comes during a turbulent week as the league is re-evaluating its coronavirus health and safety rules. The league canceled three games this week as they increased positive tests for COVID-19 and quarantine contact tracking.
The NBA board of governors will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, sources told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Team general managers received a call Monday that focused on adjusting 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 Christmas club celebration in Houston. After an investigation, the league fined the Houston Rockets star $ 50,000 and had to quarantine him for four days while conducting daily COVID-19 tests.
If a player misses a game for a COVID-19 violation, he would lose 1/72 of his salary, according to league rules.