Kyrie Irving subject to massive ‘protocol violation’ fine pending investigation
By Mike Luciano
Kyrie Irving might find himself in hot water with the rest of the league.
The button-down mind of Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving has once again made its way into the news for reasons other than what he is doing on the court, as a video leaked showing Irving apparently attending his sister Asia’s 30th birthday party without a mask when he is supposed to be on a personal leave from the team.
Marc Stein is reporting that the NBA has opened a formal inquisition into Irving’s potential activity at that birthday party. If Irving misses time due to a violation of the coronavirus protocol, he could forfeit a game check of $460,000 per game.
The NBA has formally opened a review of videos that appear to show the Nets' Kyrie Irving at a recent party without a mask
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 12, 2021
If Irving misses any games due to what is ruled a protocols violation, he would be subject to a fine of more than $460,000 per game ... 1/72 of his salary
Kyrie Irving could be punished for going AWOL.
When he has been on the court, Irving has lived up to every iota of hype he garnered over the last few years, averaging 27.1 points and 6.1 assists per game. Unfortunately, due to his extended leave, he has only been able to suit up in seven games for the Nets.
With Brooklyn at 5-6 and in need of their star point guard to give them some stability, Irving has left them at the altar. While he should be accepted for taking time off if it was for mental health purposes or to care for someone in his family, leaving to go and have a birthday party indoors without a mask on shows flippant disregard for the league’s safety protocols.
Irving has produced on the court, but this action could draw strong condemnation from the league and his own team. Nets fans just need to hope Irving returns to the court as soon as possible, as Kyrie and Kevin Durant putting together a few more virtuoso performances could help the Nets put this incident in the past and get back to winning games.
