Kyrie Irving is taking the practice of load management to the next level.
The Brooklyn Nets guard is expected to be out the rest of the week after a video surfaced of a maskless Kyrie at a large birthday party for his sister Asia.
Clips circulating on social media show Irving dancing and mingling amongst a large group of people.
Nets’ general manager Sean Marks released a statement concerning the video which is being reviewed by NBA officials.
“We are aware of a video on social media featuring Kyrie Irving at a family gathering,” said Marks. “We are reviewing the circumstances with both Kyrie and the NBA in order to determine compliance with health and safety protocols.”
“Kyrie will have the opportunity to address his absence when he is ready to do so.”
Irving was already missing his fourth game in a row tonight as the team takes on Denver, but now sources told ESPN, the aloof All-Star will be out for at least the rest of the week.
If the Nets’ guard is found to have violated league policy, he could lose pay of up to $410 thousand per game.
If Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving is found to have violated league health/safety protocols, he's facing a proportional game reduction of 1/81.6 of his salary – $410K per game. He would forfeit that money for every game lost because of a mandated isolation. League's probing video now.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 12, 2021
Marks had already issued a statement regarding Kyrie’s return, but now it looks like league officials will determine when they will be back on the court.
“Kyrie remains away from the team due to personal reasons. A date of his return has yet to be finalized. In the meantime, we will continue to stay focused on our organizational goals.”
Nets GM Sean Marks issues statement on Kyrie Irving, saying in part: "Kyrie remains away from the team due to personal reasons. A date of his return has yet to be finalized. In the meantime, we will continue to stay focused on our organizational goals."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 12, 2021
League COVID-19 guidelines forbid players from going to clubs, bars, lounges, or being in groups of 15 or more.
The investigation comes as the NBA tightens restrictions in the wake of growing coronavirus cases.
The first-round pick of the 2011 draft, Irving has been out for personal reasons since the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol.