The NBA announced on Thursday (December 10) that it has fined the Brooklyn Nets and point guard Kyrie Irving $25,000 after each declined to speak with the press last week during a preseason media session.
âThe fines result from Irvingâs refusal on several occasions this week to participate in team media availability,â a statement released by the NBA reads, according to Yahoo! Sports.
Irving released a statement instead of opting to do the media session.
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âInstead of speaking to the media today, I am issuing this statement to ensure that my message is conveyed properly,â Irvingâs statement read in part. âI 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. My goal this season is to let my work on and off the court this season speak for itself.â
Irving implied in his statement he plans to avoid speaking with the media all season long. If he does so, the NBA says heâll continue to be fined.
Kyrie has previously been in trouble for statements heâs made to the media, including criticism for him leaving the Celtics to play for the Nets after he publicly vowed to sign an extension with Boston. Heâs also revealed he believes the earth is flat.
