FILE — Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets takes a looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks during their game at Barclays Center on January 18, 2020 in New York City. Al Bello/Getty Images/AFP
In response to Kyrie Irving skipping media availability thus far in the preseason, the NBA fined the star guard and his team, the Brooklyn Nets, $25,000 each Thursday for violating the league’s media rules.
It is mandatory for a team to make healthy players available to reporters before or after games and practices. Teams also must set aside a day at the beginning of training camp for every player on the roster, as well as the general manager and coach, to speak to the media.
Irving has refused to media requests for interviews since training camp started on Dec. 1, instead choosing to issue a statement, which the NBA determined violated the policy.
“Instead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to ensure that my message is properly conveyed,” Irving’s statement said, in part. “I am committed to show up to work every day, ready to have fun, compete, perform, and win championships alongside my teammates and colleagues in the Nets organization.”
Irving arrived in Brooklyn last year when he signed a four-year, $141 million deal, so a $25,000 fine won’t make a huge impact on his bank account. He also won’t be able to file a grievance, since the fine isn’t more than $50,000, according to ESPN.
The Nets open the preseason on Sunday against the Washington Wizards.