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NBA to probe video of Irving at party as he continues to sit out
The NBA is expected to investigate after videos surfaced on Monday of Irving — who has missed the Nets’ last three games for “personal reasons” — which appear to show the Nets star attending a family birthday party, ESPN is reporting. It is unclear when and where the video was shot.
In the video, Irving, who was not wearing a mask despite his presence in a crowded, indoor space, is seen dancing with his sister Asia. Asia turned 30 on Tuesday while his father Drederick also had a birthday this week. He is 55.
“We are aware of a video on social media featuring Kyrie Irving at a family gathering,” GM Sean Marks said in a statement. “We are reviewing the circumstances with both Kyrie and the NBA in order to determine compliance with health and safety protocols.”
Marks added that “Kyrie remains away from the team due to personal reasons.” He said a return date has not yet been finalized.
“Kyrie will have the opportunity to address his absence when he is ready to do so,” Marks said.
If the video is found to be recent, then the NBA could fine him for violating the league’s health and safety protocol. In an effort to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus while launching a season amid a pandemic, the league has banned players from attending gatherings of more than 15 people. The league also bans players from going to clubs, bars and lounges.
“I didn’t see it,” Nets head coach Steve Nash said on Monday. “But I think that Sean made a statement. And you know, for my position, I’m going to leave it that, Sean and the organization’s statement and really focus on the game tonight, you know? Great challenge tonight and I’m going to need all my focus and our team’s focus.
“This season is so challenging. We’ve got our hands full. Literally, it’s getting up and getting to work every day and pushing these guys to continue to grow and to come together and build a team. So, we just are pushing these guys to be the best they can be and to understand clearly and simply what we are asking for and get the best out of them. You just focus on the work ahead.”
The NBA fined Rockets star James Harden $50,000 for his maskless appearance at a club in December during the league’s abbreviated offseason and he was forced to quarantine for four days while registering consecutive negative COVID-19 tests. Harden, though, never missed a game.
Irving will not play against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday and is not expected to play Wednesday at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks or Saturday against the Orlando Magic. Neither Kevin Durant, his close friend and teammate, nor Nash have disclosed the nature of Irving’s absence.
“I wouldn’t speak for Kyrie, I’ll let him do that for himself,” Durant said. “I’m sure you guys will see him soon after he comes back. We support him 100 percent and pray for the best.”
Irving signed a four-year, $146 million contract with the Nets two summers ago. Last season, he appeared in just 20 games and eventually opted for season-ending shoulder surgery. Irving is averaging 27 points, six assists and five rebounds in the 27 total games he has played in Brooklyn. The Nets have a 12-15 record in games Irving has played.