Nets, Irving fined $25K for violating NBA’s media rules

In response to Kyrie Irving skipping media availability thus far in the preseason, the NBA fined the star guard and his team, the Brooklyn Nets, $25,000 each Thursday for violating the league’s media rules. Irving arrived in Brooklyn last year when he signed a four-year, $141 million deal, so a $25,000 fine won’t make a huge impact on his bank account.

In response to Kyrie Irving skipping media availability thus far in the

preseason, the NBA fined the star guard and his team, the Brooklyn Nets,

$25,000 each Thursday for violating the league’s media rules.

It is mandatory for a team to make healthy players available to reportersbefore or after games and practices. Teams also must set aside a day at thebeginning of training camp for every player on the roster, as well as thegeneral manager and coach, to speak to the media.

Irving has refused to media requests for interviews since training campstarted on Dec. 1, instead choosing to issue a statement, which the NBAdetermined violated the policy.

“Instead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to ensurethat my message is properly conveyed,” Irving’s statement said, in part. “I amcommitted to show up to work every day, ready to have fun, compete, perform,and win championships alongside my teammates and colleagues in the Netsorganization.”

Irving arrived in Brooklyn last year when he signed a four-year, $141 milliondeal, so a $25,000 fine won’t make a huge impact on his bank account. He alsowon’t be able to file a grievance, since the fine isn’t more than $50,000,according to ESPN.

The Nets open the preseason on Sunday against the Washington Wizards.

–Field Level Media