NBA Explains Why LeBron James Didn’t Have To Sit Out After Breaking COVID Protocols

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James was under fire right before the playoffs for breaking COVID protocols by attending an event for his Tequila brand.

Charles Barkley lashed out at the NBA for not suspending LeBron, saying that the league ‘didn’t have the balls’ to suspend James.

Charles Barkley criticized the @NBA following LeBron James'
violation of league protocols.

Outspoken as anyone in sports media, Charles shared his thoughts:

"The @NBA ain’t got the balls to suspend Lebron James. Zero."@KingJames 🤣https://t.co/IXlA0GimuO

— Cherry Healey 🇺🇲 (@cherry_healey) May 23, 2021

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After some more backlash, the NBA released a statement announcing why they opted not to suspend LeBron James.

“To clarify any remaining misconception, LeBron James briefly attended an outdoor event last week where participants were required to be vaccinated or return a negative test result. Under these circumstances and in consultation with medical experts, it was determined that his attendance did not create risks related to the spread of COVID-19 and therefore no quarantine was necessary,” NBA Chief Communications Officer Mike Bass said in a statement. “Over the course of this season, there have been numerous similar violations of the league’s Health and Safety Protocols, which were addressed with the player’s team in a similar fashion.

“Under current NBA rules, vaccinated players are permitted to engage in outside activities including their individual commercial arrangements, such as sponsor appearances or ad shoots.”

NBA Statement: pic.twitter.com/WBdU6vdR4Q

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 24, 2021

LeBron James was asked about breaking the COVID protocols after the Game 1 loss to the Phoenix Suns. He chose not to answer the question directly.

“I’ll be ready for Game 2,” he responded, via Clutch Points.

LeBron and the Lakers will hope to even the series with the Suns on Tuesday night.

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