The drama surrounding the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving goes on…and on…and on.
It was revealed that the team is being fined $50,000 because they violated local health and safety protocols by allowing Irving into the locker room during Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks.
Kyrie Irving is allowed to enter the arena, but not the workplace environment — and the locker room is considered part of the Nets' workplace environment at the Barclays Center. Ultimately, the NBA fined the organization — not Irving — for the violation. https://t.co/g04JGoiD5H
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 14, 2022
According to New York COVID-19 vaccine mandates, Irving is allowed to enter the arena but is still prohibited from going into the workplace environment.
Unsurprisingly, an NBA locker room is considered a workplace environment.
This is just the latest complication caused by Irving’s refusal to get vaccinated and it might not be the last.
Irving Sitting Courtside
There was quite a sight to see on Sunday: Irving was sitting courtside during the Nets game.
The star point guard was maskless and just feet away from his teammates – but wasn’t to join them in the game because of his lack of the COVID vaccine.
At this point, many people feel that it’s silly he can’t play but can sit mere feet away from others.
But that’s the way the rules of New York City currently are and when they aren’t followed, fines will be leveled.
It is causing multiple problems for the Nets, who would be more than happy to have Irving back on the floor during home games.
They have fallen far in the Eastern Conference and are struggling to get it back together before the postseason begins.
Irving would give them a huge boost but he sadly can only participate in away games.
It is incredibly frustrating for players and fans to see Irving enjoying the game in person but not able to play.
However, it doesn’t sound like the rules and regulations will change anytime soon so this is the reality the Nets should get used to.
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