Houston Rockets star James Harden has been fined $50,000 by the NBA for violating the league’s health and safety protocols.
In their announcement Wednesday, the league said Harden violated the protocols when he attended a private indoor party on Monday, Dec. 21.
In a video that went viral on social media late Tuesday night, Harden can be seen, mask-less, holding a suitcase at what appears to be a club. Following initial reports that the Rockets and NBA were investigating the video, Harden issued a response to the situation via his personal Instagram story.
“I went to show love to my homegirl at her event (not a strip club) because she is becoming a boss and putting her people in position of success and now it’s a problem,” Harden wrote. “Everyday it’s something different. No matter how many times people try to drag my name under you can’t. The real always ends on top.”
Harden’s response appears to dispute the initial reporting surrounding the video that it was filmed at a strip club.
The fine comes after the Rockets’ season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder was postponed due to Houston’s lack of available players. Harden was ruled unavailable for the game due to the health and safety violation.
Prior to the season starting, Harden’s arrival to training camp was delayed by his decision to breach COVID-19 protocols as well, after he posted a picture on his personal Instagram that showed him attending rapper Lil Baby’s birthday party in Atlanta. Neither Harden nor Lil Baby were wearing masks in the photo.
Harden has been in the spotlight with rumours circulating that the he is looking to be traded out of Houston. The Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets have reportedly had “exploratory talks” with the Rockets about the former MVP.
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