NBA reviewing Irving party video as star’s absence goes on
(FILES) In this file photo taken on January 02, 2021 Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during warmups before the game against the Washington Wizards at Barclays Center on January 3, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)
A video of Brooklyn Nets star guard Kyrie Irving was being reviewed by the NBA for COVID-19 safety violations as the playmaker missed a fourth consecutive game on Tuesday.
Irving, whose absence from the team has been declared for personal reasons, has no firm date set to return, according to Nets general manager Sean Marks.
“We are aware of a video on social media featuring Kyrie Irving at a family gathering,” 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.”
The images appeared to show a mask-less Irving at a birthday party in what could be a violation of NBA virus health and safety protocols, which ban joining gatherings of more than 15 people and going to clubs and bars.
“Kyrie remains away from the team due to personal reasons,” said Marks, a former center from New Zealand who won an NBA title with San Antonio in 2005.
“A date of his return has yet to be finalized. In the meantime, we will continue to stay focused on our organizational goals.
“Kyrie will have the opportunity to address his absence when he is ready to do so.”
Missing a fourth consecutive game Tuesday when the Nets rallied to beat Denver 112-116, Irving was also expected to miss Wednesday’s game against New York and a Saturday contest against Orlando, ESPN reported.
The Nets were expected to be among the NBA’s top clubs this season with Irving and forward Kevin Durant back from injuries with a talented supporting cast.
Durant is averaging 29.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists a game while Irving has contributed 27.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists for the Nets.
But Brooklyn shares ninth in the Eastern Conference at 5-6.
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