After refusing to join any media availability sessions over the past week or so during the start of training camp, both Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets will be fined $25,000.
According to Malika Andrews of ESPN, the NBA issued a statement saying, “The fines result from Irving’s refusal on several occasions this week to participate in the team media availability”
The league mandates that healthy players be made available to the media before or after games and practices. Even in an unprecedented time in the NBA with everything going on, teams across the league have been making their head coach as well as a couple of of players available virtually each day before, during or after practice.
According to Andrews, Irving has declined several requests to speak to reporters over the past week and a half. Rather than fulfilling his obligation to speak to the media, Irving released a statement late last week.
“Instead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to ensure that my message is properly conveyed. 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.”
This statement did not meet the criteria needed to be in-line with league rules when it comes to media availability.
On Friday morning, Irving addressed the “fine money” on his Instagram story:
