The NBA has fined the Brooklyn Nets and star guard Kyrie Irving $25,000 apiece for “violating league rules governing media interview access,” the league announced Thursday.
According to the NBA’s release, the fines “result from Irving’s refusal on several occasions this week to participate in team media availability.”
Last week, Irving opted to issue a statement rather than speak to members of the media.
“Instead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to ensure that my message is properly conveyed,” his statement said. “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.
“…My goal this season is to let my work on and off the court speak for itself. Life hit differently this year and it requires us, it requires me, to move differently. So, this is the beginning of that change.”
The NBA’s media policy requires active players be accessible to the media at practices and games, with failure to do so resulting in a fine, as was the case Thursday.
Irving suited up for 20 games during the 2019-20 season, limited by a shoulder injury that eventually required surgery in March. The 28-year-old appears to be back to pre-injury form on the court, however, with his team set to begin its pre-season action on Dec. 13.
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