NBA fines Nets $50K for letting Kyrie enter locker room
The NBA fined the Brooklyn Nets $50,000 for violating local New York City law and league health and safety protocols during the team's game against the New York Knicks on March 13, the league announced Monday.
The Association penalized the Nets for allowing Kyrie Irving, who attended the game as a spectator, to enter their locker room at halftime.
Despite being permitted to walk around the Barclays Center maskless, Irving could not enter Brooklyn's locker room because it is considered part of the club's workplace environment, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
While New York City's vaccination and mask mandates in public spaces are no longer in effect, a separate private-sector ordinance remains active, keeping Irving sidelined for home games.
Irving's star teammate, Kevin Durant, relayed his confusion about the city's rules and how they negatively impact his co-star during his postgame media session Sunday. Durant said the current situation doesn't "make any sense," and he also called on New York City mayor Eric Adams to "figure it out." On Monday, Durant walked back his criticism through a team-issued statement.
"The last two years have been a difficult and painful time for New Yorkers, as well as a very confusing time with the changing landscape of the rules and mandates," Durant said, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews.
"I do appreciate the task the Mayor has in front of him with all the city has been through. My frustration with the situation doesn't change the fact that I will always be committed to helping the communities and cities I live in and play in."
Irving is averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds in just 18 appearances. The Nets did not allow the Duke product to suit up as a part-time player at the start of the season, but they altered their stance in December, clearing the way for Irving to play on the road.
Under current rules, Irving can only play in four of Brooklyn's remaining 14 regular-season games. If the Nets qualify for the playoffs, the floor general could only participate in a maximum of four games per series, depending on whether Brooklyn is the higher seed.