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The NBA decided to fine James Harden $50k and not suspend him after he was seen violating the league’s Covid-19 protocols by going out to a club without wearing a mask days before the team’s opening game.
NBA release on James Harden’s $50k fine… pic.twitter.com/xav36eSnui
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) December 24, 2020
Rockets guard James Harden will be required to isolate until Friday and continue to test negative for the coronavirus before being cleared to return to play, sources tell ESPN. He should be available to play Saturday vs Blazers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 24, 2020
On Thursday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver appeared on ESPN’s The Jump and was asked why he didn’t suspend Harden for violating Covid-19 protocols. According to Silver, he decided against a suspension because “it’s Christmas, and it was a first offense” of the league’s newly installed protocols.
Adam Silver, appearing on ESPN, said James Harden was not suspended because "The precedent is that discipline gets ratcheted up. It’s Christmas. It was a first offense."
Silver said "in a way he got lucky." If the game had been played, Harden would have been docked 1 game's pay.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 24, 2020
Adam Silver on why he didn't suspend James Harden for violating Covid-19 protocols "It’s Christmas. It was a first offense." pic.twitter.com/b5BI02egfX
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) December 24, 2020
Fans immediately blasted Silver’s and accused him of giving Harden preferential treatment.
silver will say what he has to say … but this comes off like he went soft on Harden because he's a star https://t.co/MT1Jjc6deL
— Brooklynsbeat (@brooklynsbeat) December 24, 2020
Basically said “it’s Christmas we’ll let him slide” lmao https://t.co/4jNZsXHK6P
— Rob / sad Houston Sports fan (@Hou5ton4L) December 24, 2020
Well done, Commish. You’re really going to show that guy flying around the country and partying while training camp is going that you mean business with this approach. https://t.co/sE4d7tSHIB
— Dustin McComas (@DMcComasOB) December 24, 2020
The precedent is actually now: All 450 NBA players get one free pass to break COVID protocols. What an awful process. And this is day three of the season. https://t.co/WuA7aERKFe
— Jared Wade (@Jared_Wade) December 24, 2020
they count Harden’s offenses like the refs count his steps https://t.co/EMk1Z7YTbp
— Angel (Lakers 2020 CHAMPS) (Dodgers 2020 CHAMPS) (@ordunaangell) December 24, 2020
The only precedent is that your first violation doesn’t result in real consequences https://t.co/sJMOtM93b5
— Greg (@gwiss) December 24, 2020
“It’s the first offense” in a pandemic. This is why NBA players do whatever tf they want cause they don’t respect this loser https://t.co/SUOapv2Uu3
— Fire Dave Gettleman (@Nunu15_) December 24, 2020