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The Brooklyn Nets are facing a $50,000 fine after Kyrie Irving took a trip to the team's locker room on Sunday (March 13).
The 29-year-old star player is unvaccinated and was watching the Nets beat the New York Knicks from court side seats over the weekend because NYC Covid-19 workplace restrictions still bar him from suiting up to play at Barclay's arena.
So here's where the fine comes in. ESPN's Malika Andrews reported that Irving purchased his court side seats himself, but during halftime, walked into the team's locker room –– which is considered a "workplace environment" where the vaccine protocols would be enforced.
In a statement, the NBA says the Nets were fined for "violating local New York City law and league health and safety protocols."
After the game, fellow Nets player Kevin Durant expressed his frustration at the City's mandate, calling NYC Mayor Eric Adams out by name.
"I don't get it. It just feels like at this point, it feels like somebody's trying to make a statement or a point to flex their authority," Durant said.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has also previously pointed out how NYC's workplace vaccine policy allows away players who are unvaccinated to play at Barclay's, but not Kyrie.
"The last two years have been a difficult and painful time for New Yorkers, as well as a very confusing time with the changing landscape of the rules and mandates," a statement from Durant released Monday (March 14) reads, per Andrews.
"I do appreciate the task the Mayor has in front of him with all the city has been through. My frustration with the situation doesn't change the fact I will always be committed to helping communities and cities I live in and play in."
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